Laser Vision

Laser Vision Correction was first performed using a procedure called Photo-Refractive Keratectomy or PRK. PRK has undergone much advancement since 1995. Vision correction with PRK is accomplished by removing tissue form the surface of the cornea.

PRK

LASIK

Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, is the most popular form of laser vision correction and corrects vision by removing tissue from the inner cornea. Making a corneal flap and then reshaping the inner tissue provides a more rapid return of functional vision and less post-operative discomfort.

On the day of the procedure, anesthetic drops are placed into the eye. If the patient is a candidate for CustomVue, their unique correction information is transferred from the WaveScan to the VISX Star S4 excimer laser and guides the laser throughout the procedure.

Night driving with halos

Night driving without halos

Often, in less than a minute, the cool beam from the laser gently reshapes the cornea, removing microscopic amounts of tissue – less than the thickness of a human hair in most cases – to create a new curvature. During the procedure, the 3D ACTIVETRAK™ eye tracker follows the eye’s thinnest moves. It automatically repositions the laser to keep the laser beam focused where the doctor wants it, so one can completely relax during the procedure.

Many patients notice immediate results after CustomVue with their vision continuing to improve over several days. Routine follow-up visits complete the process. VISX lasers have been used to perform millions of laser vision correction procedures in the U.S. and around the world. Every year, more doctors use VISX lasers to perform laser vision correction than any other system.