LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis) is used to correct or reduce moderate to high levels of nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism and farsightedness (hyperopia).The traditional LASIK procedure is relatively simple: a keratome is used to gently create a flap in the cornea. In IntraLASIK, the flap is created by a computer-controlled, precision laser. The flap is lifted and an excimer laser is then used to shape the remaining tissue. The flap is then carefully set back into place, forming an occlusive seal by osmopic pressure. Osmopic pressure holds the flap in place and allows it to heal very quickly, without stitches!

What is LASIK?
LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure that uses a cool laser beam to gently reshape the surface of the cornea. This causes little or no discomfort and improves vision. The beam gently pulses to remove a microscopic amount of tissue, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina.

What are the differences between LASIK and PRK?
While LASIK and PRK are both effective laser procedures, most doctors and patients prefer LASIK. This procedure offers the following advantages:

faster visual recovery
less discomfort after surgery
less risk of corneal haze or scarring
less need for prolonged use of anti-inflammatory eye drops
more appropriate for high myopic, high astigmatic and high hyperopic corrections
In addition, LASIK can be used to treat a much wider range of vision disorders.

Since with LASIK the surface of the cornea (epithelium) is preserved, LASIK patients see better the day following their procedure. PRK patients may require several days to weeks to achieve clear vision.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
Yes, if you’re at least 18 years old, in good general health, have good eye health with stable vision for the past year and no diseases such as cataracts. Laser surgery is used to treat a broad range of nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. In most cases, even patients with severe degrees of nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness can be treated. Good candidates have realistic expectations.

What kind of results can I expect?
While laser vision correction has proven overwhelmingly successful, how well and how quickly your vision improves depends on how well you heal and the degree of correction required. Although patients can't be assured 20/20 vision, most LASIK patients with mild to moderate prescriptions do achieve 20/20 vision or are within one line of their best corrected vision. This means they no longer need glasses or contacts to drive, play sports, watch movies and TV, and can participate in careers requiring excellent vision such as being a pilot, police officer or firefighter.

Since 1987, noted cornea specialist Dr William Boothe, William A. Boothe, M.D., has brought the world into focus with more than 80,000 LASIK laser vision correction procedures. Dr William Boothe has personally performed more VISX Custom 3-Dimensional Wavefront Customized laser vision correction procedures than any other surgeon in the world and was named VISX Surgeon of the Year by the manufacturer in 1999.



Dr William Boothe also continues to be the busiest IntraLASIK surgeon in the world, having now performed over 42,000 IntraLASIK procedures. His passion for excellence and his commitment to state-of-the-art technology has made Boothe Eye Care and Laser Center one of the premier vision centers in the country.



Advantages of LASIK

Some doctors believe that LASIK is a suitable procedure for correcting the most severe refractive errors. They also say that there is generally a faster recovery time after LASIK, LASIK patients can see well enough to drive immediately and have good vision within a week.

LASEK is a relatively new laser vision procedure that combines elements of PRK and LASIK, and may offer some advantages over both. Instead of removing the epithelium (the thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea) like in PRK, a flap of surface epithelium is loosened with a diluted alcohol solution and moved aside. The surface under the epithelium is then treated with the laser and the epithelial flap is returned to its original position. Using the epithelium flap as

a natural protective bandage with LASEK.

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