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Refractive Surgery Co-Management

In the past several decades, great advances have been made in the field of refractive surgery. Currently the most commonly performed is laser vision correction due to a relative lack of pain and an almost immediate improvement in visual acuity.

LASIK short for Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis is an eye surgery that reshapes the cornea (the front surface of the eye) with the use of the excimer laser so that light rays focus more accurately on the retina (the lining in the back of the eye). LASIK is an option for people who are nearsighted, farsighted or who have astigmatism.

The LASIK Procedure. The first step during the procedure is to create a circular corneal flap. In order to do this, in standard LASIK, the surgeon uses a microkeratome (a high precision steel blade). Once the flap is complete, the surgeon folds it back and uses the excimer laser’s ultra-violet beam to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The corneal flap is then folded back in place and the tissue begins the healing process.

Wavefront LASIK is a more customized LASIK procedure in which 3-Dimensional measurements are used to create a map of how the individual’s eye processes images while taking into account specific irregularities. This map is then used to guide the laser in reshaping the cornea. This procedure greatly decreases the problems with glare and halo around lights that some people experience after standard LASIK.

IntraLase also known as the all-laser procedure is a variation in the first step of LASIK surgery. The IntraLase method replaces the microkeratome. With IntraLase, tiny, rapid laser pulses are used to create the corneal flap. Advantages of this procedure include a reduction in complications associated with the microkeratome, such as irregular corneal surfaces and scarring. There also appears to be a decrease in dry eye symptoms experienced by those who opt for standard LASIK.

Recent advancements in refractive surgery include:

  • Intacs
  • PhakicIOL
  • Crytalens
  • Restore
  • Rezoom

The doctors at Fairway Park Optometry Center have extensive experience co-managing laser vision correction with locally renowned surgeons. We can evaluate if you are a good candidate for surgery.

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