Seeing is believing: Lasik improvements are producing eye - popping results.

• Author: Kinder, Peri
• Position: Executive Living

People who undergo laser vision surgery can't believe their eyes. With advancements in laser technology, patients report vision improvements that include brighter colors, stronger contrasts and incredible clarity:

Lasik eye surgery has been performed in the United States since the late 1990s, and laser technology has gone through a wide-ranging evolution to provide better and more accurate results.

Lasik, or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a procedure that alters the shape of the cornea, allowing common vision problems like near- or far-sightedness and astigmatism to be corrected. A high percentage of patients who undergo the surgery find their vision to be 20/20 -- or better.

Nearly Perfect

Dr. Darcy Wolsey is a Lasik specialist at The Eye Institute of Utah. She says the new Lasik procedures are completely blade-free, which promises defined results.

"Lasers today have improved," Wolsey says. "Wavefront-guided Lasik gives us information that we measure from the eyes to give a more precise laser treatment. There are also lasers that use a mapping system of the eye. Its great for irregularly-shaped eyes so you can have better control, which results in a better-shaped cornea."

Along with the blade-free technique, the procedure produces little, or no, discomfort. The actual surgery lasts only about 15 minutes, and recovery time takes one or two days. Best of all, patients no longer need to wear glasses or contacts, and vision is enhanced nearly to the point of perfection.

"Some people do have some fear or apprehension about the procedure, but most people are shocked at how easy it is and wondered why they didn't get it done sooner" Wolsey says.

Laser Innovations

If a patient isn't a good candidate for the Lasik procedure due to thin corneas, dry eyes or other problems, there is still hope. Doctors can implant a contact/collamer lens by inserting a microthin contact in front of the eyes natural lens. This Visian ICL procedure also has a short recovery time with minimal risks. Plus, the implant blocks UV rays to help keep the eye healthy.

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When people think of laser eye surgery, Lasik is usually the first thing that comes to mind, but now, even cataract removal can be done using a laser. Dr. Robert Cionni, who also practices at The Eye Institute of Utah, is a world-renowned cataract surgeon who utilizes the most advanced techniques to create the best vision for his patients. Not only does he specialize in cataract...