LADARVision uses state-of-the-art technology that is uniquely different from other laser vision correction systems available today. The LADARVision® system incorporates the use of the LADARTracker™, a high-speed computerized eye tracking method that helps the doctor enhance your treatment. The LADARTracker™ had its genesis in technology research done by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA). Today, it’s incorporated into our new-generation excimer laser to provide superior precision, and less worry, for patients desiring laser correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.
Your eyes are continually making very fine jumping movements - called “saccadic” movements - and they are beyond your control, no matter how hard you concentrate. They occur during all laser vision correction treatments. Our LADARVision® system, however, assists the doctor by scanning the eye an amazing 4,000 times per second. Then, using computer control, it makes micro-adjustments at speeds of 100 times per second to reposition the pinpoint laser beam between pulses of light, tracking even the smallest and quickest movements of your eye during treatment.
In addition, our LADARVision system uses an ultra-small beam of cool laser light - one that’s less than a millimeter wide, a spot much smaller than the thickness of a single human hair. Using high-speed computer control, the LADARVision® system moves this tiny beam of light across the surface of the cornea very rapidly in a tiny, non-sequential and overlapping pattern. This helps create a smoother surface on your eye after your treatment, which has been attributed to quick visual recovery.Finally, because of its state-of-the art active tracking system and its unmatched precision, our LADARVision system means that LASIK laser vision correction is even easier for our patients. Now, you can relax and not worry about holding your eye perfectly still during your treatment.
What is Epi-LASIK?
Epi-LASIK is an abbreviation for Epithelial Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis. This procedure is an advanced type of corneal surface ablation to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Like the other Laser Eye Surgery surface ablation procedures such as PRK and LASEK, it attempts to merge the desirable features of LASIK, PRK and LASEK. In this procedure, a specially designed microkeratome like instrument is used to create a thin flap of corneal epithelium. It achieves this by gently separating the epithelium from the underlying corneal layer without cutting . In Epi LASIK, no alcohol solution is applied to loosen and remove the surface of the epithelium as in LASEK. Epi-LASIK is similar to LASEK in that it is a LASIK Eye Surgery procedure that can be used for patients who have thin corneas and might not otherwise be good candidates for ordinary LASIK. Once the epithelial layer has been removed, the Excimer Laser is then applied and reshapes the cornea to correct your prescription, as in LASIK, PRK and LASIK. Upon completion of the Excimer Laser application, the epithelial flap is then returned to its original position.
Epi-LASIK has a relative advantage in that it avoids any of the potential complications encountered while making a conventional LASIK flap and during the flap healing process. Compared to LASEK and PRK it is believed that Epi-LASIK can allow a more rapid visual recovery, perhaps 3-4 days versus a 7 days or more with PRK and 5-7 days with LASEK. LASIK generally offers patients a minimal amount of discomfort, if any. With PRK, LASEK and again with Epi-LASIK, a thin soft bandage contact lens will be worn for several days after treatment to help with healing and minimize discomfort. Whereas with PRK there may be moderate discomfort for 1-2 days. With LASEK it is less and with Epi-LASIK it is believed to be even less, but still not quite as comfortable as with ordinary LASIK. Advanced LASIK Eye Surgery surface ablation such as Epi-LASIK may be your best choice is you have thin corneas or have certain conditions of the cornea. In general it is best to leave the recommendation of which procedure to is best for you, up to your LASIK surgeon based on your consultation