PROCEDURES

LASIK

This is the most well-known and commonly performed procedure for vision correction. It is a corneal surgery in which the shape of the cornea is modified using a laser system. By changing the shape of the cornea, Dr. Paul C. Lee can adjust the refractive power (ability to focus the light) of the eye. This allows the images to be formed sharply on the posterior part of the eye called the retina. There are two steps involved in performing LASIK surgery. First is creating a corneal flap. The corneal flap is a thin layer of corneal tissue which functions as a natural "band-aid" for the eye following LASIK procedure.

There are many devices used by the surgeons to create a flap. Dr. Paul C. Lee utilizes a microkeratome called Moria One Use-Plus System. It is the latest technology in microkeratome which allows Dr. Paul C. Lee to create a safe, consistent, and customized corneal flap. It is the only microkeratome shown to outperform laser (Intralase) in creating corneal flap in terms of safety and speed of recovery. The second step in LASIK surgery is the actual correction of vision accomplished by re-sculpting the shape of the cornea with the laser.

At CCRS, Dr. Paul C. Lee utilizes 400 Hz Wavelight Allegreto System. This system utilizes the latest Wavefront-optimized technology to deliver the sharpest vision with minimal or no glare. (Please see our Technology section). LASIK surgery has gained its popularity over PRK or LASEK due to its fast recovery and minimal discomfort.

PRK or LASEK

These procedures are based on similar concept as LASIK. However, in these procedures, a corneal flap is not created. Therefore, no "cut" is made in the cornea. This is why they are also referred to as the "surface ablation" techniques. Surface ablation implies that reshaping of the cornea occurs at the very font surface of the cornea and not beneath the corneal flap as is done in LASIK.

Since there is no protective "band-aid" effect of the corneal flap, the recovery tends to be longer (one to two weeks) and is associated with more initial discomfort. The final visual outcome is same when compared with LASIK. The advantage is that, for some people with high correction and thin cornea, it may be a safer procedure than LASIK. This is because more of the corneal tissue can be used for correcting vision rather than being used as part of the corneal flap as in LASIK.

Furthermore, these surgical techniques may be recommended for some people who are at high risk for eye trauma such as boxers and military personnel.

Implantable or Intraocular Contact Lens (ICL)

This latest technology in vision correction is based on a very simple idea. The concept is to place a specially designed contact lens inside the eye rather than wearing it on the surface of the eye. This ICL is bio-compatible and is designed to last lifetime of the patient. Once the lens is placed inside the eye, the patient cannot feel it or see that it is there. This eliminates all the hassles and unwanted side-effects of contact lenses such as dry and red eyes as well as inflammation and infection.

For some patients with very high corrections and/or thin corneas this may be the best or possibly the only option. For patients who are also candidates for different surgical procedures such as LASIK or PRK, ICL may also be preferred for better clarity and clearer night time vision.

Even in patients with high corrections who are more likely to experience glare or halo following LASIK or PRK, ICL can result in virtually no or minimal glare and halos with the clearest possible vision. This is possible as vision correction does not involve changing the shape of the cornea thus preserving the natural shape of the patient's eye. Some people may be intimidated by the fact that a foreign object is placed inside the eye. However, this technology is similar to cataract surgery in which an artificial lens is also placed inside the eye. Furthermore, the bio-compatibility of these lenses has been proven beyond any doubt. ICL technique may be considered even safer than cataract surgery for, in cataract surgery, the patient's natural lens must be first removed before inserting the new lens.

ICL surgery is done in the office setting and usually takes five to ten minutes per eye. The result of this surgery can be seen almost instantly even for those patients with very high correction. Be sure to enquire if you are a candidate for this revolutionary new procedure.

Conductive Keratoplaty (CK)

CK is a non-laser and no cut technique using radio-frequency technology. This safe and effective treatment is designed to treat low to moderate hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia (eyes requiring reading glasses due to aging). Application of radio-frequency through a very fine instrument with the thickness of a human hair results in steepening of the cornea and allows the eye to focus on near objects. This painless treatment is done under local anesthesia with eye drops and is completed in less than 5 minutes.

CK can be repeated several times as the eye ages further without causing damage to the cornea or to the eye. Furthermore, CK can be very effective on the eyes that had LASIK done. It is a very good alternative for people who qualify.

Intacs

Intacs is a technology in which ring segments are placed within the cornea. This method does not involve removal of corneal tissue, and, more importantly, the treatment does not involve the center of the cornea which is mainly used for vision. This technique is very effective for low degree of nearsightedness and is completely reversible if the patient is not happy with the result. Currently this technology is also used to strengthen the eye with structural weakness. This condition is called Keratoconus. Patients with Keratoconus are not candidates for other corneal procedures such as LASIK, PRK, or LASEK.