LASIK Surgery and Technology From Utah Valley Eye Center
The human eye captures images in much the same way that a camera does. Light enters the lens of the eye, called the cornea, and an image is projected on the light-sensitive tissue on the back of the eye, known as the retina. Most vision problems, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, are caused by imperfections in the shape of the cornea that cause the images projected onto the retina to be blurred or distorted.
How LASIK Corrects Vision Problems
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery that corrects visual errors by reshaping the cornea with a laser.
LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted in situ Kertomileusis. The main difference between LASIK and other refractive surgery procedures, such as LASEK and PRK, is the technique the surgeon uses to access the corneal tissue. In LASIK, the surgeon creates a small flap in the outer tissue of the cornea with a small blade or laser. Once the flap has been created, he can then reshape the cornea with the Excimer Laser.
LASIK is performed under local anesthesia (the surgeon will provide anesthetic eye drops prior to the surgery) and takes about 15 minutes to complete.
The Benefits of LASIK
LASIK is a very commonly performed procedure that has proven to be both safe and effective. The results of LASIK are almost immediate, with most patients experiencing improved eyesight within hours of the surgery. The tiny flap created in the surface of the cornea heals quickly without sutures or bandages.
Finding a qualified, experienced surgeon to perform your LASIK procedure is of the utmost importance.
State-of-the-Art Technology
VISX S4™ CustomVue Laser
The VISX S4™ CustomVue laser employs the Wavescan system, which captures a unique fingerprint of the eye that is 25 times more precise than was possible by previous methods. The information generated by the Wavescan can be used to develop treatment options customized for each patient. The VISX S4™ employs state-of-the-art optics, precision eye tracking, and sophisticated variable beam delivery to allow the most precise treatment available. The VISX S4™ CustomVue laser allows us to treat more patients, including those who didn’t fit previous treatment parameters for corneal thickness and regularity, with greater precision and consistency than with older technology.
Bausch and Lomb Technolas® Zyoptix™ Laser
Providing patients with individualized vision correction, the Bausch and Lomb Technolas® Zypotix™ Laser uses “flying spot” and wavefront-guided technology. These technologies produce a smoother corneal surface and increase both the accuracy and safety of the laser vision correction procedure. In a clinical study, more than 90 percent of patients who have undergone laser vision correction with the Zypotix™ laser have achieved 20/20 vision or better, making it a popular choice for both surgeons and patients.
Oculus Pentacam
The Oculus Pentacam is a 3-D rotating camera that can measure the entire anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea. It can map the cornea with a great deal of accuracy and help us diagnose vision problems and design a treatment plan accordingly.
YAG Laser
Utah Valley Eye Center is the only ophthalmology facility in the area with an in-house YAG laser. The YAG laser can be used to correct the post-operative haze that sometimes develops after cataract surgery in a procedure called laser capsulotomy. It is also used to create a small opening in the iris for glaucoma, or to treat and prevent pupillary block. This must be done prior to the implantation of a phakic IOL. For your convenience the YAG Laser is located in our office and will not require a visit to a hospital or surgery center. Dr. Olson was one of the original investigators for the YAG lasers in the 80s.
Utah Valley Physicians Plaza
1055 North 300 West, Suite 204
Provo, Utah 84604
P: 801-357-7373
F: 801-357-7217