New System Makes Lasik Even Better

Jan. 18 -- Lasik eye surgery is a common way to achieve near perfect vision. But it often requires a repeat surgery for that perfection. Dr. Dean Edell reports on a new computerized system that may help eliminate the need for corrections. He says the program takes into account the unique anomalies of each person's eye.

In just a few minutes, Lasik eye surgery has Kelli Tette saying goodbye to glasses.

Kelli Tette, Lasik patient: "I can see so much better than I ever did even with my glasses or contacts on."

And most Lasik patients do get to throw away their glasses after surgery. But there is a very real chance they may have to come back for a repeat surgery to adjust their vision after surgery. Well now New York researchers say a new computerized system hits it right the first time.

Scott Macrae, MD, ophthalmologist: "The University of Rochester Nomogram is a system that takes into account these subtler irregularities of vision and corrects them out."

Ophthalmologists say 20 percent of patients are still slightly farsighted after surgery. Using the new system, that number drops to two percent.

Dr. Scott Macrae: "The biggest benefit to patients with the Nomogram is they're less likely to need a re-treatment after the procedure."

Patients undergo a test to find flaws within the eyes. That information is fed into the new system using computers and then helps control and adjust the laser beam during surgery to fix imperfections for a picture-perfect result.

Dr. Scott Macrae: "Saves us time. It saves the patient time, but more importantly, the patients see well right from the start."

The system caught Kelli's eye defects before surgery.

Dr. Scott Macrae: "She ended up better than 20/20, about 20/15."

Kelli Tette, Lasik patient: "It's definitely changed my life."

A life that's clearer, all on its own.

The computer software controls how the laser beam used in the surgery travels around the surface of the cornea during the procedure enabling the surgeon to sculpt the cornea into just the right shape.

To learn more about this computerized program, click here.

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