Refractive Surgery and Laser Vision Correction
Known for its expertise in refractive surgery and cornea research, the Vanderbilt Eye Institute has built a reputation of excellence in the field of laser vision correction. Our professionals have performed over 7,000 surgeries, including treatments on more than 500 physicians. We treat the following types of vision imperfections with refractive surgery techniques:
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis) — Used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism (a cornea with an uneven or asymmetrical curvature that causes a ghosting effect), and low to moderate amounts of hyperopia, or farsightedness. Using the most advanced and clinically safe technology available, the surgeons at Vanderbilt LASIK perform LASIK using IntraLase™, an all-laser, blade-free procedure in conjunction with CustomVue™.
CustomVue LASIK - In CustomVue™, each patient's treatment is "designed" by the unique characteristics of the individual's eyes. WaveScan® technology captures unique imperfections and produces a detailed map of the eye — much like a fingerprint. It then translates this information into a set of CustomVue treatment instructions for the laser. This new level of measurement provides 25 times more precision than measurements using standard methods.
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy - PRK is an eximer laser sergical procedure that reshapes the cornea by removing corneal tissue to refocus light on the retina. It may be used to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism at the same time and is an alternative to LASIK for those with less corneal tissue.
Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK)
PTK is an excimer laser surgical procedure that removes roughness or cloudiness from the cornea. This procedure is indicated when other treatment methods have failed or will fail for the following conditions:
- Scars on the surface of the cornea
- Recurrence of corneal erosions
- Corneal dystrophies and degenerations
Until recently, these conditions were treated by scraping with a surgical blade or required a partial or full corneal transplant. In PTK, the excimer laser treats abnormal corneas with a cool beam of light that evaporates tissue. The laser is able to create a smoother corneal surface than a blade and smaller amounts of tissue can be removed.
LTK (Laser Thermal Keratoplasty) — A non-laser procedure used to treat astigmatism.