Utah Ophthalmologists Explain Differences Between LASIK and Visian ICL Surgeries

SALT LAKE CITY, UT--(Marketwire - Mar 5, 2013) - The Eye Institute of Utah is a state-of-the-art facility where experienced Utah ophthalmologists perform major eye and cosmetic surgery using some of the most technologically advanced equipment available. Many patients visit the refractive specialists at The Eye Institute of Utah, Dr. Darcy Wolsey and Dr. Robert Cionni, with questions regarding the advantages of LASIK surgery versus Visian ICL (Implantable Contact Lens) procedures. During the complimentary refractive consultation, the patient will have the opportunity to meet with a refractive coordinator, the surgeon, and a technician to discuss which procedure is the best fit for their individual needs.

For any vision correction procedure, ideal candidates must be 21 years of age or older with stable vision for one year prior to surgery. Both LASIK and ICL surgery can be an effective solution for people hoping to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. Both procedures take little time with minor discomfort, and most patients are seeing clearly within 24-48 hours after surgery.

The Eye Institute of Utah employs the latest technology to deliver an all-laser LASIK procedure. The first step of surgery is to create a corneal flap using the iFS Intralase laser. After the flap is created, a second laser, the Allegretto Wave® Eye-Q, is used to permanently reshape the cornea. The total procedure only takes about 20 minutes for both eyes and most people recover and see clearly within one to two days after surgery.

The doctors say LASIK is a great option for patients who have mild to moderate levels of refractive error. If patients have high levels of astigmatism, then LASIK is generally the best option for vision correction surgery. According to Surgivision, a surgery data tracking program, more than 94 percent of LASIK patients have their vision corrected to 20/20 at The Eye Institute of Utah with Dr. Wolsey. Nationwide, only 88 percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision.

Many people who are not candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas, dry eyes and high refractive error can now experience vision correction with the Visian ICL. During ICL surgery, the surgeons at The Eye Institute of Utah create a tiny incision in the eye to insert the implantable contact lens behind the colored part of the eye, known as the iris. The lenses are invisible once implanted and patients will not be able to feel them. The ideal ICL candidate is between the ages of 21-45 with high levels of nearsightedness and without significant astigmatism. Another added benefit to ICL surgery is that the procedure is completely reversible and offers additional UV protection for the eyes.

One of the most significant differences for Utah vision correction patients to keep in mind is that individuals with a high level of astigmatism (anything more than two diopters of astigmatism) are not ideal candidates for Visian ICL. Visian ICL is an option to consider for patients with high refractive error, thin corneas, and dry eyes. Both LASIK and ICL are highly successful in offering the majority of patients freedom from glasses and contacts.

About The Eye Institute of Utah

Known throughout the Intermountain West as a leader in the eyecare industry, The Eye Institute of Utah specializes in standard and custom cataract surgery, cosmetic surgery and refractive surgeries including LASIK, PRK, Visian ICL surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) surgery. The Eye Institute also provides glaucoma treatment, dry eye treatment, laser and retina-vitreous surgery, and corneal transplantation. Established in 1980 by Dr. W. Andrew Lyle, as the first and largest office-based eye surgical center in Utah, The Eye Institute is based in Salt Lake City, UT and services surrounding area patients in Wyoming, Idaho and Nevada.

The surgeons are available for interview upon request.