Procedures Offered by Pasadena
Laser Eye Surgeon Dr. James Kao

Custom LASIK

Custom LASIK Procedures Utilizing 3-Dimensional WaveFront Mapping Technologies

There are numerous reasons for poor vision. In a single eye, there may be several different types of visual imperfections, or aberrations, that are classified as lower-order and higher-order aberrations. In the past, doctors were only able to correct lower order aberrations, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, higher order aberrations impact your vision as well and cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts or even traditional LASIK surgery. Our Custom LASIK diagnosis, using WaveFront Mapping technology examines the entire optical system, allowing for higher-order aberrations to be detected, measured, mapped and corrected.

Utilizing a low-energy laser, the WaveScan abberometer by VISX captures the smallest imperfections in your entire optical system for analysis. This analysis provides a complete examination of the focusing systems of your eyes and illuminates problem areas previously undetected. Higher-order aberrations are measured and the results are converted into a WaveFront Map. This map is as unique to you as your fingerprints and customized to your individual optical system.

When the information obtained from these mapping systems is transferred directly into the corresponding excimer laser, the map becomes a Custom LASIK guide for treatment.

IntraLase®

The Essential Component of Better Vision®

The IntraLase FS laser has changed the way LASIK laser vision correction is performed by offering computer-controlled precision and accuracy to the entire LASIK procedure. This all-laser, blade-free procedure—sometimes referred to as IntraLASIK—is the safest, most precise vision correction available in the world today!

The IntraLase Procedure

Every LASIK procedure is a two-step process. The first step requires the creation of a flap of tissue on the surface of the cornea. Lifting this flap allows an excimer laser to remove tissue in a specific pattern to correct poor vision. The flap is then placed back into position, allowing for a quicker recovery with almost no downtime.

In traditional LASIK surgery, a surgeon uses a surgical blade, called a microkeratome, to create the tiny, hinged flap of tissue. The IntraLase FS laser is the only FDA-approved technology available that is designed specifically for the creation of the corneal flap. The IntraLASIK procedure uses the accuracy and precision of the computer-controlled IntraLase FS laser to create the corneal flap. This procedure eliminates the complications attributed to the microkeratome used in traditional LASIK.

Advantages of the IntraLase procedure

• The IntraLase FS eliminates many complications attributed to the mechanical keratome
• If you were not a candidate for traditional LASIK, you may still be a candidate with the IntraLase
• The computer-controlled accuracy of the IntraLase FS creates a precise cornea resection with a greater consistency of flap thickness
• The consistency and thickness of the flap can be predicted resulting in improved visual outcomes (20/20 vision or better)
• The IntraLase preserves more corneal tissue
• Faster healing
• The IntraLase procedure places a minimal amount of pressure on the eye, increasing patient comfort and safety