Our LASIK Eye Surgery Technology: Using the Best FDA-Approved Lasers

Going to have a LASIK consultation is an exciting first step towards improved vision and increased freedom. It is important to be thoroughly engaged during your consultation – asking the right questions and understanding what FDA-approved diagnostic equipment and lasers are being used to evaluate and perform your LASIK surgery.

An ophthalmic technician will likely do the initial testing to evaluate you for LASIK surgery. Even though this time is not with the actual LASIK surgeon, the testing and the sophistication of diagnostic equipment being used are mission-critical to the precision of your procedure.

Pro Tip #1: All equipment should be FDA-approved.

There are numerous technologies used for LASIK procedures. Providence Eye & Laser Specialists invests in the most sophisticated, FDA-approved LASIK technology because it directly contributes to the safety, precision, and results of your LASIK eye procedure.

Your consultation is an excellent opportunity to ask about all the devices that will be used throughout the process and to check that they are all FDA-approved.

Pro Tip #2: If corneal mapping is not done on the day of your consultation, then there is no way to know if you are a good LASIK candidate.

Corneal mapping is one of the necessary tests that should be done on the day of your LASIK consultation. The mapping of your cornea will tell your surgeon how thick or thin your cornea is, where it rises and falls, and its structural integrity. The map of your cornea looks like a topography map.

At Providence Eye, we use the Pentacam® to map out your eyes’ entire corneal structure. From thickness to structural integrity to strength, this FDA-approved device takes the meaning of “a picture is worth 1000 words” to a whole new level!

Pro Tip #3: At your LASIK consultation, you should ask if your corneas are being mapped with a Pentacam or an Orbscan.

The Pentacam surpassed the previously leading device, the Orbscan, in corneal scanning. Providence Eye replaced his Orbscan with the Pentacam in 2008 more than 10 years ago! Pentacam corneal mapping is far superior to the Orbscan providing far greater detail and accuracy about your cornea enabling Providence Eye to provide you with a more accurate LASIK procedure.

Pro Tip #4: Using blades instead of lasers to make the flap during LASIK surgery no longer meets today’s standard of care.

If your LASIK surgeon is going to use a blade in lieu of a laser to make the flap, please recognize this does not meet today’s standard of care. Providence Eye has been performing all-laser, bladeless LASIK since opening in March of 2003. Although lasers are expensive, they are safer, more precise, more predictable, and more comfortable for you, as the patient.

LASIK is a two-step process that requires two lasers. The first laser makes the flap and the second laser reshapes your corneas, which corrects your vision. Providence Eye uses the WaveLight FS200 to create a thin corneal flap near the eye’s surface. By eliminating the need for a blade, LASIK complications and chances for post-op dry eye symptoms are minimized. In addition, this laser allows for surgical customization. Regardless of corneal integrity or thickness, Providence Eye tailors each LASIK eye surgery according to the individual’s eye structure.

Providence Eye decided to invest in the Wavelight FS200 because we saw its ability to excel in precision, speed, and comfort for the patient, without the use of blades. The WaveLight FS200 laser works well with its sister laser, the WaveLight EX500, which Providence Eye has been using since 2009. Even better, these highly advanced machines are FDA-approved, giving you more peace of mind.

Pro Tip #5: Not all LASIK surgeons use the same lasers, and not all lasers are created equal.

Older lasers are slower, less precise, and less comfortable. As a patient, you should be told exactly what laser will be used to perform your LASIK surgery so you can do the appropriate research.

It’s step two, the reshaping of the cornea, which corrects the vision. At Providence Eye, this is done with the WaveLight EX500 laser. Providence Eye invested in the WaveLight EX500 because it specifically addressed the shortcomings of other lasers.

The WaveLight EX500 has some very impressive technology:

• Perfect Pulse technology: Checks the eye’s position 1000 times per second!!!
• Smart Energy: The energy of each beam is checked three times before it even touches your eye!
• Eye Tracking: If the eye, at any point, moves out of range, the laser automatically pauses. It’s checked at 100 frames per second! Its predecessor the EX400 only checks 200 frames per second.
• Speed: One of the fastest on the market at 500 bursts per second. This results in a faster procedure for you.
• Capable of producing some of the largest optical zones, greatly reducing side effects, such as reduced night vision.

Of course, the Wavelight EX500 is FDA-approved for most corrections, as well.

When you undergo any type of laser vision correction eye surgery at Providence Eye, you can rest assured your eyes will be treated with state-of-the-art, FDA-approved diagnostic tools and lasers. There are no blades at Providence Eye! This dedication to leading technology, in combination with Providence Eye's depth and breadth of experience in both the number of years and number of successful procedures, is what enables him to provide safe, long-lasting, optimal results for his patients. For more information on LASIK eye surgery and related FDA-approved devices, visit the FDA’s LASIK section on their website.

Ready to see for yourself? Contact us today to schedule your free LASIK consultation and check out our state-of-the-art laser suite in person.