Experience Blade-Free LASIK with IntraLase

Thursday, March 07, 2013

Blade-Free Advantages

Doctor and Patient Confidence: Over 5 million procedures have been performed safely and effectively using the IntraLase Method. And, in a clinical survey of LASIK patients who had their corneal flaps created using a microkeratome in one eye and the IntraLase Method in the other, patients preferred the vision in the IntraLase treated eye 3:1 over the microkeratomes among those who stated a preference.1
Truly Customized: The IntraLase Method enables your doctor to tailor the LASIK flap according to the shape of your eye. Everything from the diameter of your flap to the angle of its edges can be precisely determined. This is important because everyone’s eyes are shaped a little differently, and having a corneal flap that’s individualized to your eye will help your doctor ensure that you get the best possible results.
Better Outcomes: Clinical studies show excellent visual outcomes and high patient satisfaction when the IntraLase Method is used.2, 3

Are you ready to see if you could be a candidate for blade-free LASIK? Call 904.346.3506 to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Chokshi.

http://www.intralasefacts.com/#ilf2

1. Mahdavi S. IntraLase: Coming of age. Cataract Refract Surg today. October 2005:117-120.

2. Donnenfeld E. Preservation of corneal innervations with femtosecond laser inverted sidecut flaps. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 51: EAbstract 2855.

3. Durrie DS, Kezirian GM. Femtosecond laser versus mechanical keratome flaps in wavefront-guided laser in-situ keratomileusis: prospective contralateral eye study. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2005;31(1): 120-126.

Experience Blade-Free LASIK with IntraLase

Blade-Free Advantages

Are you ready to see if you could be a candidate for blade-free LASIK? Call 904.346.3506 to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Chokshi.

http://www.intralasefacts.com/#ilf2

How to afford LASIK surgery

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

With a little research, you may be able to find an affordable way to pay for the LASIK procedure even if you are concerned about cost. Payments typically range from $127 to $420 monthly, depending on the type of financing plan you choose.

Options for managing LASIK surgery costs include finding a healthcare financing company that suits your needs, financing the procedure through a LASIK surgeon or using a flexible spending account (FSA).

With these options, you can reduce the substantial upfront cost of LASIK into more affordable monthly payments.

Paying for LASIK Through Finance Companies

Today it's commonplace to arrange monthly payments for a variety of health-related procedures, ranging from gastric bypass to braces — or LASIK.

First you should make sure the LASIK surgeon you plan to use approves of the financing company. Because not all LASIK surgeons will work with all financing companies, you might consider asking for a list of approved financing companies before you apply for a loan.

Companies that provide LASIK financing offer a range of plans in which you can complete payments within three months, or extend monthly payments for as long as five years. Some companies allow you to spread out payments over time without incurring any extra cost.

Some short-term payment plans charge no interest at all. For longer term payments, interest rates can vary greatly and range as high as 22.99 percent. A deposit also may be required. Interest rates and deposits depend on personal credit ratings and the LASIK financing company used.

How To Apply for LASIK Financing

Applying for credit from a LASIK financing company usually is quick, easy and similar to obtaining other traditional loans. Many LASIK surgeons also offer LASIK financing through major companies, making the process simple for you.

Be sure you are prepared with the correct information when you take the following steps that may be needed to complete the application for financing:
You may not need to visit the financing office in person if you fill out paper applications that can be mailed or faxed in. You may be able to obtain application forms from your eye surgeon or by printing out forms displayed on financing company websites.
A general credit check requires your full name, permanent address, social security and telephone numbers, and household income.
Some companies also may ask for a driver's license number.
You may be asked to submit the name of the eye surgeon you plan to use for your laser eye surgery, along with an estimated treatment fee amount.
Typically, no information about medical history or credit cards will be needed for financing LASIK.

Applying for LASIK Financing Online

Confidential and secure applications also may be directly available online, a method that tends to be easier for both you and the financing company if you have convenient computer access.

Qualified applicants usually can obtain financing within 24 hours of submitting the application. Some companies advertise that approval can take place within just a few minutes.

When entering your information online, be sure to check that the URL in the address bar begins with https, as opposed to http. This indicates you are on a secure server and that your personal information has been encrypted.

Before submitting personal information online or via a paper application, you'll also want to make sure the company financing your loan is legitimate.

The easiest way of finding out would be to ask your LASIK surgeon or his/her staff member if the financing company is known and if it has a good track record.

Before you apply, obtaining a list of approved financing companies in advance from your eye surgeon probably is the best way to make sure you are dealing with a reputable organization.

You also can learn something about a financing company by determining its source of income. You can ask a company representative if the company provides financing in-house, or if it partners with a financial institution such as a bank.

