LASIK Vision Correction

In order to achieve optimized outcomes for laser vision correction patients, accurate alignment is essential to optimizing customized Wavefront-guided procedures. The VISX™ Iris Registration Technology is a revolutionary method of aligning the treatment to the cornea and providing the most precise laser alignment accuracy to date. Previously, physicians used manual methods to align the treatment to the eye.

“Unlike manual methods, Iris Registration Technology automatically aligns the laser to the cornea,” says Dr. Falkenberg. “This allows me to center the treatment accurately, so that a patient’s breathing or other normal movements won’t affect the treatment.” As a result, Iris Registration Technology can provide potentially better outcomes for our patients. “VISX Iris Registration Technology makes it easier than ever to achieve accurate alignment with a fully automated, touch-free method of measuring and marking the eye.”

“The WaveScan test is a part of the initial consultation. It captures unique imperfections in each individual’s vision and is 25-times more precise than standard measurements for glasses or contact lenses,” says Dr. Falkenberg. “WaveScan technology produces a detailed map of the eye-much like a fingerprint. No two maps are alike-in fact, each treatment is tailored to the unique characteristics of the individual’s eye,” says Dr. Falkenberg. “Then, the WaveScan digital information is transferred to the laser, providing a new level of precision and accuracy, and providing potentially better results.”

When it comes to laser vision correction, there are 2 different procedures that we offer, Intralase and Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK). There are some slight differences between the two procedures, one of which will work best for your eyes.

The ultimate difference between Intralase and PRK lies in what is done with the surface of the cornea before the laser treatment is applied. With Intralase, also called iLASIK, a corneal flap is created and the Excimer laser applies the custom treatment to the inner tissue of the cornea. With PRK, the epithelium (or outer skin of the cornea) is removed and the Excimer laser applies the custom treatment to the surface of the cornea.

Intralase

Until now, the flap has been created with a mechanical, bladed device called a microkeratome. With the bladed style microkeratome there was an increased risk of complications such as corneal abrasions, irregular flaps, as well as button-hole flaps. Bladeless LASIK offers our patients increased safety by eliminating the blade.

Bladeless LASIK offers the ability to create a flap of uniform thickness at a preprogrammed depth. The traditional style microkeratome did not account for the curvature of the cornea and created a meniscus style flap, with the edges somewhat thicker than the center. Any variation in flap thickness will result in a variation of your visual outcome. Because we know exactly what depth the flap is being created, we are able to preserve the most corneal tissue following the procedure, leaving each patient with a stronger, more stable eye.

The corneal flap is created in an “inside out” process. The laser beam creates a dissection plane by forming an interconnecting series of bubbles (made of carbon dioxide and water vapor). The Intralase laser beam stacks a pattern of bubbles along the periphery of the ablation plane, leaving an uncut section of tissue.

After the corneal flap is created, the information previously gathered to fit the unique characteristics of the individuals’ eyes is then translated into a set of CustomVue treatment instructions for the laser.

PRK

Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) was the first procedure performed using the Excimer laser. With PRK a corneal flap is not created, instead the cornea’s epithelial (outer) layer is removed. After the outer layer is removed, the computer-controlled, highly specialized Excimer laser delivers pulses of cool ultraviolet light that then sculpts the stromal layer of the cornea to correct your refractive error. PRK can be used to correct low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism through reshaping the cornea.

To treat nearsightedness: the steep cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from in front of the retina to directly on the retina.

To treat farsightedness: the flat cornea is made steeper by removing tissue outside of the central optical zone of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from behind the retina to directly on the retina.

To treat astigmatism: the cornea is made more spherical — like a basketball instead of a football. This eliminates multiple focusing points within the eye and creates one point of focus on the retina. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

PRK is for Those Who:

• Are over 18 years of age
• Have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
• Have no health issues affecting their eyes
• Have corneas too thin for LASIK
• Have large pupils

Is LASIK laser eye surgery right for you?

The best way to find out is to contact us. One of our LASIK coordinators will get in touch to discuss your options. You can also learn about financing that is available.

The outer layer of the eye can be divided into three areas: the cornea, the sclera and the limbus. The cornea is the clear part, or the window, that covers the iris and the pupil. The sclera is the white part of the eye. The limbus is the thin area that connects the cornea and the sclera.

Limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) treat low to moderate degrees of astigmatism. As the name suggests, the surgeon makes small relaxing incisions in the limbus, which allows the cornea to become more rounded when it heals. LRIs are placed at the very edge of the cornea (in the limbus) on the steepest meridians. LRIs are often combined with other surgical and laser vision correction procedures and cataract surgery.

Limbal Relaxing Incisions are for those:

• Who have astigmatism
• Want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
• Have no health issues affecting their eyes

Refractive Lens Exchange is a surgical procedure that uses the same successful techniques of modern cataract surgery.The main difference between standard cataract surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange is that cataract surgery is primarily performed to remove a patient’s cataract that is obstructing and clouding their vision, while Refractive Lens Exchange is performed to minimize a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Refractive Lens Exchange is for Those Who:

• want to be less dependent on glasses or contacts for far and near vision.
• are outside the corrective range of LASIK and other refractive procedures.
• may be showing signs of clouding in their natural lens even though this clouding is not yet interfering with vision.
• have no health issues affecting their eyes.

The day of surgery, you will arrive at SIEHT about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you may be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.

Depending on which procedure you choose, either the epithelium will be removed (PRK) or a corneal flap will be created (Intralase). You will then be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser provides your customized treatment. The laser will already be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam from the Iris Registration. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed.

Following your procedure, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. Your eyes may be shielded for protection. Your vision may be blurry or hazy for one to five days. You will experience some discomfort as the epithelium or corneal flap heals and covers the treated area. Eye drops, pain medication and possibly a protective contact lens can be used to minimize this discomfort. Most patients resume normal activities within one to three days. Vision can fluctuate for up to six months.

If you have any questions, our LASIK team is here to help. Contact us today!

With all the advancements in LASIK surgery that have allowed millions of people to enjoy life free of glasses and contact lenses, it is a great time to schedule a free consultation to determine candidacy. Call 800-572-2722, contact our LASIK team directly or click here to schedule your free evaluation.