Understanding Refractive Disorders ------[ Your Prescription in Diopters ] The History of Vision Correction Procedures LASIK Laser NEW! INTRALASE™ FS Laser ---and IntraLASIK® Software The New VISX® Star S4 ActiveTrak™ Laser PRK - Photorefractive Keratectomy Your Doctor's Role Results - PRK vs. LASIK Potential Risks LASIK Laser In the early 1980's, the concept of laser treatment for vision correction was developed and became FDA approved in the 1990's. The Excimer laser offers a tremendous amount of precision, control and safety for vision correction surgery. LASIK, or Laser in-Sitiu Keratomileusis, is the procedure of choice used in conjunction with the Excimer laser. The computer-assisted procedure offers a number of benefits because it is performed under a protective layer of corneal tissue. (The original laser procedure, PRK, is performed on the surface of the cornea). The LASIK procedure results in less surface area to heal, less risk of scarring, less risk of corneal haze, less postoperative discomfort, less postoperative need for medication and vision is restored more rapidly. LASIK can also treat a higher range of refractive errors. The LASIK Procedure The LASIK procedure is incredibly fast, accurate and virtually painless. In about 60 seconds, it will change your life forever! Immediately prior to the procedure, patients receive a mild sedative for relaxation. This is followed with topical anesthesia eye drops to completely numb the eye. An eyelid holder is placed between your eyelids to prevent you from blinking during the procedure. Next, a hinged corneal flap is made to reveal the inner corneal tissue. During this process, you will feel a little pressure, but no discomfort. The cool laser beam gently reshapes your cornea, usually in less than 60 seconds! The laser beam can remove 39-millionths of an inch of tissue in 12-billionths of a second. The precision of the LASIK procedure, demonstrated on a strand of hair. The greater the accuracy, the better the results of your final vision. In fact, the lasers are so precise, only 3% of all patients will require an enhancement procedure at a later date. The procedure is concluded when the hinged corneal flap is folded back into place where it bonds naturally within minutes after surgery, without the need for sutures. You will be able to see immediately with your new vision. However, it can take up to 3 months before you obtain your optimum vision. Although the LASIK laser is incredibly accurate, there are no guarantees that everyone can obtain 20/20 vision. How LASIK Works To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. To treat farsightedness, the cornea is made steeper. This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue around the center of the cornea. To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By changing the pattern of the beam, tissue is removed in one direction more than the other. NEW! INTRALASE™ FS Laser and IntraLASIK® Software Dr. Beitman, the only laser eye surgeon in Michigan to have the safest, most precise all-laser INTRALASE technology, was featured on Detroit's ABC news affiliates, WXYZ Channel 7 and UPN 50, several times during the week of January 28. Click on the link below to learn more about the story. Transcript and video: New Laser Improves Lasik Eye Surgery Articles: All About Vision WebMD Also: Frequently Asked Questions [ PDF format - download Adobe Acrobat Reader ] Patient Testimonial Press Release For more information, visit www.intralase.com. The New VISX® Star S4 ActiveTrak™ Laser Once again the Beitman Laser Eye Institute leads the way in LASIK laser technology in Michigan by offering the new VISX® Star S4 ActiveTrak™ laser, with 3-D infrared eye tracking system for vision correction. This breakthrough technology results in the most accurate and comfortable laser vision correction procedure available anywhere worldwide! The state-of-the-art eye tracking technology maximizes the treatment and results of vision correction surgery by precisely following the patient's eye movements to deliver each laser pulse as prescribed. As laser treatment is applied during LASIK, dual infrared cameras compensate for a patient's eye movement. The cameras track 3-dimensional movement of the cornea during the LASIK treatment which includes side-to-side and up-and-down movement. If the patient's eye moves outside the treatment zone, the laser automatically shuts down in a fraction of a second. When the eye returns to the treatment zone, Dr. Beitman can continue with the procedure. As a result, the patient has a decreased risk of decentered laser pulses, and thus receives a more effective surgery outcome. Compared to other lasers, studies have shown the larger, 6.5 mm optical zone of the VISX® laser can produce improved night vision for patients with a higher risk for nighttime glare. The 7-beam scanning array technology with the new laser creates a smooth corneal surface that leads to better visual acuity and quicker recovery! The VISX® Star S3 Excimer laser and its patented active eye tracking technology was approved by the FDA in 2000. The official treatment parameters for the new laser are: Up to 5 diopters of farsightedness with up to 4 diopters of astigmatism and, Up to 14 diopters of nearsightedness with up to 5 diopters of astigmatism. If you're interested in learning more about the enhanced benefits of the VISX® Star S4 ActiveTrak™ laser, please call for a free consultation, 1-800-826-EYES (3937), or send an e-mail. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) As with LASIK, there are no incisions made in the eye. After the eye's protective epithelium (layer of cells that regenerate weekly) is removed, the change to the cornea is made at the Bowman's layer. Computer-driven pulses of the laser beam are directed on the surface of the cornea, reshaping it to reduce or eliminate refractive disorders. The cornea maintains its original integrity since a very thin disk is removed. This is also true with LASIK. Because the PRK procedure makes changes on the surface of the eye, a "scuffing or raspberry" sensation is created over the central vision of the eye and will last several days to two weeks. This impacts the initial clarity of the vision and the healing process is considerably longer than LASIK. A steroid regimen is required to enhance the healing process. Your Doctor's Role The pre- and post-procedure care will be provided by either Beitman Laser Eye Institute or one of it's many affiliate co-managing doctors of optometry. During this process, your doctor will: Educate you about the laser and alternative treatments Discuss realistic expectations, risks and limitations Perform a thorough eye exam and testing Provide post-operative care as necessary . For your complimentary consultation: 1-800-826-EYES (3937) Home | About Us | About LASIK | Questions | Locations Contact Us | Our Patients | Bulletin Board | NewsLink | Site Map Copyright © 2000 - 2008 Beitman Laser Eye Institute Website by Fresh Papaya Design and Goodchap Design Communications, Inc. .