Newspaper

Eye News Volume III Issue 3

d p · April 22, 2001 ·

Philadelphia / Bucks County LASIK Surgeon – Dr. James S. Lewis

Eye News Volume III Issue 3

Personalized instrumentation for each
LASIK patient

The Moria One Disposable maximizes sterility,
efficiency, precision, and quality.

Bartell brings surgeons new technology

Moria S.A., a French company serving the needs of Ophthalmologists for 180 years merged with Mike Bartell’s Microtech, INC of Doylestown, PA, in June, 2000.
“There is a strong emphasis on disposables for LASIK surgery throughout Europe,” Bartell stated in a telephone interview recently. “The labor-intensive sterilization requirements make the convenience of the Moria One Disposable extremely attractive.”
“With the Moria One Disposable no one has to touch and potentially dull the extremely delicate blade. High volume surgeons and even surgeons with a lower case load will be drawn to its benefits despite the increased cost,” Bartell continued.
James Lewis, MD, Medical Director of iHateMyGlasses.com thought the instrument would be ideal for select cases. “I never thought a LASIK flap could be so precise, reproducible, and clean,” said Lewis.
“Once I saw how well the Moria worked, I knew we had to provide this quality to every LASIK patient,” Lewis continued. “You just can’t measure the value of a faster recovery.”
Bartell broke new ground in 1987 when he patented the inserter for foldable intraocular lenses. It took 4 years for the FDA to approve these lenses and another four years of patent litigation before his contribution was recognized. Now virtually every foldable intraocular lens used during cataract surgery relies on Bartell’s innovation (and patent).
The housing for the Moria One Disposable blade is shown below. It arrives sterile, inspected, and assembled. It is custom ordered and adjusted for every patient and discarded after a single use. Cross-contamination, corneal toxicity, instrument damage and sterilization failure are virtually eliminated.
“Forget the ease of use and faster turnover, this simply cuts a better flap. It is thin and uniform. I love this thing…and so do the patients,” Lewis said.
Dr. Myers saw the first round of post-operative Moria One Disposable patients twenty-four hours after LASIK in Mount Laurel. He claimed, “The worst vision I measured was 20/20. Most of my patients were 20/15.”
“I am having trouble even seeing the incision. The eye heals fast,” Myers continues.
“There is no secret that Mike Bartell is a winner. He remains humble despite his extraordinary accomplishments,” Lewis continued. “I am glad he has turned his attention to LASIK. We benefit from his almost intuitive assessment of quality. He will help all of us to be better surgeons.”

Housing for Moria One Disposable Microkeratome

“If there is new technology and it works……you can bet we’ll be the first to have it,” according to Sue cross, chief LASIK coordinator.
“We like the concept of disposable instrumentation,” said Dr. Marc Myers. Myers is the newest member of the LASIK team. “There is a reduced risk of DLK (Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis), cross-contamination, and instrument damage.”
“We previously used the top of the line Carriazo-Barraquer [microkeratome]”, continued Dr. Myers. “We thought it couldn’t get better than that….I guess we were wrong.”
Robert Hayes (below) didn’t let the residual eyelid antiseptic stop him. He started to put his own microkeratome through the paces after he walked from the operating suite.
“Since we began using the disposable I’ve been amazed with the patient’s rapid visual recovery,” explained Dr. Myers.
Just minutes after LASIK Robert Hayes is focused on surgical technique. Perhaps he is planning a career change.

Robert Hayes tinkers immediately after LASIK.

At Dr. Lewis’ state-of-the-art laser eye surgery Bucks County / Philadelphia offices, patients are treated with the utmost respect and attentiveness. In addition to performing LASIK and Epi-LASIK, Dr. Lewis specializes in treating Philadelphia / Bucks County ICLs patients. Please visit the respective procedure pages to learn more about these exciting, highly effective vision correction treatments.

