Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis — commonly called LASIK eye surgery — is the best known and most regularly performed laser refractive surgery to treat vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, permanently changing the shape of the cornea. Dr. Gary Varley, a well-known refractive surgeon, has been a longtime key to Cincinnati Eye Institute’s successful LASIK program. In fact, he has performed 35,000 such procedures, beginning in the late 1990s when LASIK surgery first began.
Today, as CEI’s esteemed LASIK mentor and teacher, Dr. Varley is also sharing his vast ophthalmic experience with a group of pupils eager to learn all they can about LASIK.
“I am training new doctors in order to have replacements ready to take over the work. I am getting the next generation ready,” Dr. Varley says.
What makes a good LASIK candidate?
“It certainly varies. It is not as simple as “I wear glasses and would like to get rid of them,” Dr. Varley notes. “A lot goes into the decision. We look at the overall health of the eye. I never perform LASIK for anyone under 18 years of age, and under 21 is with precaution and if stability has been proven. These are for occupational reasons only — if they don’t get their vision fixed, it will change their career.”
According to Dr. Varley, a good LASIK surgeon is not only a cornea specialist, but someone who visits with you before the surgery and helps you feel comfortable in the knowledge that he has your vision and goals as priorities. “In my 27 years of doing eye surgery, I have discovered that the amount of time spent in conversation with the patient before surgery is critical,” he emphasizes. “Patient expectations must be discussed and known.
“We utilize the latest technology to assure the best outcomes,” he adds, describing CEI’s LASIK equipment as “second to none.”
The LASIK procedure today is noticeably different than even five years ago, Dr. Varley continues. “Previously, a broad-beam laser was used and now a variable beam or a small beam is used, which allows more precision in correction. The speed has improved, as well, which makes the procedure safer. It also heals stronger.”
Andrew Barfell, M.D., joined the staff at CEI to continue this amazing legacy of excellence. He is completing a six-month fellowship with Dr. Varley since finishing his ophthalmology residency. He will perform refractive surgery including laser vision correction (LASIK, PRK) as well as refractive cataract surgery.
What can LASIK do and not do?
“Lasik does not take way the need to have routine eye exams. Everyone should still be checked for cataracts and glaucoma — typically, patients are under age 50, but as they age, they will need to be screened,” says Dr. Barfell. “LASIK cannot fix presbyopia, which is the need for reading glasses after around age 40. There are ways to use LASIK to decrease the dependency on reading glasses, such as the use of monovision.”
In March, due to the pandemic, all procedures were halted at CEI. Once elective surgery became viable, LASIK surgeries began to be scheduled again but with COVID precautions.
“It is interesting to see the uptick in demand during this pandemic,” says Dr. Barfell. “I believe there are several reasons. One may be due to the challenge of wearing face masks with glasses. People working from home, taking care of kids, and other challenges may push people to find a way to simplify their routines. Lasik can help!"
Expanding LASIK Services in Northern Kentucky
Previously, CEI patients had to make appointments at the central office location in Blue Ash for their pre-op exam, procedure, and post-op exams. CEI is now expanding services into northern Kentucky. Although the LASIK equipment is in the Blue Ash office and surgical procedures will still take place there, all other office visits, pre- and post-op, will be available at the Northern Kentucky office — a huge benefit to patients living in Downtown Cincinnati and across the river into Kentucky.
Cincinnati Eye Institute, a partner of CVP Physicians, has its main office at 1945 CEI Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45242. For more information, call 513.984.5133 or visit www.cincinnatieye.com.