At PineCone Vision Center our experienced team of doctors, technicians, surgeons and counselors are proven leaders in central Minnesota for eye care. With over 30,000 surgeries and 70 years combined experience, our focus is on making our patient encounters comfortable, informative, relaxed and enjoyable.
PineCone Vision Center is excited to introduce you to the ultimate in laser vision correction, it’s called the iLASIK™ procedure and it’s the culmination of everything we’ve learned about LASIK over the past decade. Now that the iLASIK procedure is available, there’s really no reason to put off having laser vision correction surgery, because:
• iLASIK technology is advanced and innovative — so it’s safe and proven
• The iLASIK procedure is not complicated — it’s fast and virtually painless
• Most people are candidates — make an appointment and have an exam
The technology used in the iLASIK procedure is very mature and very safe. In fact, all branches of the U.S. military and NASA recently approved LASIK for their servicemen and women thanks to studies using iLASIK technology. Even better, the majority of people who are in good general health and who have stable vision are good candidates for the iLASIK procedure (it’s estimated that nearly 290 million people worldwide are good candidates for the iLASIK procedure).
So why don’t you take the next step to having the vision quality you’ve always dreamed of. Getting started is easy, simply schedule a consultation with us to determine if you are a good candidate. At your appointment, we’ll tell you more about the iLASIK procedure and review the great results people are having with this advanced vision correction technology. P lease ask Dr. Colatrella or Dr. Hinkemeyer to discuss this procedure with you in more detail.
Or call to schedule your free LASIK consultation with one of our eye care specialists today.
If you have further questions or would like more information regarding LASIK treatments please visit any of the following websites;
iLASIK
Reality Lasik
All About Vision: Guide to Eye Care and Vision Correction - LASIK
U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page
In some cases, your doctor may recommend to you a corrective surgical procedure other than LASIK surgery. Dr. Womack is experienced with many types of corrective surgical procedures, including Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy (LASEK), both of which may provide a better outcome to a few select individuals than the LASIK procedure would deliver.
Your doctor will discuss the type of procedure that is the best choice for you, and you should feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding the benefits and risks of each type of procedure.
Again for a free surgical consult, please contact us.
We stand behind our distance vision results for your lifetime. If re-treatment is needed to maintain distance vision results, clinically qualified patients will receive a re-treatment at NO COST. (Limited time offer. Certain restrictions apply. Ask to see a policy for details.)
“Fantastic! I could see 20/20 without glasses immediately. I wanted to get rid of glasses for years,” said Dina Morin, who came to PineCone Vision Center in June for Wavefront LASIK.
“I shopped around but was more at ease at PineCone. They were more caring and concerned about the outcome.” And the result? “Fantastic! I can see the clock in the morning, no wiping my glasses in the rain and everything is sharper, clearer and colors seem more distinct.”
“I can’t say enough good things about PineCone Vision Center. They took the time needed to get the best results. And everyone in the office is very friendly."
-Dina M.
“I have not done many things that were as simple and yet successful with such amazing results! The surgery took just minutes and after a few hours sleep, I was feeling and seeing great! I wish that I had done it much earlier.
Pinecone’s doctors and staff truly put me at ease throughout the procedure. Prior to the procedure I was well educated on what would happen to prepare me well ahead of time.
After my surgery, I even received a phone call that evening to make sure everything was going well. I then had a follow up appointment immediately the following morning. I knew exactly what was going to happen, when and how it would affect me. That helped put me at ease about the procedure.”
- Kris N., Owner of Custom Accents
"After 30 years of wearing glasses, not being able to see the clock on the nightstand, it was definitely time for WaveFront LASIK. My husband, mother and siblings and their spouses have all had LASIK, all with 100% success and no pain, the first time.
My experience at PineCone Vision Center was stellar. Any questions were answered (and more), any emotions calmed, and my sight was restored painlessly and perfectly. I walked into the procedure room without glasses and was greeted by a female voice wearing purple – that’s all I could see. Two minutes later (literally), I swung my legs off the table, sat up and saw the most beautiful sight. I could see the huge smile of Elaine (the surgical assistant). It was so profound and so immediate, it moved me to tears.
Thank you, all of you, at PineCone Vision Center. Dr. Colatrella, I’ll send all my friends!"
-Carolyn Y., owner Michelle Kenric Hair Studio and Spa, and Healthy Tan
Name: Jeff H.
