Next-Generation Laser Eye Surgery Debuts In Iowa
November 21, 2002
Iowans considering LASIK surgery now have a safer alternative.
Wolfe Clinic, Iowa’s leading diagnostic and surgical eye care center, today announces the availability of a new, all-laser vision correction procedure — IntraLASIK. Whereas the first step in traditional LASIK surgery is performed with a hand-held mechanical device, IntraLASIK replaces this mechanism with a laser, making this step more accurate and precise than in traditional LASIK.
The laser technology required to perform the procedure, called INTRALASE, is exclusive to Wolfe Clinic in Iowa. Of the 30 INTRALASE™ FS lasers installed in the United States, Wolfe Clinic now has two of these units right here in Iowa. More than 20,000 IntraLASIK procedures have been performed in the United States to date.
With the introduction of IntraLASIK, Wolfe Clinic is now able to offer patients in Iowa a more precise procedure. Because IntraLASIK reduces the risk of surgical complications associated with the first step of the surgery, Wolfe Clinic patients are more confident going into the procedure.
Precision and accuracy characterize IntraLASIK. The INTRALASE FS laser gives surgeons exceptional control over the first step of laser eye surgery — creating a corneal flap. Folding the flap away from the eye allows the surgeon access to the inner layers of the cornea so the excimer laser can be used to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. With traditional LASIK, a hand-held mechanical blade is used to create the flap, which can cause complications, such as puncturing or scratching of the eye.
IntraLASIK uses a rapidly fired laser instead of a blade to create the flap, significantly reducing the risk of flap complications for laser surgery patients at Wolfe Clinic.
“I researched laser eye surgery for nearly three years before I decided to go ahead with the procedure,” said Chad Bower, a veterinarian from Las Vegas who underwent IntraLASIK surgery at Wolfe Clinic on Saturday, Nov. 16. “As a doctor, I was attracted to the fact that the physicians at Wolfe Clinic had made the investment IntraLASIK — the best technology available. They take the extra step to provide the best for their patients and remove as many risks as possible.”
Iowans considering laser vision correction can find out more about IntraLASIK surgery at Wolfe Clinic's educational seminars. The seminars allow attendees the chance to interact with physicians and view an IntraLASIK procedure. People interested in attending a seminar should visit www.wolfeclinic.com/seminars.asp for a schedule of dates and times.
In business since 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With over 32 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Wolfe Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans. For more information on the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, laser vision correction, and other ocular diseases, please call 800-542-7956. Visit Wolfe Clinic online at www.wolfeclinic.com.