Advances in LASIK

The single most significant advancement that has occurred over the course of the last couple years is something called bladeless LASIK technology. LASIK is a two-step process, the first of which is creating a really thin layer of tissue?kind of like a book cover. And that book cover is lifted back and then the laser reshapes the cornea to eliminate the prescription.

Matthew Pruitt is the owner of NuVision Medicenters, a center specializing in laser vision correction with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He has been working with LASIK technology since 1995 and has assisted in over 25,000 LASIK eye procedures over the course of his career. In that time, he has seen numerous breakthroughs in LASIK technology.

What are some recent advances in LASIK technology impacting patients?

The single most significant advancement that has occurred over the course of the last couple years is something called bladeless LASIK technology. LASIK is a two-step process, the first of which is creating a really thin layer of tissue?kind of like a book cover. And that book cover is lifted back and then the laser reshapes the cornea to eliminate the prescription. That first step that we do can be done in one of two ways. Before bladeless LASIK was available, it was done through a mechanical process that involved an oscillating blade, and 90% percent of all complications of LASIK occurred during the creation of that flap with the mechanical process.

The advent of a new technology called Interlace has all but eliminated the potential for complications simply by changing that process, from creating the flap with a mechanical machine to one that is automated. So what you get is better structural stability, because the automated method can create a thinner flap, and also fewer complications.

Ultimately what you end up with as the result of these new technologies are happier patients and healthier patients, which is always the goal.


How can patients ensure they are visiting a center with the latest technology?

There are a couple of things that doctors should have from the standpoint of the actual technology in the laser room. The most advanced technology and latest generation of laser is the Visx Star S4, and that''s the fifth generation of laser that is available and really is the standard of care nowadays in the United States.

More than seven out of 10 patients who are treated for LASIK and vision correction are treated with the Visx laser, and that''s just because it has the quickest advances and over time has showed the most reliable outcomes.

In addition, when patients are searching for the best LASIK center, they should also consider the doctor who will be performing the procedure. You''ll want a doctor who has a number of different methods of doing the first portion of the treatment, which is creating the flap. You will also want a doctor who has access to a bladeless method. And finally, you want a doctor who is competent in treating patients who need surface treatments. Surface treatments?better known as LASEK or PRK?are methods that are appropriate for patients who have really severe prescriptions and there is not enough tissue to justify making the flap. And with those types of treatments you want a doctor with a whole lot of experience, such as Dr. Jerreyll Jackson, a board-certified ophthalmologist who is the medical director at NuVision.

But all of those things, as important as they are, patient selection is the thing that''s really critical to getting a good successful outcome that can confidently last the rest of the patient''s life. And in order to do that, you have to have good up-to-date diagnostic equipment to determine whether LASIK is something that is appropriate for patients to begin with.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

Matthew Pruitt is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a plastic surgeon or more plastic surgery articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Advances in LASIK