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Introducing UltraLASIK
UltraLASIK is a combination of the two latest technologies in
laser vision correction which together provide a customized,
all-laser treatment that maximizes both safety and results.
The Iowa
Eye Center is dedicated to providing you with the latest
technology. As surgeons, we want to ensure that you get the
safest, most effective treatment available for your precious
eyesight.
What is
UltraLASIK?
UltraLASIK uses the most advanced technology available to
achieve superior results while ensuring the highest level of
safety. Your eyes are as unique as your fingerprints and
deserve a treatment tailored to your specific needs.
The new UltraLASIK uses
Intralase flap creation technology in combination with the
Custom Wavefront to achieve superior vision correction by
creating a customized treatment that takes into account your
individual needs at each step of the procedure.
Step 1: Safe and
Precise Flap Creation
UltraLASIK uses the most advanced laser technology to create
an ultra-thin flap on the front surface of the eye. The 60 KHz
laser beam passes harmlessly through the outer layers of the
cornea to an exact focal point where the flap will be placed.
The laser uses high-speed pulses to gently separate the layers
of the cornea at a precise depth. The increased accuracy
will allow your surgeon to place the flap at the optimal
position for your individualized treatment.
The increased control permitted by the laser minimizes risk of
flap-related complications, increasing the safety of the
procedure. Also, since the laser makes a thinner flap, more
people with higher prescriptions are able to qualify for
UltraLASIK.
Step 2: Custom Vision
Correction
UltraLASIK uses the Visx CustomVue™
laser vision correction treatment to go beyond correcting
nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Measurements
are taken of the visual imperfections unique to each eye.
These measurements function as a roadmap for your
treatment allowing the laser to precisely correct the focus of
your vision.
After the flap
has been lifted, cool laser pulses are used to gently reshape
the cornea and eliminate the specific imperfections in your vision. The
correction of these unique distortions allows patients to
experience sharper, crisper, better quality vision. Customized
correction also reduces nighttime vision difficulties such as
halos and glare. The flap is then replaced, acting as a
protective bandage, and heals quickly without discomfort.
Before UltraLASIK
Originally, LASIK surgery used laser pulses applied
directly to the front of the eye. As technology progressed, it
was discovered that using the corrective laser under a thin
layer of tissue lifted from the cornea decreased healing time
and greatly reduced discomfort. It also yielded better results
and clearer vision than previous methods.
When corneal flap creation was
first utilized in vision correction procedures, a mechanical
instrument called a microkeratome was used to separate the
layers of tissue with a very thin surgical blade. While
LASIK complications are very rare, most are associated with
this flap creation method. The use of laser technology to
create the flap was developed as an alternative to the
microkeratome and has slowly evolved and improved over the
last several years. With the introduction of the 60 KHz
Intralase, using the laser to create the flap has finally
surpassed the mechanical keratome in both precision and
safety.
Physicians at Iowa Eye
Center always strive to incorporate the newest technology in
laser
treatment but only when it has proven benefits
to the patient.
Benefits of UltraLASIK UltraLASIK takes advantage of the enhanced
benefits provided by the development of the laser flap
creation technology. The safety of the procedure has increased
due to the precision and predictability of using a laser
instead of mechanical instruments to create the flap.
Additionally, the greater degree of control over flap
thickness allows patients who were previously not candidates
to experience the benefits of better vision.
Patients
also experience better vision results because UltraLASIK
procedure is customized during both steps: flap creation and
vision correction. Customized corrective treatment based on
precise measurements of your vision corrects the unique
optical imperfections in your eyes making your best vision a
reality.
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