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Bairs Eye Clinic Laser Vision Center:

A safe, quick, painless and professional return to 20/20 vision

       Although word about revolutionary LASIK laser vision correction has spread over the last 15 years, a measure of caution, skepticism and fear has kept many would-be customers away from perfect eyesight. According to veteran opthalmologist and LASIK clinic owner Dr. Jia Shing Bair, the fact that about 3.8 million people around the world have successfully been treated by LASIK since its 1987 launch in the United States is more than adequate proof that this procedure is everything that satisfied customers say it is.

       Bair, whose large clinic has been in operation for six years, works with a team of three other doctors and 24 opthalmologists, technicians and nurses to treat a steady stream of local and foreign patients. He says that the suitability of the patient and doctor's experience are most important for LASIK. Basically, anyone over 18 years of age without any significant increase in their vision prescription for the past year is a potential candidate. During the one-hour screening process, a refraction test measures the candidate's myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism. Other tests measure the width of the cornea skin and tear secreation, and look for glaucoma or any retina tears or detachment.

       Approved LASIK candidates return about one to two weeks later for a 20-minute, painless procedure that restores their vision to 20/20 or better. A local anesthetic numbs the eye and the patient is asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes the cornea, usually in less than a minute. Afterwards, no stitches are required and the only discomfort may be a "foreign body" sensation or tear secretion in the eye for a few hours. Although patients cannot drive themselves home, they can be watching TV within four hours. Within about six months, about 10 percent of patients (usually with more severe myopia) experience some regression, which can either be compensated for initially or corrected with further treatment. The only other side affects for a few may be dry eyes for up to three months and the loss of some night vision.

       Although about 40 local doctors and clinics offer LASIK, Dr. Bair stresses that not all are equal. Setting Bair clinic apart are not only its possession of the very latest in LASIK machines, but an extremely high standards for upkeep of equipment--adjusted every two weeks--and for technician training/certification. Bair also says that his clinic believes in strictly adhering to all procedures. "The attitude of the doctor is very important," he notes.

       His uncompromising standards have paid off. Today, Bairs Eye Clinic Laser Vision Center draw more customers for LASIK than any other in central Taiwan. Thanks to Bair and others like him, perfect vision is no dream, but an easily-attainable reality.