Age: 32
Occupation: Sales Manager
Type of Surgery: Wavefront – LASIK
Surgery Date: 12/08/07
My Success Story:
“I just had the Wavefront LASIK procedure done. I could not be happier with the results and the overall care from all of those at Pinecone Vision center. It is such a great feeling to be able to see clearly without glasses. I would recommend Wavefront LASIK and PineCone Vision Center to anyone. Thank you!”
Name: Robyn K.
Age: 21
Occupation: Assistant Buyer @ Becker Furniture World
Type of Surgery: Wavefront - LASIK
Surgery Date: 12/08/07
My Success Story:
“I decided I wanted to do LASIK when I was 18 because contacts weren’t comfortable and I didn’t like the look of glasses. I chose PineCone Vision Center because they offered an informational seminar so I didn’t have to do all my research online. The days leading up to surgery were not that nerve-wracking because I knew I was in good hands. I never expected the results I received. The day after surgery I was already seeing 20/15. I hear it’s supposed to even get better, but I already have all I wished for. Thank you!”
Name: Kim G.
Age: 44
Occupation: Rehabilitation Consultant
Type of Surgery: Wavefront-LASIK (mono vision)
Surgery Date: 10/05/07
My Success Story:
“After wearing contacts or glasses for 30 years it is amazing and fun to swim or just wake up in the morning and be able to see. I have already encouraged my friends and family to consider LASIK and will continue to do so. Your staff is great!”
Thank You!
Name: John B.
Age: 57
Occupation: CEO/EMI
Type of Surgery: Wavefront-LASIK (mono vision)
Surgery Date: 08/24/07
My Success Story:
“I have been impressed by the care and professional attention by everyone at PineCone Vision Center. It was their care and professional approach during the screening process that caused me to choose PineCone. I had screenings done at another vision center, shopped and compared, I felt PineCone would serve me best, and they have. Their price was very competitive too. I chose to be corrected for mono vision knowing that we could change it if I was not comfortable with it. So far after 4 weeks, I’m pleased with the results.”
Name: Amy
Age: 38
Occupation: Teacher/Music Instructor
Type of Surgery: Wavefront-LASIK
Surgery Date: 01/26/07
My Success Story:
“About 5 years ago, I was told that LASIK surgery was not an option because of my prescription (farsighted with astigmatism). The advancement in technology and medicine has had amazing results for varying prescriptions. I was scared about the potential problems, resulting from LASIK, but so many of my friends told me about their procedures and recovery that I went in with confidence. It’s relatively painless, the results are almost instant and recover happens very quickly if you follow your doctor’s instructions. Drink lots of water, protect your eyes, rest and keep applying your drops. I did and I feel great and better yet, I can see without glasses!”
Name: Brian B.
Age: 35
Occupation: Management
Type of Surgery: Wavefront-LASIK
Surgery Date: 12/20/06
My Success Story:
“The procedure was so simple. I was well informed on how things would go and feel, both before and during my surgery. I felt no pain at any point. I went home and slept most of the time until the next day and woke up with no irritation. If you’re going to get LASIK, get it here. I have 20/15 vision and am free to wear sunglasses without wearing them over my other glasses. What a bother that was!”
Name: Louis B.
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Type of Surgery: PRK
Surgery Date: 12/20/06
My Success Story:
“Before surgery, I had a hard time reading anything without glasses, and it was really getting to be a nuisance wearing them all the time. One week after the procedure, I was driving and reading without problems, and now I am seeing 20/15! This was definitely a wonderful experience. The staff here is great and I would recommend it for anyone.”
Name: Marla W.
Age:
Occupation: Sales Executive
Type of Surgery: Wavefront-LASIK
Surgery Date: 03/09/07
My Success Story:
“It is very exicting to be able to see traffic signs, small objects, printed words, etc. after 30 years of glasses and contacts. I have to remind myself that I am not wearing my contacts- this is my new clear vision!
It is a very freeing experience to know that these are my eyes! No more cleaning solutions, ripped lenses, late night dry eyes, etc!
Thank you for my new sight!”
Name: Doretta D.
