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Davis Duehr Dean Refractive Surgery
Vision Correction Surgery Options
Refractive surgery refers to any surgery,
laser or non-laser, that permanently changes the way the eye
focuses light internally, to reduce or eliminate:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Astigmatism
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
While eyeglasses and removable contact lenses do temporarily correct refractive errors, refractive surgery offers a more permanent option for those who do not wish to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses for occupational, recreational, medical, or cosmetic reasons.
LASER SURGERY
The most common vision correction surgery today is laser refractive
surgery. Laser vision correction uses laser light from an excimer
laser to reshape the cornea to change the eye's focusing (refractive) power.
LASIK & PRK
LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are the most widely used and best known of the FDA-approved corneal refractive surgical procedures.
- LASIK is by far the most common procedure to correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK uses a special surgical instrument (microkeratome) to create a thin flap on the outside of the cornea. This flap is gently folded back so that the laser may reach and reshape the deeper corneal layers to correct the eye's focus.
- PRK, a first-generation laser surgery procedure, involves mild abrasion to remove the surface layer of the cornea (epithelium), followed by excimer laser reshaping of the cornea's middle layer (stroma). Because the epithelium is removed, there is a slightly longer healing time, compared to LASIK.
INTRALASE
The IntraLase Method® is LASIK, using
a blade-free technique to create the corneal flap. Instead of
a surgical instrument, surgeons use tiny, rapid pulses of
laser light that pass through the top layers of the cornea. This
allows the surgeon to more precisely determine the dimensions
of the flap. As with traditional LASIK, the IntraLase Method® can
be performed on both eyes the same day, with little discomfort
and almost no post-operative
down-time. Learn more about
this procedure at www.intralasefacts.com 
LASEK
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a slight variation of LASIK, which preserves more corneal tissue than a typical LASIK procedure. LASEK may be a better alternative for patients who have thin corneas.
PHAKIC INTRAOCULAR LENSES
Surgically implanted lenses known as phakic IOLs (intraocular lenses) are new options for people seeking correction of farsightedness and nearsightedness.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
The implantable Collamer Lens—commonly called "implantable contact lens"—is a paper-thin synthetic lens which is micro-surgically placed between the cornea and the iris (colored portion of the eye). The implanted lens works with the eye's existing lens to correct refraction. The surgical micro-incision self seals so no stitches are needed, which means faster healing time and less complications.
In February 2006, Davis Duehr Dean was the first in the US to perform the procedure since FDA approval. As recognized leaders in eye surgery, Davis Duehr Dean Refractive Surgery Center was the National Headquarters for the ICL Study which led to FDA approval, and one of our surgeons, Dr. John Vukich, was the National Medical Monitor for the study. We are also training the nation's eye surgeons in this exciting new technique.
CLEAR LENS EXTRACTION (CLE)
Another option available is Clear Lens Extraction (CLE). It involves removing the eye's clear lens and inserting an artificial lens. This procedure is generally only recommended for patients who are extremely nearsighted (greater than 12 diopters of correction needed.)
LEARN MORE
There are many ways to explore refractive surgery / vision correction options with Davis Duehr Dean:
- Contact us for a free consultation at 608-282-EYES (3937) or 800-362-7796 (toll-free). Or, use our secure online form. A Davis Duehr Dean Refractive Surgery customer service representative will be happy to answer your questions.
- Download our Laser Vision Correction Booklet (PDF) for information about refractive surgery options, answers to frequently asked questions, payment plan options, and a credit application.
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