LASIK / Refractive Surgery
More than one million patients have dramatically changed their lives with the help of one word: LASIK. Laser
refractive eye surgery has enabled patients with near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism to free themselves from glasses
and contact lenses. LASIK is a surgical procedure first performed in North America by Kremer Laser Eye Center in 1993. During
surgery, the surface cells of the cornea are temporarily hinged or displaced to one side. An excimer laser is then applied
under the surface of the cornea. This reshaping of the cornea allows the surgeon to correct even the most complicated prescriptions. Following
the application of the laser, the surface cells of the cornea are put back into place for a relatively quick and comfortable recovery.
There are several elements patients should look for when choosing a refractive surgeon and surgical facility. Sterility is
at the top of that list. Choosing a facility that provides a sterile, surgical environment is essential. Experience of
the surgeon is also critical. Dr. Reto and Dr. Halscheid recommend the surgeons at Kremer Laser Eye Center, who have combined
for thousands of LASIK procedures. Additionally, there have been numerous advances in the field of refractive surgery
over the past decade. Patients should align themselves with a surgical facility offering the most current technological
advancements. Lastly, choosing a surgeon who offers a True Commitment guarantee that the surgery
will last a lifetime is very important.
In 2003, Kremer Laser Eye Center introduced WAVEfront Custom LASIK. This procedure took the traditional techniques of LASIK
and combined them with the accuracy of computer measurements to result in a more personalized procedure than ever before. In
2004, Kremer introduced another improvement on LASIK called IntraLase®. This is a laser component that can be added to
LASIK to help ensure a safe and precise procedure. LASIK is a two-step procedure. During the first step, the surgeon
creates a microthin flap on the outer layer of the eye known as the cornea. Traditionally, a device known as a microkeratome
has been used to create this corneal flap. This device incorporates an oscillating surgical blade that is guided by the surgeon. During
the IntraLase® LASIK procedure, the corneal flap is created using a laser instead of a microkeratome. Since the laser
is computer-guided, the surgeon can create a corneal flap of exact diameter, depth, hinge location, centration, and overall architecture. IntraLase® can
also be used with Wavefront Custom LASIK offering patients a completely personalized procedure.
At Kremer Laser Eye Center, LASIK remains the most popular procedure performed by surgeons everyday. With recent technological
advances, most patients are now excellent candidates for LASIK. However, for those patients not candidates for LASIK due to
high prescription or thin cornea, there are other alternatives. One such procedure is the Artisan® Lens
Implant.
Clompus, Reto & Halscheid Vision Associates remains at the forefront of advancement in refractive surgery due to our
co-care affiliate relationship with Kremer Laser Eye Center.
Click here to read one patient's LASIK testimonial.
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