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LASIK
In LASIK, either a laser (INTRALASE® FS30) or a microkeratome are used to separate the cornea creating a “flap” or “cap” of corneal tissue. This flap is folded back, remaining attached at its hinge. The Excimer Laser is then used to remove a specified amount of corneal tissue, thus reshaping the cornea appropriately. Once the laser treatment has been applied, the corneal flap is repositioned. No stitches are necessary to secure the flap.
PRK
Photorefractive Keratotomy (PRK) was the first laser procedure approved by the FDA. During the PRK procedure, the surface cells of the cornea (known as the epithelium) are polished from the cornea using one of a number of different polishing instruments. The excimer laser is then used to sculpt the Bowman’s layer and the front surface of the cornea. Following PRK the epithelium takes three to ten days to resurface the eye. This healing time variation depends upon a number of factors such as: the size of the area treated; the health of the patient’s underlying epithelial cells; individual variability in healing rates, and the toxicity of certain medication which are applied to the surface of the cornea after PRK. Following PRK, in every case, a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to act as a splint to assist in the healing and to make the eye more comfortable.
Implantable Contact Lens
Loden Vision Centers is proud to be one of only two STAAR Surgical Centers of Excellence in the entire Middle Tennessee Region approved to implant the Visian ICL™.
The STAAR Visian ICL™ is a posterior chamber Implantable Contact Lens. The Visian ICL™ rests inside the eye behind the iris, or colored part of the eye. The ideal candidate for the ICL is between the ages of 21 and 45, with moderate to severe nearsightedness. Because the lens is positioned behind the iris, the lens itself is not visible to the naked eye.
This state-of-the-art procedure is for clients with extremely high prescriptions which cannot be treated by LASIK. The Implantable Contact Lens is the newest and most exciting way to improve your vision. This procedure has been used worldwide since 1995, and it is based on 25 years of refinement with clients who have had cataracts removed.
Since the correction is performed inside the eye, the procedure requires more technical expertise than excimer laser procedures. Dr. Loden has performed thousands of cataract, LASIK and PRK procedures. He is also cornea fellow-ship trained, which means this is truly his area of expertise. You can have confidence in the high level of skill and understanding that Dr. Loden brings to surgery.
The Implantable Contact Lens procedure involves implanting a specially designed contact lens within the eye. Most ICL procedures take less than 10 minutes to perform with one eye being done during the first visit and the second being done within one to two weeks later in most cases. Anesthetic eye drops are used to numb the eye, making the procedure itself completely painless.
Most ICL clients see quick, dramatic improvements in their eyesight, with 80 - 90% of their vision restored within the first 24 hours. Additional gradual improvements will continue during the first few weeks. Implantable Contact Lens procedures have been a life-altering event for clients around the world, many of whom are now able to drive, play sports, and perform other daily activities without glasses or contacts for the first time in their lives!
If you have been told that you prescription is too severe for LASIK and are tired of wearing glasses and/or contacts, please contact Loden Vision Centers at 615-859-EYES (3937) and speak with one of our Refractive Surgery Coordinators.