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Overview
Before the LASIK procedure, the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix™ diagnostic system is used to map thousands of data points- giving our doctors a fully detailed,
three-dimensional picture of your eye's shape and characteristics. Our doctors translate the information from the diagnostic process into a personalized laser treatment plan for
each eye, providing detailed correction that cannot be provided with conventional LASIK.
LASIK is actually a two-step process. In the first step, the surgeon creates a flap of
corneal tissue and folds it back to prepare the eye for the second step, where an excimer laser is used on the inner cornea to correct vision. This two-step process allows for
rapid visual recovery with little or no patient discomfort.
Traditionally, the corneal flap is created with a hand-held microkeratome blade. While this method has worked well
over the years, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable and are frequently the source of LASIK complications.
With IntraLase, the surgeon uses the
precision of a computer-guided laser to create the corneal flap. IntraLase delivers micron-level accuracy over 100 times greater than that of a microkeratome (17,18), giving the surgeon
more control during the procedure and the ability to establish precise dimensions and thickness of the corneal flap, factors which are critical to a successful LASIK outcome.
This level
of precision is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery. IntraLase allows surgeons to tailor the corneal flap for each individual patient, and each individual eye.
Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase may make LASIK a viable option even for patients who previously didn't qualify, such as those with thin corneas.
The laser smoothes the
surface of the cornea, allowing you to achieve better vision. The length of the actual laser treatment varies from 30 to 90 seconds. After the eye is treated, the corneal flap is placed back
and it naturally adheres, requiring no suture. The procedure is virtually pain-free. The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes per eye. Vision the morning after surgery is commonly
20/40 or better without glasses. Most people get back to their normal routine quickly - even going back to work the day after surgery.
Procedures that we offer -
Bausch & Lomb™ Standard LASIK
The Laser Center at Florida Eye Clinic utilizes blade-free
IntraLase technology and the Bausch & Lomb laser system to offer our patients the highest degree of predictability and precision.
Zyoptix™ Customized LASIK
The Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix™ system, the world's only fully integrated technology for customized laser
vision correction using wavefront and topography technology, has been used in more than 300,000 procedures worldwide.
NearVision CK™
Over 40? Do your wear reading glasses? Then Near VisionSM CK™ may be right for you. Designed for baby boomers,
CK™ uses radio frequency (RF) energy to reshape the eye and improve vision. Patients around the world have undergone this safe
procedure with success, reducing their dependence on glasses to drive at night, work on the computer or read a menu.
Near VisionSM CK™ technology stems from 20 years of research using energy to change the shape of your eye and correct refractive focusing errors. With CK™,
controlled energy shrinks the corneal tissue to steepen the cornea. This steepening results in the desired refractive effect. Because CK™ does
not involve the cutting of your cornea, the procedure can be conveniently performed in our surgery center using only a topical (eye drop) anesthesia.
It can be performed in a matter of minutes. FDA Phase III clinical trials demonstrated an excellent safety profile.
Patients can even return to work or normal activities the next day. Learn more about Near VisionSM CK™ at myclearvision.com.
 The first step in Lasik sugery involves creating the flap on the surface of the
cornea with a microkeratome or the IntraLase Laser.This instrument automatically cuts a small
flap on the cornea and then this flap is lifted and the cornea is reshaped by performing PRK. The flap is then laid down and heals overnight. If you
have a thin cornea or an abnormal shape to the cornea you may have PRK performed without making the flap. You will end up with the same result but
you will have increased healing time (3-10 days on the average) and increased pain which will be controlled by pain medications. No pain medication
is required for the post-op period after LASIK.
PRK uses an excimer laser to change the shape of the cornea (the transparent front surface of the eye).
PRK was the first type of vision correction surgery approved by the FDA using the excimer laser. FDA approval occurred in 1995
and includes myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, and hyperopia (farsightedness). Recently CustomVue (wavefront guided) PRK
was also approved for laser vision correction.
During the PRK procedure, the excimer laser beam removes tissue directly on the cornea. This is compared to LASIK where the PRK procedure is
performed after the flap is made and lifted back. Again, you will end up with the same result as with LASIK.
The success of PRK in eliminating the need for contacts and glasses is excellent. Depending on the level of myopia (nearsightedness),
astigmatism, and hyperopia (farsightedness), the results with standard PRK may vary; however, a good rule of thumb is that over 98%
of patients achieve vision > 20/40 and over 65% achieve vision > 20/20. The proportion of patients who achieve 20/20 vision is greater
for low levels of nearsightedness and farsightedness.
PRK is often used on patients who have thin corneas or fragile epithelium (surface cells), where LASIK is not an advisable procedure.
While PRK has a high success rate, it has been supplanted by LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) for most patients. The reasons include:
1. Faster visual recovery
2. Absence of a large defect in the epithelial cells
3. Ability to perform surgery in both eyes at the same time due to rapid visual recovery
4. Protection of the superficial layer of corneal stroma called Bowman's Layer
5. Minimal risk of corneal haze during the healing process
Intra-ocular Lenses
A New Look on Life with the AcrySof® ReSTOR® Cataract Lens.
About AcrSof® ReSTOR® IOL AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL the first and only apodized diffractive IOL for cataract patients with
and without presbyopia, uses a unique, patented apodized diffractive technology to provide patients with a full range of
quality vision (near, intermediate and distance), and greatly reduce their reliance on glasses. This optic design result
in an increased range of quality vision that delivers a high level of spectacle freedom. Apodization improves image quality
by optimizing light energy delivered to the retina by distributing the appropriate amounts of light to near and distant focal
points, regardless of lighting situation. This new IOL is particularly well suited for patients who wish to reduce their dependency
on reading glasses and bifocals once their cataract lens is removed. The AcrySof ® ReSTOR® IOL is based on the AcrySof ® design and
material platform. AcrySof ® lenses are the fastest growing and most frequently implanted lenses in the world, with more than 22 million
implants since their introduction in the early 1990s. There are approximately three million cataract surgeries performed annually
in the United States.
About Alcon-
Alcon, Inc. is the world’s leading eye care company with sales exceeding $3.9 billion in 2004. Global sales of its IOLs, primarily the
AcrySof® family of lenses, totaled more than $580 million in 2004. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for over
50 years, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contact lens solutions and other vision
care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. For more information on Alcon, Inc., Visit the company’s
Web site at www.alconinc.com. For more info please check out this site as well AcrySof®
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