Paying Off Your LASIK Loan

As with any loan, be sure to make your payments on time, or you will be subject to penalties and late fees. Each LASIK financing company has its own method of penalizing customers who default on a loan payment. However, general penalties can include:
Losing your low interest or no-interest rate
Incurring a substantial late fee
Having an adverse report on your credit record

On the other hand, most financing companies do not charge pre-payment penalties for paying off the loan in advance. If you think you might want to pay off the loan ahead of schedule, make sure you clarify policies regarding potential additional fees with your financing company.

Financing Offered by LASIK Surgeons

Another way to finance LASIK is directly through the surgeon's office. Even though many LASIK surgeons use one of the major financing companies for arranging payments, they occasionally offer financing options through their own practices.

LASIK surgeons who provide their own financing generally do not charge interest. Again, this financing option allows you to spread out payments over several months or even a few years without incurring any extra costs. This is an option to consider as long as the surgeon is reputable and board-certified.

LASIK Financing Through Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) are a tax-free way to save for LASIK. With an FSA, you can use pre-tax income to pay for medical-related costs. You create an interest-free LASIK financing program for yourself by taking a portion of your salary each month and depositing it into a tax-free FSA account.

When you are ready for your LASIK procedure, the money is available for your use and you don't need to worry about paying interest on a loan. However, this option is available only through employer-sponsored vision benefits and flexible spending accounts.

By Jessica Hill; reviewed by Brian S. Boxer Wachler, MD

http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/lasik-financing.htm

Breakthrough treatment available for dry eyes

Friday, May 04, 2012

Dry eye disease affects more than 100 million people worldwide. Of those, 65 percent suffer from Evaporative Dry Eye. Common symptoms of dry eye include dryness, grittiness, soreness, irritation, burning and eye fatigue. These symptoms can hinder people’s daily activities such as reading, using the computer, wearing contact lenses and being outdoors on windy days. Many dry eye patients complain those symptoms worsen throughout the day. “Dry eye disease is one of the most common topics patients discuss when visiting eye care professionals,” said Amit Chokshi, MD. “We are very pleased to introduce the new LipiFlow treatment to help those patients who are very frustrated with this chronic disease and all of the ways it negatively impacts their lives. In effect, LipiFlow helps the meibomian glands resume their natural function and many patients note symptom relief.”

Historically, common therapies aimed at dry eye symptom relief included using warm compresses, over- the-counter wetting drops and ointments, and prescription drugs. Alternatively, the new LipiFlow treatment addresses the root cause of evaporative dry eye by unblocking the meibomian glands that secrete oily lipids. In controlled clinical studies of patients who received a single LipiFlow treatment, the average meibomian gland score at 4 weeks increased by two to three times over the baseline condition, which reflects improvement in the number of glands secreting and secretion quality. Additionally, at four weeks after the LipiFlow treatment, 79% of patients reported improvement in dry eye symptoms.

Please contact the office at (904) 346-3506 for more information.

Chokshi and Coluccelli Eye Institute Named “Specialized Astigmatism Center”

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

They are now providing the first comprehensive LASIK treatment of Astigmatism approved by the FDA. Chokshi and Coluccelli Eye Institute is the first practice in Northeast Florida and Southern Georgia to offer Advanced Control Eyetracking (ACE) on its Technolas LASIK platform. Eyetracking allows lasers used during LASIK surgery to compensate for eye movements during the procedure, thus adding an important level of assurance. However, no eyetracker has been able to adjust for subtle rotations of the eye that occur during the laser treatment – that is until now. Since subtle eye movements are common during the LASIK treatment this unique tracking technology ensures that the intended treatment precisely matches the eye’s prescription. This is especially important for patients who have astigmatism in addition to their nearsightedness or farsightedness, which represents the majority of contact lens and spectacle wearers in the U.S.

“Many patients with astigmatism believe that they are not suitable candidates for laser vision correction. With the advent of ACE this is no longer true. We finally have a laser vision correction procedure that is ideally suited for the treatment of astigmatism,” said Dr. Chokshi. “This technology is one of a kind. Rotation of the eye during LASIK could result in less than full correction of astigmatism, which is very common among LASIK patients, and an increased chance of the need for a secondary enhancement procedure.”

“We have always been committed to bringing the latest technology available to Jacksonville. Our LASIK practice has grown because we have been able to provide the best treatments for all of our patients with all prescriptions. This has enabled us to set ourselves apart from our competitors,” says Dr. Chokshi.