Eye News Volume II Issue 10

d p · April 22, 2001 ·

Philadelphia / Bucks County LASIK Surgeon – Dr. James S. Lewis

Eye News Volume II Issue 10

LASIK Interviews on the World Wide Web

Post-operative LASIK patients describe their experience on the Internet

Photographs and interviews by Sue Cross

Using the computer to research LASIK

A growing number of patients are looking to the Internet to learn about LASIK.
The constant barrage of radio ads, junk mail, and limited time promotions for something as serious as laser eye surgery has left patients uneasy.
Recent corporate bankruptcies by presumably well-funded laser vision correction corporations have emphasized the need to research the qualifications, reputation, integrity, and experience of all LASIK providers.
“The world wide web was designed to disseminate information and share data,” explained James Lewis, MD, Medical Director of iHateMyGlasses.com.
Dr. Lewis has always been a strong proponent of the use of computers in medicine. Software he completed while a resident at Duke University Eye Center was used by Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia to educate medical students for nearly two decades.
“I take a very active role in our web site. I upgrade it several times a week and don’t expect that behavior to change,” Lewis continued.
Lewis is particularly proud of the multimedia component of http://www.iHateMyGlasses.com. “Nothing is more vibrant than an unedited interview with a post-operative LASIK patient. Our LASIK coordinator, Sue Cross, is a highly-skilled communicator. ”
The patients shown above were the first to provide online testimonials about their surgical experience with Dr. Lewis.
Lewis doesn’t want to stop here. He is putting the finishing touches on http://www.lasikTV.com. It is an unedited weekly web cast of surgery as it happens. A prototype should be working when we go to press.
“We have been giving patients videotapes of their surgery since we started. LASIKTV is really nothing more than the extension of that concept. ”
Lewis feels prospective patients should be able to watch surgery, hear and read comments, and make an informed decision about LASIK within the confines of medical ethics and patient privacy.
“Too often construction of a web site is delegated to experts who don’t understand the surgery, haven’t talked to patients, and want to finish the job in a week or two. Most of my colleagues won’t even commit to communication with patients through email,” Lewis added.
Almost every LASIK provider has a web site. Most are generated from templates and have little real substance. Marketing companies have made a small fortune selling prefabricated web sites to LASIK surgeons who know they need to be on the net.
“LASIK patients are hungry for information about the procedure. They want to learn on their own time and in their own way. The glitzy web site with pretty pictures doesn’t impress them.”
Search engines can help. Unfortunately, clever programmers can get a mediocre site ranked well by outsmarting the search algorithms. One company deliberately submitted LASIK, LASiK, LaSIK, and lasiK to force a high ranking.
“Fortunately, patients are smarter than that. They want substance, knowledge, and inter-activity. At least 90% of the patients I see have visited our web site. This tells me are are moving in the right direction.”

Prototype fiber optic light pipe (courtesy Mastel, INC.) is used to verify corneal integrity during laser surgery by James Lewis, MD.

Dr. Lewis is proud of his reputation as a leading LASIK eye surgery Philadelphia expert. In addition, he is renowned as a foremost Epi-LASIK Philadelphia, Bucks County and Elkins Park surgeon. Other procedures Dr. Lewis performs more of include implantation of intraocular lens implants and collamer intraocular lenses, such as Visian ICL in Philadelphia.

Eye News Volume I Issue 16

d p · April 22, 2001 ·

Philadelphia / Bucks County LASIK Surgeon – Dr. James S. Lewis

Eye News Volume I Issue 16

Volume I Issue 16

Originally published, April 22, 2001

LASIK Interviews on the World Wide Web

Post-operative LASIK patients describe their experience on the Internet

Photographs and interviews by Sue Cross

Using the computer to research LASIK

Prototype fiber optic light pipe (courtesy Mastel, INC.) is used to verify corneal integrity during laser surgery by James Lewis, MD.

At Dr. Lewis’ state-of-the-art LASIK Philadelphia offices, patients can choose from a variety of advanced refractive vision correction treatments. Dr. Lewis has multiple years’ experience treating LASIK and Epi-LASIK Philadelphia patients, as well as individuals seeking ICLs in Philadelphia / Bucks County.

Eye News Volume III Issue 2

d p · April 15, 2001 ·

Philadelphia / Bucks County LASIK Surgeon – Dr. James S. Lewis

Eye News Volume III Issue 2

State-of-the-art LASIK comes to town

Scanning slit technology wins

MOUNT LAUREL_“International surgeons favor the scanning slit excimer for laser vision correction. The results are simply better” claims Dr. Barry Fabriziani. Dr. Fabriziani is the Director of Refractive Services at iHateMyGlasses.com™. He is one of the most experienced eye doctors in LASIK pre and post-operative care.
“The advances in laser technology and Dr. Lewis’s extensive corneal experience have made me a strong proponent of LASIK as an important option for my patients wearing glasses and contact lenses,” Fabriziani continued.
“The progress in excimer laser technology has been critical to the success of this procedure. LASIK is now mainstream,” Fabriziani feels.
The excimer laser was originally developed by IBM for use in the semiconductor industry. It didn’t take long before scientists realized it was remarkably accurate at shaping corneal tissue.
While some laser manufactures concentrated their efforts on simplistic and now outdated broad beam techniques, NIDEK developed a sophisticated scanning slit approach.
“Instead of blasting away precious corneal tissue, NIDEK uses a software-driven design that scans the cornea and gently removes tissue. The slit paints the cornea and fashions the ideal optical shape,” said Dr. Fabriziani.
“The technology behind the NIDEK EC-5000 laser has been recognized Internationally. I was sold on scanning-slit technology when I learned many experienced refractive surgeon’s chose the NIDEK when their friends and family needed LASIK” claimed Dr. Fabriziani.
LASIK is rapidly becoming the most popular eye procedure both nationally and internationally.
Many think LASIK is a modern version of RK (Radial Keratotomy) developed in the former Soviet Union. It isn’t! The true birthplace for LASIK is Bogota, Colombia.
In 1949, Jose Barraquer began sculpting the cornea to change its shape and reduce dependence on glasses and contacts. American scientists and physicians helped the international effort to refine the process. Thanks to brilliant intellects in Italy, Greece, South America, Canada, France, and the United States LASIK was born.
Dr. Carmen Barraquer (Jose Barraquer’s daughter) continues to make important contributions to the science of LASIK at the Barraquer Institute in Bogota.
The FDA, known for its conservative approach, first approved LASIK several years ago. Sources estimate nearly two million LASIK procedures will take place in the US alone in 2001.
Willis Houston (show on the right) had his LASIK surgery recently.
Mr. Houston reported, “The surgery was better than my expectations and I am thrilled that I was 20/20 ever since my first day.”
Like others, Mr. Houston is most excited he can drive without his glasses. He added, “The surgery has made me look younger.”
Dr. Lewis, who has performed over 4000 procedures in the last two years said, “I am always amazed with the feeling of freedom these patients describe. It is as though they have been held back from enjoying life, sports, and hobbies by their glasses and contact lenses.”
Dr. Wong and his wife, Tuyet, are extremely happy with the results of this exciting surgery. They are just one of many couples who have chosen LASIK and iHateMyGlasses.com™.

