LASIK Eye Medical Center

ANN ARBOR, MI -Patients looking for the ultrafast laser, the newest technology in LASIK eye surgery, can now find it at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center.
 
Paul R. Lichter, M.D., Director of the Kellogg Eye Center
But the installation of the new system means something more to Kellogg physicians and scientists. It represents technology originally developed at the University by a collaboration of scientists at the Kellogg Eye Center and the U-M College of Engineering that led to the formation of IntraLase Corp., in Irvine, California.

The IntraLase FS laser, which is available in just a few Michigan eye centers, represents an advance over conventional LASIK systems because it uses extremely rapid laser pulses rather than a blade in the critical first step of LASIK refractive surgery for vision correction.

LASIK surgeons typically use a device called a microkeratome with a blade to create and fold back a flap in the cornea. While the traditional system has a very low incidence of complications — less than 1 percent — the IntraLase FS is so precise that it virtually eliminates complications associated with the flap.

Paul R. Lichter, M.D., Director of the Kellogg Eye Center, expects to see gradual, widespread adoption of this technology.

“For the moment, just a few ophthalmology practices have made the investment in the IntraLase unit,” he says. “That will change as consumers demand the most advanced and nearly risk-free technology for vision correction.” Lichter, who participated in the early stages of research, says that the ultrafast laser also has potential for changing the way physicians perform certain glaucoma procedures and other cornea surgeries.

IntraLase representatives report that 85 units have been installed nationwide, and some 100,000 LASIK surgeries have been performed since the company was formed in 1997.

Traditional LASIK procedures begin by placing a suction ring on the eye, creating a vacuum to hold the cornea while the surgeon uses a metal blade on the microkeratome to cut a flap. The flap is folded back and then the laser corrects the patient’s vision. By contrast, the ultrafast laser creates the flap by using rapidly fired, very short pulses that can focus on a spot size of only 3 microns. The speed is measured in femtoseconds, a measurement equal to one quadrillionth of a second.

As a result, the surgeon can create an exceptionally precise incision in the cornea. In addition, the ultrafast laser applies less energy to the corneal tissue so that there is little risk of damaging surrounding tissue. Because the edge of the incision is exceptionally smooth, the flap is more easily realigned when it is returned to its place after the surgery.

	Did You Know?
	LASIK produces a little discomfort Some people experience discomfort, which is normally described as a slight stinging feeling or the feeling as if you have something in your eye.

If you have any questions about lasik eye surgery, contact one of our Washington Lasik Surgeons today.