Review of Laser Vision Correction Technology Available Today

No other LASIK system available in the US can compensate for eye rotation during the LASIK treatment. Both the Technolas ACE and VISX S4 IR (Abbot Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA) trackers compensate for the cyclorotation of the eye that can occur between the sitting position during critical diagnostic measurements and lying down on the LASIK bed. However, only the Technolas ACE tracker can adjust the delivery of laser pulses in response to eye rotation during the LASIK treatment. Further, the Technolas ACE system is enabled for both conventional and custom wavefront-guided LASIK treatments, while the VISX S4 IR tracker cannot adjust for cyclotorsion associated with conventional LASIK treatments. The eyetrackers of the Wavelight and Ladarvision lasers (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX) cannot compensate for eye rotation at all.

This new eyetracker also doubles the speed of tracking so as to allow the laser to rapidly adjust to the eye’s movements; response time with ACE is now under 7 milliseconds, or 0.007 seconds. ACE also adjusts for the pupil center shifting that can occur between light and dark settings, critical to the proper centering of customized LASIK treatments over the pupil.

For more information, contact the office at 904.346.3506 to schedule your free consultation and see if you could be a candidate.

1. 2008 Presbyopia Report, Market Scope, LLC, St. Louis, MO USA

Protect your vision by choosing the right pair of sunglasses

Friday, June 10, 2011

Whether you buy them for status, fashion or protection, sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection are a year-round must-have for keeping your eyes safe from our intense Florida sunshine.

Think of it as sunscreen for your eyes, said local ophthalmologist Amit Chokshi with Chokshi and Coluccelli Eye Institute. Everyone should wear them.

"Most people think they are only at-risk when it's sunny outside," Chokshi said. "But they should wear sunglasses year-round, because UV light can go right through the clouds."

Sunglasses are designed to provide visual clarity outdoors and shield the eyes from bright sunlight and ultraviolet radiation, which can be damaging to the eyes.

But not all sunglasses are created equal and can run the gamut from name-brand designers that cost a small fortune but don't offer much in the way of protection, to middle-of-the-road pairs that may still cost you a stack of greenbacks but keep your eyes safe, to dollar store bargains.

Chokshi says always opt for quality over cost.

"Most designer sunglasses don't come polarized [that is, designed to reduce glare]," he said. "When you invest in a good pair of sunglasses, you are not just paying for the brand name in most cases, you are paying for quality."

The purpose of wearing sunglasses is to protect the eye and the delicate surrounding skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, he said. "Quality is always more important than cost. The only way to check if your dollar store glasses have adequate protection is to have them checked on a meter [sometimes found at eye-care centers and optical shops] to determine the amount of UV that passes through the lenses."

If you're thinking the darker the better, that may not be enough, says a report on the website allaboutvision.com. Dark lenses don't necessarily filter out UV rays.

Because of the various standards and measurements, Chokshi recommends consulting with a qualified optician to find the proper lenses to fit your needs. However, he does advise buying sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent UVA and UVB rays.

"All polarized lenses that reduce glare come with UV protection built in them," Chokshi said. "With regular tinted lenses, UV protection is added along with the tint color."

In fact, there are several options that can be added to or "layered" on lenses to minimize glare and optimize visibility outdoors, said optician Lynn Brown of See Clear Optical.

"In regular plastic lenses, UV is not part of the lens, so it has to be added," Brown said.

"The process is done in a lab, where the lenses are soaked in a clear liquid UV solution, which is then absorbed into the lens and never fades out. The advantage of having UV protection on lenses is that it protects the eyes from damaging rays."

Brown said in addition to UV protection, an anti-reflective coating and different shades of tinting can be added to fit individual lifestyle needs.

"You are never too old or too young to wear sunglasses," Chokshi said. "Quality makes a huge difference. Wearing a good pair of sunglasses is the one thing we can do to protect our eyes from damage."

By: Joy Batteh Freiha

joy.battehfreiha@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4058

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/health-and-fitness/2011-06-08/story/health-protect-your-vision-choosing-right-pair-sunglasses#ixzz1OtcNOPdq

May Is National Healthy Vision Month!

Monday, May 09, 2011

With today’s medical advances, more and more people are living longer and celebrating good health: They are eating healthy foods, they are staying active, they are controlling their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and they are not smoking.

Practice good eye health … See your eye care professional

Feeling good and living life to its fullest also means taking good care of your eyes. Even if you enjoy relatively good vision now, visiting your eye care professional once a year is the best thing you can do to care for your eyes. Getting an eye exam is more important now than ever before, because as you get older, you are at higher risk of developing several age-related eye diseases and conditions, including—
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataract
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma

In their early stages, these diseases often have no warning signs or symptoms. In fact, the only way to detect them before they become serious and cause vision loss is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Fortunately, if your eye care professional catches and treats these conditions early, he or she can protect your eyesight.

