LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis)

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LASIK is an acronym for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis, which simply means to shape the cornea (outer window of the eye) so that light rays focus more precisely on the retina, thereby reducing or eliminating refractive errors.

One of the most popular ways to correct vision is with a procedure called LASIK, which uses a laser to change the curvature of the cornea (outer window of the eye). LASIK has quickly become the procedure of choice for most patients because they recover quickly and have fewer side effects and complications than with other methods of vision correction. In fact, most LASIK patients notice a significant improvement in their vision soon after surgery. LASIK removes tissue within the cornea to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Dr. Rush now uses the most safe and advanced technology to perform the LASIK procedure called, the WaveLight© laser. This laser is specifically designed for the LASIK procedure, and is an entirely new laser platform. Click here for more information.

To treat nearsightedness, the steep cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from in front of the retina to directly on the retina.

To treat farsightedness, the flat cornea is made steeper by removing tissue outside of the central optical zone of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from behind the retina to directly on the retina.

To treat astigmatism, the cornea is made more spherical -- like a basketball instead of a football. This eliminates multiple focusing points within the eye and creates one point of focus on the retina. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

LASIK is for those who:

want to reduce or eliminate thir dependence on glasses or contacts
are at least 18 years of age
have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
have no health issues affecting their eyes
have no signs of glaucoma or cataracts

J. Avery Rush, MD and Sloan Rush, MD have once again set the standard in laser vision correction with the Panhandle's first WaveLight FS200 Femtosecond Laser and the first WaveLight Excimer laser system for Custom LASIK. Approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), our Allegretto Wave system offers patients improved safety, enhanced precision and unsurpassed results.

WaveLight^® FS200 Femtosecond Laser

Faster Flap Creation

Featuring the world's fastest flap creation times, the 200 KHz WaveLight^® FS200 Femtosecond Laser delivers precise, predictable outcomes¹:

Standard flap creation in approximately 6.0 seconds
Automated vacuum control of the patient interface for consistent suction
Minimized IOP and ocular distortion during suction
Fast visual regeneration

Treatment times are approximate.

Tailored Performance

Offering adjustable hinge position and size, variable side-cut angles, flap sizes, and shapes, the WaveLight^® FS200 Femtosecond Laser allows surgeons to expand their treatment options:

Adjustable flap centration after suction is applied
Intracorneal ring segments
Lamellar and penetrating keratoplasty

Precision at Every Turn

The WaveLight^® FS200 Femtosecond Laser combines a small focus with low pulse energy and a unique cutting pattern for accurate flap creation:

Sharp cutting edges
Smooth stromal beds
Easy to lift flaps
Minimized opaque bubble layers

Calibration That's a Cut Above

Utilizing the proprietary Beam Control Check, the WaveLight^® FS200 Femtosecond Laser accommodates a wide range of patient variables for more consistent flaps:

Compensates for Z-Position variances
Compensates for temperature shift of the laser system's components
Automatically calibrated for each applanation cone
Consistent flap thickness through a reduction of standard deviation

An Eye Toward Ergonomics

The WaveLight^® FS200 Femtosecond Laser offers numerous features for improved usability and procedural efficiency:

High-quality microscope provides visibility throughout the entire procedure
Adjustable joystick that can accommodate either hand depending on the treated eye
Motorized laser arm moves in 3 axes for more precise docking

Seamless Integration

As part of the WaveLight^® Refractive Suite, the WaveLight^® FS200 Femtosecond Laser can be linked through WaveNet^™, an integrated network, with the WaveLight^® EX500 Excimer Laser and WaveLight^® diagnostic devices for simplified data throughput:

Improves the patient experience and patient flow
Saves valuable surgeon and staff time
Reduces the potential of transcription errors for consistent refractive outcomes

WaveLight^® Laser

Designed specifically for LASIK with applied German engineering, this new generation of refractive laser technology is the first Excimer laser of its kind. The WaveLight laser platform is not a 3rd or 4th generation adaptation of existing laser technology, but an entirely new excimer laser system.

The WaveLight Excimer laser offers patients a superior beam profile and eye tracking system, which results in a higher quality of vision. The results our doctors achieve with this ‘Perfect Pulse’ laser technology is why we continue to be the clear choice for LASIK in the Panhandle.

Beyond 20/20

Taking human sight beyond 20/20 is possible. The WaveLight® Laser brings you closer to achieving your desire for perfect vision. This technology, built by WaveLight, represents a new generation in laser vision technology.

Performance

Operating at 200 HZ, the WaveLight® Laser is one of the fastest excimer laser systems available in the United States, treating one diopter of correction in only four seconds. An average treatment will take no more than 10-12 seconds – in many cases even less.

Quality of Vision

Today, patients want to see better than with their glasses and contact lenses. They want to improve their quality of vision, especially at night and with regard to depth perception and contrast sensitivity. The WaveLight® Laser is engineered to consider the natural shape of the human eye, aiming to improve what nature originally designed. The Wavefront Optimized™ treatment considers the unique curvature and biomechanics of the eye, preserving quality of vision and addressing the spherical distortions that can induce glare and may affect night vision.

Safety

The WaveLight® Laser relies on PerfectPulse Technology® to accurately control the energy level and exact placement of every laser pulse as it reaches the eye. The high-speed active eye-tracker tracks the eye 200 times per second, following even the fastest eye movements during treatment. If the eye moves out of range, the procedure pauses until the eye returns to a treatment position.