Patients who want their vision problems corrected with the latest laser
technology can get their wish fulfilled by ophthalmologists at University
of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
A highly advanced new system integrates a unique function that essentially
generates a fingerprint of the eye with 3-D tracking capabilities and
a treatment zone that is up to 51 percent larger than earlier systems.
"The system is precise, safe, and flexible," said John Sutphin,
M.D., a clinical professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual
Sciences and a specialist in refractive corneal surgery. "We can
treat patients even faster, yet the system is also very reliable and provides
excellent outcomes."
The system, manufactured by VISX, Inc., is used by to treat patients
who are near-sighted or far-sighted. The system provides photo-therapeutic
keratectomy (PTK) and trans-epithelial (PRK) and subepithelial (LASEK)
refractive surgery treatments, in addition to the more popular LASIK procedures.
It is the only laser eye surgery system that can capture all three dimensions
of eye movements during a procedure, which means that it is not necessary
to dilate the patient's eyes.
"We can also use the technology to adjust the size of the laser
beam according to the treatment, which minimizes the amount of corneal
tissue that is removed," Sutphin added. "In addition, we now
screen patients with advanced new technology, to decide when waiting for
the next type of laser treatment or not having laser treatment is in the
patient's best interest."
Candidates for refractive surgery:
- Age 18 years or older
- Myopia (nearsightedness) up to -14 diopters either without astigmatism
or from -0.5 to -5 diopters of astigmatism. INTACS are available for
patients with myopia of -1 to -3 diopters and less than 1 diopter of
astigmatism.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness) from +1 to +6.0 diopters with less than
6 diopters of astigmatism by laser treatment, and +.75 to +3.00 with
less than 1 diopter of astigmatism by Conductive Keratoplasty
- No history of eye disease, corneal scarring, or retinal problems
- Not pregnant or nursing for 3 months and not planning a pregnancy
in the 6 months after surgery
- A stable refraction
For more information, patients and their families may call Lisa Milder
in the Refractive Surgery Service at 319-353-7625. |
 For
more information:
Department of Ophthalmology
and Visual Sciences
Refractive
Surgery |
