Refractive Surgery Center can correct nearsightedness or astigmatism

Laser technology is allowing patients wearing glasses or contact lenses to have their nearsightedness or astigmatism corrected on the spot.

The in-office procedure can often correct vision to 20/20, according to Dr. Steven E. Wilson, medical director of the new Refractive Surgery Center at UW Medical Center, and chair of the School of Medicine's Department of Ophthalmology.

Wilson, who has performed more than 2,500 refractive surgical procedures, said patients choose to have refractive surgery for a number of reasons.

"For some people it's job or activity related," he said. "Other people simply don't want to wear glasses, or spend the time fooling with contacts. They are looking for a major change in lifestyle, and we can give it to them."

Refractive surgery began about 20 years ago and has gained increasing acceptance since the introduction of laser vision correction about 10 years ago at Louisiana State University, where Wilson did a post-residency fellowship.

There are two primary types of refractive surgery performed routinely PRK and LASIK.

Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is a vision correction procedure in which an excimer laser is used to change the curvature of the cornea. PRK with the VisX excimer laser was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996.

PRK can be used in patients with nearsightedness ranging from one up to 12 diopters, Wilson said. A diopter is a unit of measurement of nearsightedness the inches of vision. The results are the best when performed for less than five to seven diopters of nearsightedness. The procedure takes just two minutes per eye.

Wilson said 95 to 98 percent of patients will see 20/40 or better, which is the level of vision required to drive without glasses in most states.

LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) is a procedure that also changes the curvature of the cornea. In LASIK, a thin layer of cornea is folded back to allow excimer laser correction, and is then returned to its original position.

Wilson said LASIK is particularly recommended for patients with a higher level of nearsightedness, over five diopters, but can be used for as little as one diopter of nearsightedness if the doctor and patient decide this is the best option.

Advantages of LASIK, Wilson said, are that the patient's vision improves more quickly and there is little discomfort.

"I believe that the number of patients who have had refractive surgery has barely skimmed the surface of the potential pool of candidates," he said.

To contact the Refractive Surgery Center, call 548-2020.