Eye Institute improves vision in over 1,400 eyes using
IntraLase technology
Fear of Blades and Safety for Eyes Sees Outstanding Demand for First Blade-Free Technology for Vision Correction in NZ.
Eye Institute has reported outstanding demand for the internationally acclaimed vision correction laser technology it introduced into New Zealand in May – IntraLase®. In less than six months, IntraLase Custom LASIK vision correction has been performed on over 1400 eyes. The demand has been attributed to the blade-free procedure being ideal for people with a fear of blades, safer than the traditional method, and superior in terms of clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Dr Peter Ring, a surgeon at Eye Institute renowned for introducing laser refractive surgery to New Zealand, explained, “Patient recovery is so fast – almost immediate – with the IntraLase, and vision can be 20/20 the next day. The fact that the procedure is blade-free improves the comfort, and most importantly the safety, of LASIK eye surgery. Furthermore, the precision and control that the IntraLase offers surgeons improves the accuracy of the procedure.”
Demand for the IntraLase procedure is expected to grow as vision care becomes a priority in people's work and home lives. “While it is often overlooked, vision care is also an important aspect of disaster preparedness,” said Dr Ring. He points to a recent IntraLase Corporation survey conducted in the US, which found that many people felt insecure without their glasses or contact lenses during emergency situations.
What is IntraLase
- The IntraLase laser performs the critical first step of LASIK surgery. LASIK is a procedure that can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.
- Step 1 - requires the creation of a corneal flap, which is lifted to allow Step 2.
- Step 2 - removes corneal tissue by a special laser to reshape the cornea and change its focusing power.
- Prior to IntraLase, the corneal flap was created using a hand-held oscillating steel blade called a microkeratome.
- Use of the microkeratome is associated with most LASIK complications and patient concerns.
- IntraLase creates the corneal flap. It is a computer-controlled laser that delivers rapid pulses of light to a pre-programmed depth and position within the cornea.
- As the IntraLase moves across the eye, each pulse forms a microscopic bubble.
- The bubbles connect to form a corneal flap, which can be lifted back to reveal a smooth corneal bed, an optimal surface for reshaping.
- The creation of the flap takes around 25 seconds per eye.
According to the survey, 52 percent of US adults who wore corrective lenses said they would feel worried, fearful, and/or powerless if their corrective lenses were not available during an emergency. Of those surveyed, 29 percent said they were considering LASIK eye surgery to be better prepared in an emergency. However, for many people with vision problems, the fear of “going under the knife” kept them from having the procedure performed.
The IntraLase procedure is used primarily to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Eye Institute expected a young demographic to show interest in the new technology, but has seen demand for IntraLase Custom LASIK vision among people ranging in age from their 20s to their 50s.
Damon Treadaway, an Animal Control Officer in Auckland said he decided on IntraLase because it was the latest and safest technology. “Price was not a consideration when I compared this blade-free procedure to the cost of glasses and the visual freedom I would gain.
“My job demands a lot of activity. It was not until after the surgery that I realised how much of a hindrance my glasses had been. Now I don’t have to worry about accidentally knocking them off when dealing with animals or when crawling through tight spaces. The surgery has also opened up a new career path for me as a police officer, as my eyesight was the only thing holding me back.”
“Unless you have had trouble with your vision, you can't understand just how amazing it is to be able to see the world as it should be seen,” said Charlotte Hartstone, a mother from Raglan. “As I have 'been there, done that', I can tell you: it’s pretty great! With the IntraLase, my results were instant; I had 20/20 vision by 5 p.m. the same day of the procedure.”
From a surgical standpoint, Dr Ring said, “It is less stressful, as the patient is less anxious about what is happening. The precision of the IntraLase is a major and incredibly rewarding feature. Using the IntraLase, flap diameter, depth, hinge location and width, and side-cut architecture can all be varied to meet each individual patient’s needs. In addition, by creating a distinctive beveled edge, the flap can be precisely repositioned, aligned and seated after the procedure.”
Dr Ring expects that IntraLase technology will be applied to enhance the precision of other surgical procedures in the future, such as the cutting of corneal grafts.
New Zealand, Auckland – 6 November, 2006
top
