Advanced LASIK laser is coming to Austin

There is always something new and exciting happening at Mann Eye Institute. With so many advancements occurring in the field of refractive surgery, I and my fellow surgeons at Mann Eye Institute have been busy researching these new technologies and learning how they’ll improve outcomes for our patients.

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to perform a LASIK procedure with our new Wavelight FS 200, a femtosecond laser. The FS 200 laser is utilized to create the corneal flap during step one of the LASIK procedure. It was an awesome experience for both my patients and me! The FS 200 is faster than our previous laser, which means a more accurate and safer procedure for our patients as well.

One thing that stood out to me is that immediately following the procedure, my patient’s corneal flap was clearer. The precision of this procedure should allow for patients to have a quicker visual recovery and a greater “wow” factor when they first sit up and realize they can see.

I am very excited about the results we are going to be getting with this new femtosecond laser. We at Mann Eye Institute are excited to be the first practice in Austin with a laser of this kind. If you’re considering LASIK in Austin, give us a call at 800-MY-VISION and schedule your free consultation. Our team of surgeons is looking forward to helping you enjoy incredible vision with this breakthrough LASIK technology.

How lasers are revolutionizing cataract procedures

I am really excited! I spent last weekend in California at a medical meeting where we learned more about the latest breakthrough in cataract procedures. I know this may sound a bit boring, but I promise there are very exciting things ahead.

Within the next few months, we will be using a femtosecond laser in cataract surgery. The femtosecond technology is the same technology that we have trusted to perform blade-free LASIK procedures for about a decade, but we have not had a femtosecond laser for cataract surgery…. until now. This will revolutionize cataract surgery as we know it, increasing the accuracy and predictability of the procedure, as it eliminates the need for a blade.

What does this mean for you?

The number one way this impacts our patients is improved accuracy. The femtosecond lasers provide increased precision, which means a more predictable outcome for our patients. Cataract patients have been asking us for years when we’ll be able to use a laser for their procedure, because they trust the blade-free technology. We’re now excited to say the answer is very soon. We’re currently doing research on this new technology, but can honestly say that we’re looking forward to providing blade-free cataract procedures to our patients.

People choose Mann Eye Institute because of our experience and commitment to technological advancements. They feel safe knowing we’ve performed thousands of cataract procedures in the last three decades, always working to provide the most advanced technologies that we believe will provide the outcomes our patients demand. We are thrilled to take the next step in cataract procedure technology by offering our patients a femtosecond cataract laser.

Keratoconus: Dodging the cones

One in every 1,000 to 2,000 Americans is affected by Keratoconus, a degenerative disorder of the eye. Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and change, resulting in a more conical shape instead of a gradual curve.

Keratoconus can cause vision distortion, streaking and sensitivity to light. It is typically diagnosed during childhood and gets worse into the twenties and thirties. The deterioration in vision can affect one’s ability to perform daily tasks like driving or reading.

The great news is that the treatment options for this debilitating disease have been progressing in the recent years. Previously, there were only two treatment options. A patient was given contact lenses to get the best possible vision. Once the contact lenses failed, the only option was a corneal transplant, which is less than optimal as there are serious long term complications, risks and vision issues associated with such a transplant.

Now at Mann Eye Institute, we offer several treatments to improve keratoconic patients’ vision and most importantly, prevent patients from having to undergo a corneal transplant. Our newest treatment option is collagen crosslinking.

Corneal collagen crosslinking (or CXR) is a procedure that is done to actually change the chemical make-up of the cornea. The cornea is exposed to a medicine (riboflavin) and then treated with a UV light. These two things combine to make new bonds within the cornea which strengthens it and creates a more rounded (less conical) shape.

CXR has been performed throughout the world for many years and is the primary surgical intervention in all European countries. It is newer in the US and has yet to be FDA approved, though studies are being performed to gain that approval and those of us who are passionate about doing what is best for our patients are offering the procedure with the proper informed consent.

CXR is just one of the treatments options available at Mann Eye Institute. If you are suffering from keratoconus, please schedule an appointment with us so we can help get your vision to its optimal state.

Photo credit: Eyerobics.com