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How Does LASIK Surgery Work?
LASIK surgery involves gently lifting the outer layers of the cornea (the transparent front of the eye), and carefully reshaping the inner layers. Vision problems are commonly the result of a misshapen cornea. After reshaping the cornea, the outer layers of the cornea are replaced, after which the tissues bond quickly. With all laser LASIK in San Francisco, the results are superior, as no mechanical device is used in accessing the cornea, with superior accuracy. This “bladeless” procedure has proven to be a groundbreaking development in LASIK and vision correction, with excellent results and a faster healing time.
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LASIK Eye Surgery in San Francisco: Advances in Technology
The precursor to LASIK was called ALK (anterior lamellar keratoplasty). In 1994, Dr. Faktorovich was the first surgeon in San Francisco to perform this procedure. This older method involved lifting the upper corneal layers with a mechanical device, called a microkeratome. The microkeratome would then be passed over the cornea again, removing tissue to achieve a specific thickness, depending on the amount of nearsightedness, and the corneal layers then replaced to heal.
The next advancement was the development of excimer lasers, FDA approved excimer lasers in 1995. Corneal surgeons could now achieve higher precision using this form of laser vision correction.
At first, the laser was applied only to the surface of the cornea, called PRK. Although PRK results were excellent, healing required longer than was optimal for the patient. Dr. Faktorovich began performing a new technique, in which the excimer laser energy was applied to the internal layers of the cornea.
The procedure involved lifting the superficial corneal layers, after which the excimer laser energy was used to reshape the internal layers of the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism. The superficial layers were then returned to position, and healing time was remarkably fast. This procedure was given the name LASIK.
Is LASIK Safe?
LASIK technology went through a rigorous review process prior to being approved by the FDA. At Pacific Vision Institute, we are proud to have become the premier vision correction center in San Francisco – the clinic where other eye doctors come for their own treatment.
Wavefront-Guided LASIK
The next great advancement in LASIK technology was the development of wavefront-guided, or custom LASIK. With digital optic mapping, the larger individual eye imperfections that led to nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism were revealed fully, along with smaller imperfections, called “higher order aberrations.” These eye imperfections include:
- Spherical aberrations
- Coma
- Trefoil
- Quadrafoil
With wavefront technology, the surgeon maps the unique eye structure of each eye for each patient. During the LASIK procedure in our San Francisco office, the map is downloaded to a precision laser system. The laser treatment profile is based on the digital mapping, for a high degree of accuracy in treatment. This approach is typically called custom LASIK or wavefront-guided LASIK.
LASIK has changed my life, I love being able to wake up and see amazing 4k vision -- I went from -5 with Astigmatism to 20/10 (better than 20/20)! Thank you Dr.Faktorovich and PVI team! E.H.
IntraLase: A Significant Advance in LASIK Technology
The next advance in LASIK technology was the development of the IntraLase femtosecond laser, or “all-laser LASIK.” The first IntraLase laser in San Francisco was installed at Pacific Vision Institute in 2004. With all-laser LASIK, the superficial corneal layers are lifted with the laser, rather than with the blade of the mechanical microkeratome, as was the traditional procedure, leading to less trauma to the eye, less inflammation, and faster healing.
Better Results, Faster Healing with All-Laser LASIK
All-laser LASIK allowed for an unprecedented level of precision, accuracy, and safety. Over a million all-laser LASIK procedures have been performed worldwide. LASIK surgeons who were not using this technology for their patients have been left behind. The best San Francisco LASIK surgeons employ this groundbreaking treatment in vision correction. In San Francisco, where the population is driven by excellence and powered by technology, patients expect a treatment with the most advanced medical technology.
Patients considering LASIK soon heard about the superior results achieved with all laser LASIK, seeking out eye surgeons who employed this technology. Most recently, the new generations of all laser LASIK technology were introduced to restore vision to patients with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, with less need to “touch up” surgery after LASIK.
Is All Laser LASIK Right for You?
At Pacific Vision Institute, we employ advanced screening technology to determine whether LASIK surgery in San Francisco is an appropriate procedure for our patients. Our technologically-advanced diagnostic tools have elevated the level of accuracy in choosing the most effective treatment to a truly unprecedented level.
Advanced Diagnostics and Treatment at Pacific Vision Institute
At Pacific Vision Institute, our eye specialists combine the most advanced LASIK screening technology with four options in laser platforms and wavefront analyzers, so we can achieve the best possible LASIK results for the individual patient.
If you are not a good candidate for LASIK, we offer many other options for vision correction that could allow you to move forward with life, reducing the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. We perform all of the following laser vision correction procedures:
Why Choose Pacific Vision Institute in San Francisco for LASIK?
Pacific Vision Institute surgical team is dedicated to identifying the optimal solution for vision problems and at the leading edge on the most advanced all laser LASIK treatments in San Francisco. Dr. Faktorovich, a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the California Medical Association, and the International Society of Refractive Surgery, leads our team with internationally recognized expertise in vision correction. Our San Francisco clinic is the trusted choice for other eye doctors seeking LASIK to correct their vision – a testament to the respect and trust of our peers. Contact Pacific Vision Institute today to learn more.
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