Age: 42
Occupation: External Agency Auditor
Type of Surgery: Wavefront-LASIK
Surgery Date: 12/20/06
My Success Story:
“I work at CompuCredit here in St. Cloud, and every month we have large meetings where our general manager addresses all the employees abd shows slides on a large screen in the front of the room- now remember – the screen may be large, but generally he slides are dollar amounts and a lot of numbers and were always small and really hard to see. The GM always makes a little joke every time those slides come up about how hard it is to see them. When I still had my glasses I always made sure I was sitting fairly close to the front of the room – even with my glasses the screens were tough to read. After my LASIK this months meeting was a full house of employees, and it just happened the only seat available was in the very last row, the farthest away from the screen in a very large room, but when the screen came up with all the dollar amounts and numbers – I couldn’t believe it! I could read every line, no problem! I just had to lean over and tell the people sitting next to me, they didn’t wear glasses, but they were struggling to read. Not me! Thank you!”
Name: Erica A.
Age: 23
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Type of Surgery: Wavefront-LASIK
Surgery Date: 10/05/07
My Success Story:
“Since my surgery on Oct 5th, I have been able to wake up and read the time on my alarm clock! It has been wonderful! The staff and Dr. Colatrella were so helpful in answering my many questions that I had both pre and post-op. They made me feel comfortable and explained what to expect before, during and of course after surgery. I would definitely recommend PineCone Vision to anyone who is interested in Laser Vision Correction. It’s great for someone who has worn eye glasses since the 3rd grade to be seeing 20/15 without eye glasses or corrective lenses.”
Q. What is iLASIK and how does it work?
A. The iLASIK procedure is one of the most precise medical procedures performed today. iLASIK surgeons now have precise tools to painlessly measure and map the uniqueness of both your eyes - down to the most minute characteristics individual to you. 3-D mapping technology literally creates a blueprint (or fingerprint) of your eye, allowing the iLASIK surgeon to then custom-fit the iLASIK procedure for each of your eyes.
The iLASIK procedure itself is revolutionized by the use of two computer-guided lasers- instead of one as in earlier generations of LASIK. The first, ultra-fast laser creates a thin corneal flap, which is then folded back to allow the second laser to correct your vision based on the exact specifications/measurements of your eye(s). The procedure takes just minutes. Patients experience a quick virtually painless procedure with the potential of 20/20 or better vision and outstanding safety as a result of reduced flap complications.
Final post-op visits are conducted with your iLASIK sugery staff one day, one month and three months later. You are free to resume your active lifestyle, now with the potential of 20/20 or better vision. Remember, it was the very same technology advances used in the iLASIK procedure that convinced the military and NASA that iLASIK was finally good enoguh for the mission critical personnel. Even your most-extreme lifestyle is nothing compared to being ejected from an F-16 or the G-Forces of shuttle rocket blast-off.
Q. Why should I choose iLASIK over other vision correction options?
A. Just like tailoring of a fine suit or couture fashion, the iLASIK procedure is tailor-made for you, your vision and the unique charateristics of your two, individual eyes. 3-D mapping, precise measurements and the use of two of the most advanced lasers differentiate the iLASIK procedure from all others. Consumers not only require 20/20 (or better) vision for their active lifestyles, but also prefer not to be bothered with the daily inconveience of glasses and contacts.
Q. What is a Wavescan?
A. The Wavescan is an instrument that helps to design your custom treatment and is most critical in your iLASIK experience. The Wavescan captures an image of your eye, much like a finger print. From this image we are able to customize your iLASIK procedure to your individual needs.
Q. Is there anything new or different? Has any part of the procedure?
A. iLASIK is the final frontier of iLASIK: NASA approved the iLASIK procedure for its astronauts following review of extensive military clinical data, which showed the use of two lasers (femtosecond & wavefront-guided) provides superior safety and vision as compared to earier forms of the procedure.
Q. Isn't this just the same procedure wrapped in a new brand name?
A. iLASIK is a decade in the making and combines extensive medical expertise and your surgeon's commitment to innovation to make the most advanced iLASIK procdure available to you today.
Q. What is PRK or Photo Refractive Keratectomy?
A. PRK is the predecessor procedure to LASIK which uses the same exact laser and technology, but does not make a flap. Therefore, we are able to perform this procedure on thinner than usual corneas. But since we slide the surface cells out of the way it is somewhat more uncomfortable and takes longer for the vision to stabilize. Six months down the road a person who had PRK has as good of vision as someone who has had LASIK. Certain patients are only candidates for PRK, such as those with thin or irregular corneas.
