Epi-LASIK is similar to LASEK, but uses a mechanical device to create the epithelial flap. It cannot be used for enhancements and the added cost does not result in faster healing, less potential haze or more comfort in several studies done to compare it to PRK or LASEK. It is not the same as Intralasik because epi-LASIK makes a more shallow, less stable flap that cannot be lifted in the future to allow for finetuning. We chose not to invest in this mechanical separator, but rather to obtain the more predictable, Intralase machine to do IntraLASIK.
Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOL) will be available at UIHC in the next year for patients with thin corneas and/or higher degrees of nearsightedness.Phakic intraocular lenses are implanted in the eye without removing the natural lens. This is in contrast to intraocular lenses that are implanted into eyes after the natural lens is removed, such as in cataract surgery. Phakic IOLs are thin lenses that are implanted permanently into the eye. More information about these lenses may be found on the Food and Drug Administration Website.
REFLEX (refractive lens exchange). Patients with high degrees of farsightedness may be candidates for REFLEX. In this procedure, a small incision is made at the edge of the cornea and the natural lens is removed. The intraocular lens implant is then inserted into place. Refractive lens exchange is sometimes called Clear Lens Exchange, Clear Lens Extraction, and Refractive Lens Replacement.
Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (IOL) are available to patients undergoing cataract surgery or lens exchange surgery to allow both reading and distant vision without using glasses for most patients. Multifocal IOLs have two points of refraction ("focal points"). There is a refractive point for close-up vision and a refractive point for distance vision.
CK (Conductive keratoplasty) to help presbyopia ("old eyes") is available at other centers. CK is a method of vision correction using controlled-release radiofrequency energy to reshape the cornea.
Refractive Surgery Service
Dept. of Ophthalmology,
200 Hawkins Dr.,
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Contact us directly at 866-309-0840 (toll free) or 353-7625 (locally).
Email us at lasik@uiowa.edu
Copyright © 2004 The University of Iowa, All Rights Reserved. Last updated 3-15-2006