Global Vision Inc. to provide laser vision correction for Jacksonville residents.JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 1995--Global Vision Inc., a privately held refractive laser center company based in Jacksonville, Tuesday commented on news of the FDA's approval of Summit Technology Inc.'s laser systems for correcting nearsightedness nearsightedness or myopia, defect of vision in which far objects appear blurred but near objects are seen clearly. Because the eyeball is too long or the refractive power of the eye's lens is too strong, the image is focused in front of the to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. "In September of this year, Global Vision was the first company in northern Florida to use the excimer laser to perform phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK PTK Phi Theta Kappa PTK Protein Tyrosine Kinase (insulin receptor) PTK Polskiego Towarzystwa Kardiologicznego (Polish Cardiac Society) PTK Phototherapeutic Keratectomy PTK Pairwise Transient Key ). This procedure, approved by the FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. last March, corrects corneal imperfections for people who in most cases, would require a corneal transplant," said Jerry Maida, M.D., M.B.A., chairman of Global Vision, and FDA clinical investigator for the excimer laser. "With our excimer laser in place, we also expect to be the first company in northern Florida to perform photorefractive keratectomy (PRK PRK photorefractive keratectomy. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) A procedure that uses an excimer laser to make modifications to the cornea and permanently correct myopia. ), the laser procedure to correct nearsightedness." The excimer laser uses a form of highly concentrated ultraviolet light projected as a column of densely compacted rays. This beam of "cold" light has the ability to vaporize va·por·ize v. To convert or be converted into a vapor. Vaporize To dissolve solid material or convert it into smoke or gas. and remove layers of soft tissues without damaging any adjacent or underlying tissues or cells. The laser can remove one-quarter of a millionth of an inch of tissue in 12 billionths of a second. The light is used to flatten the cornea to eliminate nearsightedness by vaporing corneal cells. Many doctors believe this procedure is safer and more precise than the surgical procedure called radial keratotomy (RK). PRK has been widely used throughout Europe, South America and Canada as early as 1989. The FDA approval now confirms that the agency believes the procedure to be safe and effective in treating nearsightedness. "The approval means that Global Vision can now move forward with its plan to open approximately 20 refractive laser centers throughout the U.S. over the next 12 months," said James P. Cefaratti, president of Global Vision, "and up to 100 over the next five years." In the midst Adv. 1. in the midst - the middle or central part or point; "in the midst of the forest"; "could he walk out in the midst of his piece?" midmost of all the excitement over the approval it should be noted that PRK is not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Maida advised: "It is important to check with your optometrist optometrist /op·tom·e·trist/ (op-tom´e-trist) a specialist in optometry. Optometrist A medical professional who examines and tests the eyes for disease and treats visual disorders by prescribing corrective or ophthalmologist ophthalmologist /oph·thal·mol·o·gist/ (of?thal-mol´ah-jist) a physician who specializes in ophthalmology. oph·thal·mol·o·gist n. A physician who specializes in ophthalmology. to see if you fit the criteria. Or, in Jacksonville you may call 355-5111 to get more information or schedule a free screening with a Global Vision affiliated doctor." Global Vision Inc. owns and operates laser vision care centers in the United States. CONTACT: Global Vision Inc., Jacksonville Joann B. Rushing, Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations, 904/355-5111 |
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