What is a dilated eye exam?
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is important to maintain and protect healthy vision. During this exam, drops are placed in the eyes to dilate or widen the pupils (the round opening in the center of the eye). The eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) and optic nerve (the bundle of fibers that send signals from the retina to the brain) for signs of damage and other eye problems.

In addition to seeing your eye care professional routinely, you can do the following things to protect your vision:
• Stop smoking
• Eat a diet rich in green leafy vegetables and fish
• Exercise
• Maintain normal blood pressure
• Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat anytime you are outside in bright sunshine
• Wear safety eyewear when working around your house or playing sports

Information and resources
The National Eye Institute (NEI) is part of the National Institutes of Health and the federal government’s lead agency for vision research that leads to sight-saving treatments, and it plays a key role in reducing visual impairment and blindness. For more information, visit the NEI Website at www.nei.nih.gov.

Blade-Free LASIK at Chokshi and Coluccelli Eye Institute Could Be What You’ve Been Waiting For

Monday, April 11, 2011

Chokshi and Coluccelli Eye Institute is happy to offer LASIK surgery using the IntraLase Method—also known as all-laser LASIK—and it could be the very advancement you’ve been waiting for.

How does the IntraLase Method improve the LASIK procedure?
The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free approach to creating a corneal flap, the thin layer of tissue the surgeon folds back to expose the part of the eye that is reshaped during the LASIK procedure. Now you can have a LASIK procedure that’s 100% blade-free, exceptionally advanced, and has been shown to improve outcomes for more patients.1

Prior to the IntraLase Method, doctors created corneal flaps with an instrument called a microkeratome. Although LASIK complications are extremely rare, when they do happen the microkeratome is commonly the cause.

The IntraLase Method, by contrast, eliminates the use of a blade at all. Instead, the computer-guided IntraLase laser delivers rapid pulses of light, a quadrillionth of a second each, to a pre-programmed depth and position within your cornea. Each pulse forms a microscopic bubble. As the IntraLase laser moves back and forth across your eye, the bubbles connect to form a corneal flap. Just prior to LASIK surgery, the doctor gently lifts the flap where these bubbles have created a smooth surface.

Why IntraLase?
LASIK surgery has advanced steadily over the years; the technology used to measure your visual error prior to surgery has become more powerful and corrections can be optimized to your needs. Until the IntraLase Method, however, the creation of the corneal flap was the one step that lacked the technological sophistication of the rest of the LASIK procedure. As it turns out, that step is an important one in terms of providing you with the best possible LASIK experience.

In addition, if you were not eligible for LASIK surgery performed with a microkeratome due to steep, flat, or thin corneas, you may now be a candidate with the IntraLase Method. In fact, IntraLase training has become part of the curriculum at most of the ophthalmic teaching institutions and is rapidly being adopted by eye care practices around the world.

IntraLase is the most advanced technology for corneal flap creation available today, and will give you greater confidence and assurance in moving forward with laser vision correction.

The FS and iFS Laser systems are ophthalmic surgical lasers indicated for use in patients undergoing surgery or treatment requiring the initial lamellar resection of the cornea. Contraindications may include corneal edema, glaucoma, and keratoconus. Risks and complications may include corneal pain, flap tearing, and epithelial ingrowth. Consult with your eye care professional for a complete listing of contraindications and risks. US Federal law restricts this device to sale, distribution, and use by or on the order of a physician or other licensed eye care practitioner.

REFERENCE: 1. Tanzer DJ, Schallhorn SC, Brown MC, et al. Data on file. IntraLase Corp. 2005.

©2009 Abbott Medical Optics Inc. INTRALASE AND FOR A BLADE-FREE LASIK EXPERIENCE are trademarks owned by or licensed to Abbott Laboratories, its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Mkt Doc 339 Rev. B

Experience Blade-Free LASIK

Thursday, March 17, 2011

That’s why we offer bladefree LASIK treatment using the IntraLase method. With the IntraLase method, pulses of laser light create your corneal flap, which is then lifted so the next step of LASIK—the reshaping of your cornea—can be performed. When your LASIK treatment is over, the flap is securely repositioned into place. This bladeless, computer-guided technology is very accurate when creating the corneal flap.1

The IntraLase method has been used successfully on hundreds of thousands of eyes and we trust this advanced technology to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment is to provide you with the ultimate in comfort, safety, and outstanding vision. LASIK with IntraLase can help you achieve all of this—while it delivers the added assurance of knowing you’re being treated with the most advanced technology there is. Because of the superior accuracy of the IntraLase method, certain patients who were ineligible for LASIK may now be able to have treatment. Ask your doctor today if you are a candidate.

Because of the superior accuracy of the IntraLase method, certain patients who were ineligible for LASIK may now be able to have treatment. Ask your doctor today if you are a candidate.

