Laser Vision Correction Procedures

LASIK

LASIK, also known as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis or laser vision correction, is a refractive procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

LASIK is the most common type of refractive surgery. Using targeted excimer laser beam energy, the LASIK procedure reshapes corneal tissue to correct refractive errors so that light rays are focused more precisely on the retina to produce clear, sharp vision. Patients who choose to undergo LASIK achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses, while also benefiting from minimal downtime and little to no post-operative discomfort.

LASIK offers many improvements over other refractive surgery procedures. These include little or no post-operative discomfort, immediate vision improvement, and the ability to drive or return to work quickly-sometimes as soon as the next day. Most patients require no corrective eyewear after surgery although patients over 40 may require reading glasses.

IntraLase

The IntraLase method creates a blade-free approach to laser vision correction. IntraLase eliminates the need for a metal blade, also known as a microkeratome, that is used to create the corneal flap during LASIK surgery.

Instead of creating the corneal flap with a blade, IntraLase uses laser energy to create a customized flap, based on the shape of the eye, providing the patient with the best possible outcome.

The Benefits of IntraLase

While IntraLase is considered safe for most patients, there are certain risks associated with any surgical procedure.

IntraLase offers patients many benefits over the traditional LASIK procedure, including improved accuracy and customization, shorter recovery times and a reduced risk of flap-related complications. The IntraLase technique also allows for complete customization of the LASIK procedure to accommodate each patient's individual vision needs. All elements of surgery, including the size, location and angle of the flap, can be customized for the most precise results.

iLASIK

Many improvements have been made in LASIK procedures, among the newest and most advanced is iLASIK, which is the exclusive combination of IntraLase and CustomVue technologies to produce the best possible vision enhancement for patients.

• Uses wavefront diagnostic technology
• Creates custom-designed corneal flaps
• Provides an accuracy for ablation

Because of the low risk of complications and high level of precision it provides, blade-free LASIK treatment has become the standard of care among leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic teaching institutions worldwide.

Compared to methods that use a microkeratome blade, this minimally invasive and incredibly precise procedure decreases the occurrence of partial flaps, holes in the flap, and other traumatic flap complications.

Other benefits of the iLASIK procedure also include a faster treatment time and no need to dilate the pupils.

Wavefront LASIK

Wavefont technology makes it possible to perform customized refractive surgery using information gathered from the patient's own eyes. This allows the correction of very specific refractive errors that affect the patient's vision so that they may enjoy the best post-operative vision quality possible.

During the pre-operative examination, a set of measurements called a wavefront will be collected. Data from the exam is converted into a wavefront map, which is a unique profile of your optical system that is as personal as a fingerprint. The laser will map the information in your wavefront map onto your cornea, reshaping it for unparalleled vision improvement.

For more information about our Laser Vision Correction Procedures or to schedule an appointment, contact our Peoria, Scottsdale, or Wickenburg office.