Refractive Surgery

Vision Correction Surgery Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Intacs™ Corneal Rings (ISCR)

Incisional Refractive Surgery:

The Eye Foundation of Kansas City coordinated and confirmed with independent examinations Kansas City's first study of Radial Keratotomy (RK) starting in 1980. RK represented a good solution for many people in the 1980s and early '90s. Better procedures are now available, as described below.

Laser Vision Correction Procedures:

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK):

• Reshaping the cornea using a cool, ultraviolet invisible beam of light to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
• Procedure is painless, non-thermal and removes central epithelium (outer skin) of cornea for best results.
• First procedure done in 1987 (not a "new" procedure).
• Several million procedures have been done in over 60 countries around the world.
• In 1989, the Eye Foundation of Kansas City was the FIRST to purchase the VISX laser required to perform the PRK clinical trials.
• The Eye Foundation of Kansas City has the longest experience of any institution in the laser treatment of nearsightedness.
• The FDA has approved treatment of:
      - Myopia:            -1.00 to -12.00 diopters
      - Hyperopia:       +1.00 to +6.00 diopters
      - Astigmatism:     0.75 to 4.00 diopters (myopic patients only)
• A recent Eye Foundation excimer laser upgrade includes the smoothing technique with the VISX Star Laser.

Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK):

• Reshapes the cornea using two FDA approved devices:
      - Microkeratome: Creates flap for access to inside of cornea.
      - Excimer laser: Reshapes tissue underneath corneal flap.
• The microkeratome is used to create a microthin cap of the cornea, attached with a hinge. There is no central removal of epithelium, creating enhanced comfort and visual recovery.
• The next step of LASIK utilizes the excimer laser to reshape the cornea using a cool, ultraviolet invisible beam of light to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. The treatment occurs underneath the flap created by the microkeratome.
• The FDA has approved treatment of:
      - Myopia:            -1.00 to -12.00 diopters
      - Hyperopia:       +1.00 to +6.00 diopters
      - Astigmatism:     0.75 to 4.00 diopters (myopic patients only)
• LASIK offers rapid visual recovery following treatment, allowing the option of having both eyes treated on the same day.
• The Eye Foundation was the first in Kansas City to use the Moria Evolution Microkeratome system and is currently active in teaching area ophthalmologists.

New Technology:

Refractive Surgery:  Intacs™ Corneal Rings

Laser Vision Correction Philosophy of the Eye Foundation:

We use the best current technology and are constantly evaluating new technology on the horizon. Our refractive surgeons represent a stellar experience rating of over two decades of refractive surgery. Affordable payment options are available to all patients.

Current Refractive Surgery Research:

The Eye Foundation is involved in phakic IOL clinical trials and hyperopic studies using the Autonomous LADAR Vision System. The LADAR Vision System utilizes a system of eye tracking, thus allowing accurate placement of its laser beam.

General Points of Interest:

Approximately 420,000 Laser Vision Correction procedures were performed in 1998, compared to about 200,000 in 1997.

Director, Refractive Surgery:

For More Information:

Please contact the Refractive Surgery Clinic: (816) 404-1796