REFERENCES:
1. Wang M. Femtosecond technology: is now the time to buy? Refractive Eyecare for Ophthalmologists. 2003;7(5). 2. Durrie DS: Randomized prospective clinical study of LASIK: IntraLase versus
mechanical keratome. Subsets presented at: Meeting of the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology; November 14-15, 2003; Anaheim, Calif;
the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium; May 1-5, 2004; San Diego, Calif; Refractive Surgery 2004: International Refractive Surgery: Science and Practice; October
22-23, 2004; New Orleans, La; and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium; April 15-20, 2005; Washington, DC. 3. Tanzer DJ, Schallhorn SC, Brown MC. Data on
file. IntraLase Corp. 2005.
© 2005 IntraLase Corp. All Rights Reserved. IntraLase is a registered trademark of IntraLase Corp. Mkt Doc 213 Rev. A

Revolutionary type of corneal transplant now being performed by Amit Chokshi, MD

Monday, February 28, 2011

Exceptional results are now possible with the integration of the IntraLase Femtosecond laser into the surgical procedure. Initially, the patient undergoes extensive corneal mapping as part of a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation to determine the need for corneal transplant. Dr. Chokshi then determines parameters to shape both the patient’s cornea and the donor cornea. The precise shape is then created with the Intralase laser. The patient’s procedure is completed in the office and the donor tissue is prepared at the eye bank. The shape of the patient and donor corneas are mirrored to each other, therefore allowing a more precise and custom fit. Dr. Chokshi completes the corneal transplant at an outpatient surgical center by suturing the donor cornea to the patient’s cornea. This method allows the eye to maintain more stability post-operatively. Also, sutures used during the procedure can be removed earlier. The amount of astigmatism after surgery is typically less than a traditional corneal transplant because the laser makes a customized fit.

“Intralase Enabled Keratoplasty allows me to bring the highest level of care to the patients of Jacksonville requiring corneal transplantation. This method will become the standard of care and we are proud to be the first practice in this region to offer it,” stated Dr. Chokshi.

Amit Chokshi, MD, is located in the Reid Medical Building on the Baptist Medical Center – Downtown campus. Dr. Chokshi is a board certified ophthalmologist specializing in corneal disease.

About Chokshi and Coluccelli Eye Institute
Chokshi & Coluccelli Eye Institute is located in Historic San Marco on the 9th floor of the Reid Medical Building at 1325 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, 32207. Ophthalmologist Amit Chokshi, MD, joined longtime and well-known physician, Gerard Coluccelli, MD. Together, they offer state-of-the-art eye care services for the entire family. For more information, go to seeclearjax.com and follow them on Facebook to learn about community programs and special offers.

Blade-Free LASIK Could Be the Advancement You’ve Been Waiting For

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Since LASIK was first approved in 1999, it has been regarded as a safe and successful method of vision correction. Even so, you’re not alone if you feel hesitant to move forward with surgery, wondering what future advancements may hold. [Insert name of practice] now offers LASIK surgery using the IntraLase Method—also known as all-laser LASIK—and it could be the very advancement you’ve been waiting for.

How does the IntraLase Method improve the LASIK procedure?
The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free approach to creating a corneal flap, the thin layer of tissue the surgeon folds back to expose the part of the eye that is reshaped during the LASIK procedure. Now you can have a LASIK procedure that’s 100% blade-free, exceptionally advanced, and has been shown to improve outcomes for more patients.1

Prior to the IntraLase Method, doctors created corneal flaps with an instrument called a microkeratome, which is a fine, oscillating, hand-held steel blade. Although LASIK complications are extremely rare, when they do happen the microkeratome is commonly the cause.

The IntraLase Method, by contrast, eliminates the need for [insert physician’s name] to use a blade at all. Instead, the computer-guided IntraLase laser delivers rapid pulses of light, a quadrillionth of a second each, to a pre-programmed depth and position within your cornea. Each pulse forms a microscopic bubble. As the IntraLase laser moves back and forth across your eye, the bubbles connect to form a corneal flap. Just prior to LASIK surgery, the doctor gently lifts the flap where these bubbles have created a smooth surface.

Why IntraLase?
LASIK surgery has advanced steadily over the years; the technology used to measure your visual error prior to surgery has become more powerful and corrections can be optimized to your needs. Until the IntraLase Method, however, the creation of the corneal flap was the one step that lacked the technological sophistication of the rest of the LASIK procedure. As it turns out, that step is an important one in terms of providing you with the best possible LASIK experience.

In addition, if you were not eligible for LASIK surgery performed with a microkeratome due to steep, flat, or thin corneas, you may now be a candidate with the IntraLase Method. In fact, IntraLase training has become part of the curriculum at most of the ophthalmic teaching institutions and is rapidly being adopted by eye care practices around the world.

