Medical Pioneers Of Laser Vision Correction Help Locals Shed Their Glasses Through New LASIK Procedure

League City, Texas - Imagine a world free from foggy eyeglasses or disappearing contact lenses. Imagine a world where a simple surgical procedure could correct nearsightedness or astigmatism. Imagine having one of the pioneers of this advanced medical procedure use his expertise to perform the operation. Well, look no further. All three dreams can be fulfilled via LASIK laser vision correction surgery - a specialty performed by the doctors at The Ophthalmic Laser Center at The Eye Clinic of Texas.

Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the latest advancement in the world of laser vision correction, a surgical procedure that uses lasers to reshape the surface of the cornea and ultimately correct nearsightedness, or myopia, as well as astigmatism. But, laser vision correction is nothing new to the doctors at The Eye Clinic of Texas.

"In 1991, we were the first physicians in Texas to perform a laser vision correction procedure known as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), which uses a cool-beamed computerized laser, known as an excimer laser, to reshape the cornea," said Bernard Milstein, M.D., founder of The Ophthalmic Laser Center at The Eye Clinic of Texas. Furthermore, their clinic was one of 10 U.S. eye centers selected that year to participate in the initial clinical trials for PRK. Their revolutionary insight, hard work and determination helped establish the safety and effectiveness of the excimer laser; now an internationally available procedure.

"Because we introduced laser vision correction to the State of Texas, we have a level of credibility that is unsurpassed in the market," said Milstein. "So, when the pioneers come out of the box and announce an even better laser vision correction technique, people listen," he added.

For the last couple of years, Milstein, and his two fellow ophthalmologists, have focused their energies on the new LASIK laser vision correction procedure, which is used to treat high levels of myopia and astigmatism. They still offer a full range of eye needs in their League City clinic.

"The LASIK procedure is better tolerated by the patient than other forms of laser vision correction, such as the one we first performed - PRK," said Milstein. "LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis and both eyes can be treated within 20 minutes. The patient is usually very relaxed and comfortable during the entire procedure," he added.

Different than PRK, LASIK couples the excimer laser with an automated microkeratome, a precise instrument used to separate the thin layers of the cornea. The doctor performs a complete eye exam and a topographic map of the cornea to first determine if the patient is a candidate for the procedure. Anesthetic eye drops are applied to the patient's eye before the surgery to eliminate any pain. A microkeratome is then placed over the eye to make a tiny slice in a portion of the top section of the cornea. This sliced section is folded back to reveal the cornea. The excimer laser is then focused onto the cornea for approximately 15 seconds to reshape its surface. The sliced portion is folded back into place, where it immediately begins to repair itself.

After the procedure is completed, some patients experience slightly blurred vision for a few days. Patients wear eye shields to prevent them from rubbing their eyes for the next 24 hours. Usually, clear vision without the hassle of corrective lenses begins to occur within hours of the procedure.

"By using the microkeratome we are able to directly treat the surface of the cornea and it heals more quickly and effectively than other forms of laser vision correction," said Milstein. "LASIK is the simplest, fastest and most painless method of correcting impaired vision, and is available right in our patients' backyards at our League City facility," said Milstein. 

The Ophthalmic Laser Center at The Eye Clinic of Texas is located at 1100 Gulf Freeway in League City and has served the Houston/Galveston area since 1996. Three ophthalmologists, including Center founder Dr. Bernard Milstein, and two staff members service the Center. The Eye Clinic of Texas also has general clinical facilities at the League City location, as well as in Texas City and Galveston where they offer a full range of eye care.

For more information on the LASIK laser vision correction procedure or general information about The Eye Clinic of Texas, call 281-332-3937.

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