Q. What kind of laser do you have?
A. We use an AMO VISX S4 Iris Registration, Excimer Laser with Wavefront Technology.
Q. I heard you bring in your laser, where does it come from and is it safe?
A. Safety is a concern for many looking at having Laser Vision Correction. We work closely with a company called Laser Vision. They are based in St. Louis, Missouri and provide lasers to centers like ours all over the country. By using this service we are able to provide you with the newest and most precise technology. This process is very safe; and actually can be more accurate than stand alone lasers because each laser comes with its own technician who knows the laser inside and out. The laser is also recalibrated every time it enters a center, that way it can deliver the most accurate treatment.
The instrument that helps to design your custom treatment and is most critical in your LASIK experience is the Wavescan. We do have this instrument in our office at all the times.
Q. Who is your surgeon?
A. Our surgeon is great! His name is Dr. Larry Womack. He is a board-certified eye surgeon specializing in LASIK and Laser Vision Correction. Dr. Womack has performed over 20,000 LASIK procedures and he is one of the regions only ophthalmologists certified in LASIK by the American College of Surgeons. He also practices in Fargo at TLC Laser Eye Center.
Q. It is important to me never to have to wear glasses or contacts ever again.
A. While Laser Vision Correction a great alternative to having to wear glasses or contacts, it is likely that as we age we will need reading glasses.
Q. Why have LASIK if I will need reading glasses anyway?
A. As the eye ages (usually over 40 years old), the muscles that allow us to focus on things close up weakens. This creates the need for reading glasses and will happen to everyone. If you were to have iLASIK you will then have the best distance vision possible and then only require reading glasses (after 40 years old) rather then BIFOCALS. If you already require reading glasses, you could consider Monovision, and have one eye treated for distance and the other for reading.
Q. Is the procedure painless?
A. While the procedure is minimally invasive, depending on the type of Laser Vision Correction you have, there may be some mild discomfort following the procedure. We do give you medication to help manage this discomfort. Most patients are able to sleep through the discomfort following the procedure and awake feeling much more comfortable.
Q. How long will I need to recover?
A. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within 24-48 hours. Typically we perform surgery on Friday and people are able to return work on Monday.
Q. What kind of follow up is involved?
A. Follow up is an important factor in the success of your Laser Vision Correction experience. Depending on the procedure, and your individual recovery, we will typically see you at 1day, 1week, 1month, 3months, 6months and 1year.
Q. Who are canidates for the iLASIK procedure?
A. There are 290 million canidates for the iLASIK around the world. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for iLASIK to come in and talk with our doctor. Our complimentary iLASIK evaluation and consultation allows you to gather information specific to you and your needs.
Q. What factors help to determine if I am a candidate for iLASIK?
A. Several factors help to determine if you are a candidate for iLASIK. Some of these include, corneal thickness, prescription stability and overall eye health. The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to come in for a complimentary consultation.
Q. What is involved with the iLASIK Consultation?
A. This is one of the most thorough exams you will ever have. We will determine if you are indeed a candidate for iLASIK and what type of Laser Vision Correction would best suit your needs. The exam will take 1-1 1/2 hours, during this time you will be educated about Laser Vision Correction, complete tests and an examined to determine candidacy, and discuss the finding of the exam with the doctor. During the exam you will be dilated which will make you sensitive to light and unable to focus on up close objects. This may last up to 24 hours after the exam.
Q. Is there an age requirement for iLASIK?
A. The age requirement for iLASIK is 21 years old. Once over the age of 21 patients show more stability in their prescriptions. But ultimately it is more dependent on stability of prescription rather then age.
Q. What if my eyes change over time?
A. While we look at your prescription stability before surgery, things may change slightly in the years following your iLASIK procedure but it is unlikely. With our Lifetime Commitment this risk is minimized. If your eyes would change, we would perform your enhancement procedure at no-charge.
Chase Financial Services is in business to help patients by providing financing for cosmetic and elective surgery through our participating provider network. We’ve made the process as simple, quick and patient friendly as possible.
We finance various kinds of elective procedures including:
General, cosmetic and restorative dental treatment plans
Orthodontia treatment for children and adults, including InvisalignTM
Vision Correction Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery
Hair Restoration
You can choose an extended payment plan or you can enjoy the option of having to pay no interest at all with Unicorn’s No Interest Financing financing of 12, 18 or even 24 months interest free! Check with your doctor to see which programs they have elected to offer.
Unicorn has a short application and you can apply right from your doctor’s office. Unicorn responds with a credit decision in minutes. Once you’re approved, you have 60 days to schedule and complete your initial procedure. And it is easy for you because we pay the doctor directly.
So go ahead and schedule that procedure you have always wanted. Now there is no reason not to!
