LASIK
Laser vision correction (LASIK) is an ophthalmic procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism to eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Over the last several years, the technology used to perform LASIK has continually improved. Two of the most significant LASIK technology breakthroughs are “Custom LASIK” and “Bladeless LASIK”. Both of these procedures significantly reduce the complication rate and increase the quality of the results. Dr. Shapiro only performs Custom LASIK and offers All-LASER LASIK.
Excimer lasers differ in a number of ways, but conventional laser treatments use the same formula to treat each patient with the same optical prescription. With the advent of wavefront-guided custom treatments, refractive surgeons are able to address unique imperfections in each patient. Dr. Shapiro uses the most advanced laser currently approved by the FDA. It incorporates wavefront principles into each procedure while adjusting the treatment to the patient’s unique corneal curvature.
During the LASIK procedure, a flap is created on the surface of the cornea. Then a computer controlled laser is used to remove the proper amount of corneal tissue. The average procedure takes around ten seconds or less! The thin flap of corneal tissue is then folded back into its original position. Healing time is very fast. In fact, most patients are able to return to their regular daily activities the day after their procedure. And, the results of LASIK are permanent, so you can view the world with clear crisp vision for years to come.
Bladeless LASIK
Bladeless LASIK, using the Ziemer Laser, is the most advanced laser technology for performing the critical first step of the LASIK procedure: creating the corneal flap. This technology replaces the hand-held microkeratome blade with the computer-guided precision of a laser for an all-laser LASIK procedure.
All-laser LASIK has significant safety benefits over using a blade to make the flap. Most doctors would agree that the blade flaps are the main source of vision threatening complications in LASIK. However, when a laser is used to make a flap, virtually all flap complications are eliminated. In addition, studies have shown that there can be a higher rate of inducing vision distortions with blade flaps versus laser flaps because the blade flap is thiner in the center and more prone to tearing.
The Z-LASIK Procedure
The Ziemer laser creates a flap with pinpoint accuracy in size and thickness by using extremely low density rapid laser pulses. Once the flap is made, the Allegretto laser is used to correct vision. The entire procedure takes only about 15 minutes from start to finish!
Z-LASIK facts
- The safety profile of femtosecond lasers have been demonstrated in over 1 million cases
- The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps have all approved, and strongly recommend, femtosecond lasers for use on their personnel
- NASA has approved femtosecond lasers for astronauts
- Femtosecond lasers have a track record of enhanced safety
- Z-LASIK is a LASIK procedure performed with the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Femtosecond surgical laser in conjunction with the Allegretto laser.
To learn if you are a candidate for LASIK, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