Laser frees area residents from their glasses and contact lenses

Interviews by
SUE CROSS

Tuyet Wong, RN, immediately after her LASIK procedure. Her husband, Bruce Wong, MD, had LASIK with us one year ago. Dr. Wong was recently featured in Fortune Magazine and is the new VP of Bristol-Myers.

Willis Houston prepares for tax day after his LASIK.

The accomplished LASIK and Epi-LASIK Philly surgeon Dr. Lewis has dedicated his career to the pursuit of surgical perfection and complete patient satisfaction. In addition to performing LASIK eye surgery in Philadelphia, he offers sophisticated intraocular lens implants and intraocular contact lenses. In fact, Dr. Lewis is one of the most experienced Visian ICL Philadelphia / Bucks County specialists.

Eye News Volume II Issue 9

d p · April 15, 2001 ·

Philadelphia / Bucks County LASIK Surgeon – Dr. James S. Lewis

Eye News Volume II Issue 9

Volume II Issue 9

Originally published, Sunday, April 15, 2001

Local Radiologist sees triplets after LASIK

Physicians become LASIK patients

Doctors are rumored to be the worst patients. Fortunately, when it comes to LASIK that doesn’t appear to be true.
Dr. Michael Miller (above), a radiologist at Lower Bucks Hospital, insisted that his eyes were very important to him. His entire livelihood depended on the clarity of his vision.
“Almost every LASIK patient tells me that,” explained Dr. Marc Myers of iHateMyGlassis.com. “We treat everyone and every eye as if it were sacred. Who do you know that doesn’t consider their vision precious?”
Dr. Miller also has other things precious. He is the father of four and is spending a day at home with his triplets.
Dr. Michael Matz (right), an Elkins Park Dentist, is experienced with office-based surgery. He was an outstanding patient. Several of his patients were so happy with the results of LASIK surgery at iHateMyGlassis.com he signed up.
Dr. Tim Smith (below, center), a Psychiatrist with the renown Friends Hospital in Philadelphia is not typical. He became a physician after his career as a champion skateboarder was cut short by an injury. Friends Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia is a division of the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. David Zweiback (below left) referred his friend Dr. Smith. Zweiback was so happy with his LASIK results that he talked about the experience during a dinner together. A few weeks later his friend had an equally rewarding experience here.
“You know LASIK has become mainstream when the doctors become the patients,” claimed Dr. James Lewis, MD. “They know their career depends on a successful result and they have very carefully researched the procedure, the staff, and the surgeon.”
Physicians know there are risks and benefits to all interventions. A 99% success rate means one percent of patients have problems. iHateMyGlassis.com has taken considerable time to emphasize this fact. Dr. Lewis is particularly proud that his informed consent (permit) is ranked number one by nearly every top search engine on the Internet.
“We don’t want to worry patients unnecessarily, but we want to make sure they know this isn’t a haircut,” Lewis explains.
“There is probably no greater honor than being asked by a colleague to perform their LASIK,” Lewis continued.
Doctors do not have a monopoly. Many nurses, operating room technicians, emergency medical technicians, XRAY technologists, physical therapists, flight nurses, and others medical professionals have had LASIK.
Veterinarians are not strangers to laser vision correction or this office.

Area Doctors give up their glasses and contact lenses

Dr. David Zweiback (left), a busy Internist in Abington referred Dr. Tim Smith (right), a Psychiatrist at Friends Hospital in Philadelphia.

Michael Matz, DMD, had LASIK last year. He was working in his Elkins Park dental practice soon after surgery.

Dr. Lewis conducts thorough consultations with all of his patients in order to recommend the most suitable vision correction treatments. While many individuals benefit from undergoing LASIK in Philadelphia, this procedure is not for everyone. For example, patients with thin corneas often can achieve better results through Epi-LASIK in Philadelphia. For those who do not qualify for any type of laser eye surgery, Dr. Lewis offers implantation of permanent contact lenses. In fact, he is regarded as one of the most experienced ICL Philadelphia / Bucks County specialists.