LASIK (Laser Assisted Stromal In-Situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK is the most common refractive surgery procedure in the United States and has been preformed successfully since its FDA approval in 1999.  LASIK is a safe and effective treatment for a wide variey of conditions including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  It is effective, efficient, and relatively pain free.  The procedure consists of two distinct steps.  First, the surgeon creates a horizontal flap on the clear outer surface of the eye (cornea).  The flap is approximately 8-10mm in diameter and created with a special knife called a microkeratome (see diagram) or a laser (Intralase).  After the flap is made, it is carefully lifted and folded back, to expose the inner corneal layers.  The next step is the laser treatment itself.  The laser is aimed at the exposed inner corneal layers.  Once activated it reshapes the cornea by removing excess corneal tissue.  Once finished the flap is carefully put back in place.  Most healing takes place in the initial 24-48 hours with minimal discomfort.  Although the long term visual results can take 3-6 months, vision is usually improved by the next day following the surgery.  If you are interested in refractive surgery, please see Dr. Hamilton to determine if you are indeed a candidate for this procedure.  All refractive surgery consultations are free of charge.

PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy
Has been FDA approved in the United States since 1995.  It can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  Instead of creating a flap as in LASIK, PRK involves removing the top surface of the cornea.  This is accomplished using a microkeratome or intralase.  Once the top corneal surface is removed a laser is used to reshape the cornea (Similar to LASIK) and eliminate/reduce the need for correction.  Generally patients will experience some discomfort within the first 24-48 hours following the PRK procedure, as the outer layer of the cornea regenerates.  Although the long term visual results (3-6 months and beyond) are comparable to LASIK, the initial visual recovery with PRK is not as fast as with LASIK.  PRK is an excellent procedure and comparable, if not superior, to LASIK in every way except initial comfort.  If you are interested in refractive surgery please see Dr. Hamilton to find out if PRK is right for you.  All refractive surgery consultations are free of charge.





VISIAN
Implantable Collamer Lenses
Visian is an implantable collagen lens that is designed to correct for nearsightedness.  This biologically inert lens is implanted in the posterior chamber of the eye which is directly behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and in front of the natural lens.  The Visian lens is advantageous over other refractive surgical procedures in that it has the ability to treat extremely nearsighted patients without affecting the patients ability to change focus.  The FDA has approved this lens for use with Rx’s that range from -3.00 to -20.00 diopters.   Unlike LASIK or PRK, these lenses do not permanently change the shape of the eye.  Currently the Visian lens can be used to treat only nearsightedness, but in the near future the FDA is expected to approve an implant able lens to treat astigmatism.  Dr. Hamilton is one of the only optometrists in Austin that manages these lenses.  All Visian consultations are free of charge.  Please call today to schedule your appointment.





MULTIFOCAL INTRAOCULAR LENSES (Restor, ReZoom, Crystalens)
The implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens requires the removal of the eye’s natural lens and the replacement with the multifocal intraocular lens.  Dr. Hamilton manages three types of multifocal intraocular lens implants--ReStor, ReZoom, and Crystalens. 

ReStor Intraocular lens implants are designed for patients that desire to see well at distance and near.  These lenses would be an excellent choice for a patient that does a lot of reading and driving.  The ReStor lens uses multiple concentric rings to produce a near image on the eye while simultaneously producing a distance image.  80% of patients that are fitted with the ReStor lens report that they use glasses only occasionally or never. 



ReZoom Intraocular lenses are designed to distribute light rays to focus into five optical zones, to provide near, intermediate and distance vision.  These lenses focus particularly well at distance and intermediate and would be an excellent choice for a patient that does a lot of driving and computer work.  93% of patients that are fitted with the ReZoom lens report that they use glasses occasionally or never.

Crystalens is designed to restore the eye’s natural ability to accommodate, which is the ability of the eyes to change focus from far to near and all distances in between.  As we age, this ability gradually reduces.  The Crystalens has hinges on either side of the lens which allow it to make small movements within the eye causing light to change focus.  Currently, Crystalens is the only accommodating intra-ocular lens.