Our Procedures

There are many different procedures available to correct vision. All laser eye surgeries, including LASIK, reshape the cornea so that images properly focus on the retina. Your doctor will discuss with you which procedure is best suited to the unique contour of your eyes.

LASIK

With LASIK, a microthin flap of corneal tissue is created with the Intralase FS femptosecond laser. The flap is lifted out of the laser’s path and the excimer laser is used to remove corneal tissue. The flap is placed back into position and covers the treated area. The advantages of LASIK are minimal discomfort, vision improvement within hours, reduced risk of haze, and the need to use medicated eyedrops for only one week. Disadvantages of LASIK are associated with creation of the corneal flap and potential shifting of the corneal flap after the procedure.

LASEK

During LASEK, rather than a microkeratome (a surgical blade), a blunt plastic "separator" creates a superficial corneal flap. A dilute alcohol solution is used on the eye to loosen the epithelium and then the epithelium is lifted out of position. The excimer laser is applied and the flap is replaced to cover the treated area. LASEK has fewer possible or potential complications than those associated with the microkeratome. The disadvantage of LASEK is the potential of discomfort for two to three days after surgery, delayed visual recovery and the potential for haze and scarring.

Intralase

Intralase is a computer-controlled laser procedure that creates the flap on the cornea, completely eliminating the use of a microkeratome. An all-laser procedure provides fewer operative and post-operative problems than traditional laser surgery.

Wavefront-guided LASIK, PRK, LASEK or Epi LASIK

Wavefront-guided LASIK, PRK, LASEK or Epi LASIK takes laser eye surgery to a more precise level. With Wavefront-guided LASIK, PRK, LASEK or Epi LASIK, the entire eye is measured with a wavefront aberrometer. These measurements are much more precise than those in a traditional refractive evaluation. Wavefront measurements provide important data to the physician about how the eye focuses light and creates a personalized, one-of-a-kind prescription for surgery. Because Wavefront-guided ablations are tailored to each individual eye, these procedures have a low incidence of halos and glare and better night vision than conventional treatment.

INTACS

INTACS are microthin polymer ring segments. These inserts are placed under the outer edge of the cornea. INTACS reshape the cornea from within to allow better focus of light rays on the retina. If adjustments are needed, prescription rings can be replaced or removed if necessary. Advantages of INTACS include reversibility, structural integrity of the eye because tissue is not removed, independence on wound healing, and delivery of an excellent quality of vision. The disadvantages are that it is only FDA approved for low levels of myopia and does not correct astigmatism. Visit http://www.getintacs.com for more information.

PRK

PRK was the first laser vision correction procedure approved by the FDA. The corneal epithelium, the most superficial "skin like" layer, is actually removed and an excimer laser beam is used to remove corneal tissue until the desired correction is achieved. The epithelium will grow back in the next several days, resulting in a smooth corneal surface. PRK is quick, straightforward, does not involve any cutting of the eye, and may be preferred in cases of certain corneal abnormalities. Disadvantages include one to two days of discomfort; slower visual recovery; the chance of developing corneal haze; and the need to use medicated eyedrops for an extended time after surgery. Some patients may qualify for custom PRK.

Visian ICL (implantable collamer lens)

An alternative to laser eye surgery, implantable collamer lenses are inserted between the iris and natural lens of the eye. ICLs may remain in the eye indefinitely, but can be removed and/or replaced with a new lens if your presecription changes. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and usually takes 15 minutes to complete. More information on ICLs is available at http://www.visianinfo.com/

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

Looking for information on Crystalens®? Our physicians will be happy to discuss the best lens replacement option for you.

• AcrySof ReSTOR Apodized Diffractive Optic Posterior Intraocular Lenses (ReSTOR) are permanent artificial lenses. Made of soft plastic, the ReSTOR lens is folded and inserted into the eye through a tiny incision, smaller than the optic diameter of the lens. Once inserted, the lens gently unfolds to restore vision.
  
  A ReSTOR lens is implanted in the eye when the natural lens is removed because of a cataract in patients with or without presbyopia (over 40 eyes). This lens can also be used to correct presbyopia in patients without cataracts. Prior to ReSTOR, the objective was to restore distance vision with a monofocal IOL. Today, the goal is to enhance your vision with an IOL that may provide you with a full range of vision, minimizing your dependence on glasses, including reading glasses or bifocals.
  
  Clinical Results:
  Clinical studies have shown that the AcrySof ReSTOR IOL provides good near, intermediate, and distance vision without the need for glasses or contacts. 80% of patients with ReSTOR lenses reported that they NEVER needed glasses or contact lenses for any activities. They can read a books and the computer screen, drive a car – day or night – and play golf or tennis with freedom from glasses. 94% of patients were so pleased with their vision that they would have the ReSTOR implant again, if given the chance. More information on ReStor lenses is available at http://www.acrysofrestor.com/.
  
  

• Acrysof Toric lenses are for cataract patients with astigmatism and Acrysof IQ lenses help cataract patients with spherical aberration.