IntraLase is the most advanced technology for corneal flap creation available today, and will give you greater confidence and assurance in moving forward with laser vision correction.

The FS and iFS Laser systems are ophthalmic surgical lasers indicated for use in patients undergoing surgery or treatment requiring the initial lamellar resection of the cornea. Contraindications may include corneal edema, glaucoma, and keratoconus. Risks and complications may include corneal pain, flap tearing, and epithelial ingrowth. Consult with your eye care professional for a complete listing of contraindications and risks. US Federal law restricts this device to sale, distribution, and use by or on the order of a physician or other licensed eye care practitioner.

REFERENCE: 1. Tanzer DJ, Schallhorn SC, Brown MC, et al. Data on file. IntraLase Corp. 2005.

©2009 Abbott Medical Optics Inc. INTRALASE AND FOR A BLADE-FREE LASIK EXPERIENCE are trademarks owned by or licensed to Abbott Laboratories, its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Mkt Doc 339 Rev. B

Seeing Clearly With Iris Implant

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Every year, 2.5 million people suffer some kind of eye injury. More than 50 percent of those injuries happen before age 25. If the iris, or the color part of your eye, is damaged, it can lead to a lifetime of double vision, blurriness and in rare cases, blindness.

Now, a new kind of prosthesis is helping eye injury patients who have run out of options.

Read full story »

Seeing Clearly With An Iris Implant—In-Depth Doctor’s Interview

What kinds of problems are patients, who would be candidates for the prosthetic iris implant, coming to you with?

Dr. Chokshi: This prosthetic iris is for patients who have some defect or total loss of their iris. The iris is the colored part of their eye, and any patient that is having symptoms because of a loss in that area may be a potential candidate for this device.

We think of the iris at the colored part of our eye, but are there other things that may be compromised?

Dr. Chokshi: Yes, the colored part of the eye blocks light from getting into the eye, and the center part -- where there’s no iris -- is considered the pupil. The iris is what makes the pupil smaller and larger, so it acts like the shutter for the eye. So in cases where you need less light, the pupil gets smaller; in cases where you need more light, the pupil gets larger. Now, in patients that have defects in the iris, there’s too much light getting into the eye, so there are symptoms such as glare and light sensitivity.

Read the full interview »

Eye Health on Health Matters.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Watch the full episode of Eye Health on Health Matters. See Dr. Chokshi's interview.

Watch the full episode. See more Health Matters.

New FDA-approved “iris tracker” to correct astigmatism

Monday, May 17, 2010

Amit Chokshi, MD is pleased to introduce Advanced Control Eyetracking (ACE) for all of our LASIK patients. The new eye tracker presents many benefits to our patients and makes LASIK safer than ever before. Our office is the only facility in the state of Florida to offer this state of the art technology and one of 25 in the country.

Eyetracking allows lasers used during LASIK surgery to compensate for eye movements during the procedure, thus adding an important level of assurance. However, no eyetracker has been able to adjust for subtle rotations of the eye that occur during the laser treatment – that is until now!

This new eyetracker locks on to the eye’s unique iris pattern just before the laser treatment begins, and then monitors the pattern throughout the procedure. When rotation of the iris is detected during the treatment the direction of the laser pulses is nearly instantaneously adjusted accordingly. No other laser in the US does this.
This ensures that each laser pulse of the LASIK treatment is delivered to its intended location on the cornea.

What does this mean to you….added assurance that you are getting the safest and most accurate procedure as possible. For more information on this exciting new technology, please visit www.ready4lasik.com.

We are relocating on May 11th, 2010!

Monday, April 05, 2010

We have some exciting news! In order to meet the present and future needs of our growing patient family, we will be relocating. We will begin to see patients in our new office on May 11th. Our new space will be located on the 9th floor of the Reid Medical Building, also known as the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute.

The Reid Building is located on the corner of San Marco Boulevard and Nira Street and is directly behind our current location. Our new address will be 1325 San Marco Boulevard, Suite 900, Jacksonville, FL. Our phone and fax number will remain the same. This move allows us a new 4,300 square-foot office and the additional space we need to be more efficient with patient care.

Please remember, for any appointments after May 10th, come to the Reid Building next door. It continues to be our pleasure to serve you. Feel free to contact us with any questions or for directions to the Reid Medical Building. We look forward to seeing you soon in our new office!

chokshi building

chokshi location

SeeClearJax introduces IntraLase LASIK (100% Blade-Free LASIK procedure)

Friday, March 19, 2010

The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free approach to LASIK flap creation, which is the critical first step in the LASIK procedure. The creation of the LASIK flap prepares the eye for the second step of the LASIK procedure, when another (different) laser, known as an excimer laser is used to correct vision.

