Laser Vision Correction

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LASIK- (Laser in-situ keratomileusis)

The excimer laser is combined with an instrument called the microkeratome to produce the most advanced laser vision correction procedure available. The microkeratome has been used for eye surgery for over thirty years. The instrument has a diamond blade which gently glides over the cornea to create a thin flap. The laser is then used to reshape or vaporize corneal tissue to correct the refractive error. The flap is then laid back in place where it self-seals again within minutes.

PRK- (Photo-refractive keratectomy)

The excimer laser is used directly on the superficial cornea to reshape or vaporize corneal tissue to correct refractive errors. This was the procedure used to gain FDA approval of the excimer laser, and is still used in a small percentage of the laser vision correction procedures.

Wavefront assisted LASIK

Special instrumentation is used to measure the front and back surfaces of the cornea. By doing this, a more custom treatment pattern can be developed for each patient. This is especially important in people who have irregular corneas. It can also reduce aberrations, which would decrease problems with glare and halos around lights. This the more customized LASIK procedure, which uses the latest technology.

LTK (Laser Thermal Kertoplasty)

This procedure is for correction of low amounts of far-sightedness with very little astigmatism. This thermal laser creates small, round spots of treatment on the peripheral edges of the cornea, causing the central cornea to be relatively steeper and reducing far-sightedness. LTK has not been as popular as LASIK for correcting far-sightedness. One reason might be that LTK needs to be repeated to be effective, whereas LASIK is more precise and accurate. Also, LTK has a more limited range of treatment. The advantage is that the central cornea is not treated.

LASeK

This is very similar to LASIK, however, the microkeratome is not used. Instead, in LASeK a solution is placed on the cornea to allow the surface (epithelial) cells to be easily moved out of the treatment area. The excimer laser is then used to vaporize cells and reshape the cornea. Next, the epithelial cells are spread out along the surface in the treatment area to form a protective shield while the cornea heals. LASeK is less comfortable than LASIK and takes as long to heal as PRK; but is vaporizes less tissue and is a better procedure for thinner corneas.

For more information contact Carol Herrera or Dr. Beckman at 209-367-1000.
Dr. Beckman has so much confidence in LASIK that she has had the procedure herself. She considers it a life-changing experience. In fact, her husband and other family members have also had laser vision correction as well as many patients in her care.

She is affiliated with the Premier Laser Eye Center (PLEC) in Stockton where the procedure is done. PLEC is a state-of-the-art facility with all the current technology available, such as the 3-D eye tracking system. The center is proud to have two of the most experienced and highly qualified laser surgeons in the area, John Canzano, M.D.,  Joseph Zeiter, M.D. and Jeffrey Ing, M.D.  For more information click here.

All other preliminary measurements and the follow-up care is meticulously looked after at Beckman Optometry to provide patients with the best surgical results possible. Dr. Beckman has been involved with laser vision correction since it's approval by the FDA, and even prior to that she had experience examining post-operative patients from Canada. She has given many presentations on laser vision correction within the community.

The staff at Beckman Optometry is very friendly, professional and knowledgeable on all aspects of laser vision care. In fact, staff members have also undergone laser treatment as well. Ask the staff about the date of the next in-office seminar to find out more about laser vision correction.