• Lasik
• PRK
• Frequently Asked Questions

LASIK is the most popular of the refractive laser procedures. LASIK involves the creation of a thin flap of corneal tissue which has a small hinge area to aid flap realignment. This flap is hinged aside and the laser treatment applied to the exposed cornea. When the flap is replaced, it tightly adheres to the corneal surface without sutures. The flap speeds healing and visual recovery.

Traditional LASIK involves the precise measurement of the refractive correction and the input of this data into the laser. Options are available to the surgeon to vary the amount of treatment, the diameter of the treated area and to use blend zone to smooth the edge of the treatment area.

Traditional LASIK offers the advantage of greater flexibility in altering the amount of treatment performed, being able to treat corrections that fall outside the current WaveScan approval range, and not having to remove as much corneal tissue. The ability to correct a patient's vision with less removal of tissue is important for patients with thinner corneas. It is exciting that the WaveScan measurements have helped us refine our accuracy with traditional LASIK.

WaveScan Custom Cornea Technology

The FDA approved Visx S4 variable spot scanning excimer laser is an exciting new advancement in refractive surgery. A key component is a device which measures the optical imperfections of the eye in a very precise manner. A customized program for correction of your eye is created and downloaded into the laser's computer to perform a treatment pattern which is individualized. The treatment zone is large and with custom peripheral blending, tends to provide improved night vision and better vision under low light conditions. Patients who have optical imperfections which spectacles do not correct are greatly benefited by the custom approach. Those who have unusual corneal shape maps can also be ideal candidates for WaveScan treatment.

Our facility offers:

• WaveScan Wavefront Analysis: A new technology which provides a detailed evaluation of the optics of each patient's eye.
• Orbsan Topography: This device creates a detailed topographic map of the shape and thickness of the cornea. This information helps the doctor choose the safest procedure to correct your vision.
• Visx S4 3D Active Tracking Excimer Laser: Through wave scan custom cornea technology, and an advanced infrared tracking system which follows the movement of the eye, we can now deliver a more precise laser treatment.
• Iris Registration: A new level of precision in treatment alignment is now available at the WVU Eye Institute. The iris registration system identifies multiple iris reference points when the Wavescan is acquired. These reference points are used to align your custom laser treatment with a level of accuracy which is unprecedented.
• Updated "State of the Art" Software for Custom View Treatments: Software upgrades and recent FDA approvals have expanded our ability to treat patients with the custom laser technology. Higher degrees of nearsightedness (-6.0 D to -11.0 D with astigmatism to -3.0 D), farsightedness (+3.0 D with astigmatism to 2.0 D) and mixed astigmatism are now available with the custom view format. To learn more about the custom view advantage go to www.visx.com.

The Lasik Team

We have developed a team approach to refractive surgery which we feel delivers a personalized care and the best outcomes. The technicians and doctor that perform your initial evaluation are also involved with your treatment and follow up. We feel this consistency of care is important for patient confidence and satisfaction. Involvement of the physicians and staff at every step of the refractive surgical process is our most important quality control measure. Your postop care is not delegated to an uninvolved party.