Millions of IntraLase procedures have been safely and effectively performed with more patients receiving better results than with a microkeratome. Having your procedure with the IntraLase improves precision and outcomes of LASIK, whether you choose to have a standard or custom procedure.

How it Works

IntraLase delivers micron-level accuracy, giving Dr. Chokshi more control during the procedure. He also had the ability to tailor the size, shape and depth of the LASIK flap for each individual patient and each individual eye. This method of flap creation takes approximately 15 to 20 seconds per eye, and the entire procedure is typically completed in 15-20 minutes.

The IntraLase method creates the LASIK flap with tiny, rapid pulses of laser light. As the IntraLase laser moves back and forth across your eye, a uniform layer of bubbles forms just below the corneal surface at a specific depth and position within your eye that is determined by Dr. Chokshi.

The flap is created by gently separating the tissue where these bubbles have formed. The LASIK flap is then folded back so the doctor can perform the second step of your LASIK treatment. Once the procedure is completed the LASIK flap “locks” back into position.

Checklist: Preparing for Your Blade-Free LASIK Experience

One or two weeks before your procedure:

Arrange transportation for the day of your procedure. It will not be safe for you to drive home
Plan on being out of work for 1 to 2 days following the procedure
Please advise us of any medications you are taking

On the day of your procedure:

Wear warm, comfortable clothing
There are no restrictions on eating or drinking and you may take all of your normal medications
Remove all facial makeup (lipstick, facial creams, eye makeup)
Arrive at the office 30 minutes before your scheduled surgery time and plan on being in the office for approximately 2 hours for your procedure

After your procedure:

Please come back to the office for all follow-up appointments
Use all medications as directed by Dr. Chokshi
Protect your eyes from sunlight after the procedure especially during the first 7 days

IntraLase Benefits

There are numerous benefits of having your LASIK procedure performed blade-free. This advanced method of flap creation has been shown to improve outcomes for more patients. Patients may experience faster recovery, fewer LASIK flap-related complications and fewer induced higher order aberrations. Higher order aberrations may contribute to visual disturbances such as glare and halos.

The IntraLase method combined with Zyoptix personalized laser vision correction gives Dr. Chokshi the ability to tailor the dimensions of you LASIK flap and treatment based on what is best for your eye. These individualized flaps contribute to excellent postoperative outcomes.

Please contact us for more information or to schedule your appointment at 904.346.3506.

LASIK discount available with Qualsight relationship

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The office of Amit Chokshi, MD is excited to announce that we are now participating in a benefit that will offer a 40%-50% discount on Laser Vision Correction. Through our relationship with Qualsight we are able to provide significant savings on your LASIK procedure. This plan makes LASIK an affordable options for patients who are interested in freeing themselves from the hastles of glasses and contact lenses.

Here are some of the benefits of the Qualsight Plan:

Savings - Save 40%-50% off the national average charge for LASIK.
Quality - NCQA/URAC credentialed, independent Ophthalmologist using FDA approved technology.
Freedom - Eliminate or reduce your dependence on contact lenses and/or glasses.
Value - One low price includes a pre-operative appointment, the LASIK procedure, several post-operative visits, and a one year treatment plan.
Improve - LASIK can increase self-confidence, work safety, joab and athletic performance.
Flexible financing options - Payments as low as $54 per month are available (subject to approval). You can also fund your procedure with tax exempt dollars using your Flex Spending or Health Savings Account.

To schedule your appointment and take advantage of this benefit, please call our office at 904.346.3506. Our refractive coordinator will be happy to assist you.

Refractive Surgery Basics

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Refractive surgery is a group of surgical procedures designed to help you reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses. Various procedures are available to help correct the various types of refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Myopia is also called nearsightedness: you can see well up close without glasses but need glasses to see well at a distance. Myopia arises when the front surface of your eye, called the cornea, is steeper than usual. Hyperopia is far-sightedness: you cannot see well up close and usually cannot see well at a distance either. People with hyperopia often have flatter than usual corneas. Astigmatism is a mixture of myopia and hyperopia: your cornea is warped like the shape of a saddle.

Refractive surgery improves your vision by changing the focus power of your eye. This is accomplished by altering either of the two focusing structures of the eye, the cornea and the lens. The cornea or lens can be altered by various surgical techniques.

