LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK is the most "advanced" refractive surgical procedure
available today, and can correct low to severe degrees of myopia
and astigmatism and moderate degrees of hyperopia (farsightedness).
It also requires a higher degree of skill and experience on behalf
of the surgeon.
The eye is anesthetized with eye drops. Rather than removing the
corneal surface layers as described for PRK, a precision instrument
called a "microkeratome" is used to create a thin flap
of corneal tissue that remains attached to the eye in a hinge-like
fashion. After the Excimer Laser sculpts the deeper corneal layers,
the flap is replaced to its original position. In this way, the
healing time needed for the surface cells to regenerate is eliminated
and post-operative comfort is maximized.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
Photorefractive Keratectomy is performed to correct mild to moderate
degrees of myopia and astigmatism, and requires no incisions. With
PRK, the surgeon uses the computer-assisted Excimer Laser to flatten
the cornea by removing a layer approximately the thickness of a
human hair. There is no pain during the procedure, as anesthetic
eye drops insure maximum comfort.
The laser is a cool, non-thermal form of light energy that does
not burn or damage the delicate tissue surrounding the treated area.
The surface of the eye heals within three days, during which time
a protective contact lens is worn.
LASIK vs. PRK — Which Is Right For You?
Overall, patients who have undergone the LASIK procedure (compared
to those who have elected PRK) report a quicker recovery period
with less discomfort. Most LASIK patients have legal driving vision
the next day, whereas PRK patients need additional time, usually
three to seven days. LASIK patients obtain stabilization in vision
earlier and require less medication and fewer follow-up visits to
the doctor's office than those who have pursued PRK. Corneal healing
in eyes having undergone the LASIK procedure is quicker because
the corneal surface layers are preserved rather than ablated by
the laser.
Because the LASIK procedure involves the additional step of making
the flap, the surgery itself is more complex than PRK and, due to
technical considerations, may not be suitable for every eye.
What is the Visx advantage
 VISX laser systems produce the smoothest surface on the cornea after the procedure. Smoother ablations, as they're known, promote faster healing and result in better vision.
VISX laser systems allow the doctor to track your eye movement in all three dimensions during the treatment, for greater control.
VISX laser systems achieve an optical zone that may result in reduced problems with night vision.
VISX ActiveTrak™ laser systems produce seven variable sized beams, giving the doctor greater flexibility and allowing for a faster, smoother treatment with precise corneal shaping.
VISX laser systems require a shorter procedure time, which enhances comfort and may reduce the risk of post-operative complications.
What is WaveScan Technology?
Your vision is unique - as personal as your fingerprint or your DNA. WaveScan ® technology provides your eye doctor with a map of your vision.
Initially you will meet with your eye doctor for a complete medical evaluation and eye history to determine whether you are a good candidate for the CustomVue procedure. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with you. A WaveScan measurement will be taken to map the unique characteristics of your eye. With this map, your doctor will be able to:
- Accurately assess whether you're a good candidate for laser vision correction. Anyone who is considering laser vision correction should obtain a WaveScan measurement as the first step.
- Along with the other diagnostic tests that your doctor performs, an individualized treatment plan can then be developed to address your unique vision needs.
Once it is confirmed that you are a good candidate, your doctor will schedule you for a refractive surgery procedure. Your doctor will provide details to you on how to prepare for the day of the procedure.
What is the Active Trak eye tracker, and how does it help provide
better laser vision correction?
The ActiveTRAK eye tracker is a new 3-D eye-tracking technology.
With AcitveTRAK, the laser detects and compensates for eye movements
by guiding the laser beam to keep it centered over the treatment
area. The eye tracker adds a new level of precision and comfort
not previously available.
What is variable beam technology?
Variable beam technology allows the doctor to treat patients with
different laser beam sizes and shapes depending on the patient's
visual needs. The STAR S4 ActiveTRAK laser system combines VISX
variable beam shaping with VISX scanning technology* when it places
each shape on the patient's eye.
What if my eye moves during treatment?
ActiveTRAK continuously positions the laser beam precisely on the
eye throughout the procedure for accuracy. ActiveTRAK realigns itself
between each pulse insuring pinpoint accuracy.
Do all lasers have eye trackers?
No, not every laser on the market has an eye tracker. Paul W. Hiss,
M.D. uses the ActiveTRAK system, which is the most advanced eye-tracking
technology available. This new technology makes older eye-tracking
technology — which require dilation — virtually obsolete.
*Scanning technology used in hyperopia treatments.
Clear Lens Extraction
Clear Lens Extraction involves removing the internal lens of the
eye, just like in a cataract operation. This is done with a special
ultrasound instrument and may be done with eye-drop anesthesia (similar
to LASIK). The procedure can be performed without the need for stitches.
A flexible synthetic lens implant of the proper power is then placed
inside the eye through an extremely small incision to correct the
refractive error.
This procedure is more commonly performed for treating higher levels
of farsightedness in patients over age forty. The optical results
are excellent and the visual recovery period is brief. Clear Lens
Extraction may also be used to correct higher levels of nearsightedness
and may be fine tuned with LASIK if a small refractive error remains.
Some surgeons have used this procedure to treat extremely nearsighted
or farsighted patients who are not candidates for PRK or LASIK.
The major drawbacks of this procedure are the increased risk of
postoperative retinal detachment, the increased risk of intraocular
surgery and that patients usually need reading glasses afterward.
An intraocular lens called the Restor is a multifocal lens that
can be implanted at the time of lens extraction. The Restor intraocular
lens allows you to see both near and far after the operation. ln
order for it to work to its maximum potential, both eyes should
he implanted with the lens. Because of its multifocal capacity,
some patients experience a loss of contrast at night and also develop
halos around lights, if these symptoms become problematic, the Restor
lens can be removed and replaced.
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