For several years Refractive Surgeons like our Dr. Darrell White have been using a Femto-Second laser to make the LASIK flap. This flap is then lifted up and the actual laser re-shaping of the cornea, the window of the eye, is then done with another laser called an Excimer Laser. After the prescription has been molded onto the cornea the flap is then replaced and heals.
This new development is very cool! A femto-second laser made by Zeiss creates a space in the cornea, kind of like a flap, but the opening is not completed all the way around like a true flap. A small opening is made on one side of this space. A second pass of the laser then cuts a "lenticule", a small thin layer of the internal cornea. This cut is individualized to the patient's prescription. The lenticule is then removed from the small opening on the side of the original laser incision leaving only about 4mm that needs to heal!
Voila! A no-flap LASIK!!
At the moment this procedure is only approved for use in Europe, but Zeiss has applied for it to be used here in the U.S. You can be sure that Dr. White and Skyvision Centers will be on the cutting edge once it gets to Cleveland!
No comments:
Post a Comment