The most common refractive surgery procedure of the cornea is LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis). In LASIK, laser energy is used to reshape your cornea, essentially sculpting your prescription into your eye. If the laser energy were applied directly to the surface of your eye, the treated area would be sore for several days during the healing process. To avoid this discomfort, a thin flap is cut on the surface of your cornea, then folded out of the way. Laser energy is then used to sculpt your exposed cornea to correct your nearsightedness, then the flap is put back into its normal position, covering the treated area. LASIK is nearly painless, highly successful, and you can see the improvement in your vision immediately after surgery. A slightly different procedure, called LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis), uses a thinner flap, and is typically performed in people whose cornea is too thin or too flat for LASIK. A third type of corneal refractive surgery is called PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), which differs from LASIK and LASEK in that no flap is made--the laser directly sculpts the front surface of your cornea to flatten it.

There are two common refractive surgery procedures of the lens. One is implantation of an ICL (intraocular contact lens). An ICL is essentially a contact lens, but instead of being placed on the surface of your eye, it is permanently placed inside your eye. The implant rests on the surface of your natural lens, behind your iris. The strength of the implant is specifically selected to work with your cornea and lens to correct your refractive error. The second procedure is called RLE (refractive lens exchange). Refractive lens exchange involves removing your lens and replacing it with a lens implant that works with your cornea to correct your refractive error.

Each of these procedures has different risks and benefits, and each is designed for a different group of people based on the type and severity of their refractive error. If you are considering having refractive surgery, talk with your doctor about which procedure is best for your eyes.

Allergan Access-February 2010

Ophthalmologist Amit Chokshi, MD, Offers Complex Iris Reconstruction Surgery

Monday, October 19, 2009

Jacksonville, FL – Eye Surgeon Amit Chokshi, MD, partner with well-known Jacksonville ophthalmologist Gerard Coluccelli, MD, is one of the first physicians in the United States to surgically reconstruct the iris with the Ophtec artificial iris.

The Ophten model 311 reconstructive lens is used for treatment of visual disturbances, such as glare of photophobia (abnormal sensitivity to light), related to partial or total absence of the human iris. Often, a patient who has an incomplete iris can lead to low self-esteem and social issues, which may directly affect economic problems. This artificial implant lens is particularly helpful to patients who had lost all or part of their iris from trauma and/or those who lack iris pigmentation due to congenital albinism. Each single lens is made from clear and colored ultraviolet light-absorbing material, and is available in natural shades of brown, blue or green. Patients who have undergone implantation of the iris reconstructive lens have experienced an improvement of vision, including a reduction in photophobia; thus, the Ophtec model 311 iris reconstructive lens can improve vision, and is now available in Northeast Florida by Amit Chokshi, MD.

Dr. Chokshi implanted the first artificial iris in Northeast Florida on July 30, 2009 and was one of only two surgeons in the state of Florida trained to implant the lens. The patient suffered the loss of 80% of his iris as well as damage to his cornea. Dr. Chokshi performed a combined case with a corneal transplant and the implantation of the Ophtec 311 iris. The case was a great success and the patient is doing well.

Drs. Chokshi and Coluccelli offer complete eye care for the whole family from simple examinations to complicated surgical procedures, such as this one. Other surgical services include vision correction, intraocular implants, cataract and corneal surgery for eye disorders (cataracts, cornea, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration).

The practice offers family-friendly financing to fit every budget, including no interest and long-term payment plans. For information or to make an appointment today, call 904.346.3506, email info@seeclearjax.com.

First physician in the United States reconstruct the iris with Ophtec Lens.

Friday, May 08, 2009

Jacksonville, FL – Eye Surgeon Amit Chokshi, MD, partner with well known Jacksonville ophthalmologist Gerard Coluccelli, MD, is one of the first physicians in the United States to be trained to surgically reconstruct the iris with the Ophtec Lens.

The Ophtec model 311 reconstructive lens is used for treatment of visual disturbances, such as glare or photophobia (abnormal sensitivity to light), related to partial or total absence of the human iris. Often, a patient who has an incomplete iris can lead to low self esteem and social issues, which may directly affect economic problems. This artificial implant lens is particularly helpful to patients who have lost all or part of their iris from trauma and/or those who lack iris pigmentation due to congenital albinism. Each single lens is made from clear and colored ultraviolet lightabsorbing material, and is available in natural shades of brown, blue or green. Patients who have undergone implantation of the iris reconstructive lens have experienced an improvement of vision, including a reduction in photophobia. This revolutionary technology is now available in Northeast Florida with Amit Chokshi, MD.

Drs. Chokshi and Coluccelli offer complete eye care for the whole family from simple examinations to complicated surgical procedures, such as this one. Other surgical services include vision correction with LASIK or the Implantable Contact Lens, corneal surgery, or intraocular implants, such as the Implantable Contact Lens, the Crystalens and Restor. The office also treats patients with disorders of the cornea, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, glaucoma and macular degeneration.