Lasik In the News - Articles

Colorado Springs & Pueblo, CO

Demand More From Your LASIK Surgeon - US News and World Report July, 15, 2002


The Buckley Institute In the News - Lasik Vision Correction in Colorado Springs

Your decision to have vision correction surgery was not made lightly. It's a lifestyle choice that you've carefully considered. It's also a healthcare issue that can affect the rest of your life.

"When you are consulting with your surgeon you need to be sure that the first and only priority is the health of your eyes, not your financial bottom line," says Britt A. Buckley, M.D., medical director of The Buckley Institute @ Peak Vision Center.

According to Dr. Buckley, who has performed over 20,000 surgical procedures, refractive surgeons with expertise in a very broad range of services are better qualified to recommend the most appropriate care for each individual. "LASIK-only centers can be primarily driven by profit motives. Our single responsibility is to provide the best care for each patient. When an individual would be better served by another approach, we make those options available."

LASIK is the procedure of choice for the majority of Dr. Buckley's patients. After comparing all of the available LASIK systems, Dr. Buckley chose to offer his patients the VISX STAR™ S3 Excimer Laser for its unsurpassed precision and flexibility. "The VISX STAR S3 offers precision eye tracking, so patients aren't forced to keep their eyes still for long periods of time. It removes less corneal tissue, and has variable treatment diameters so patients enjoy better night vision afterwards," he explains.

The Buckley Institute houses the only privately owned VISX STAR S3 in the region, the laser preferred by U.S. LASIK surgeons 3 to 1 over all other types combined.

Dr. Buckley's expertise coupled with meticulous planning before every surgery contributes to the Buckley Institute's reputation for excellent outcomes. "Each eye is as unique as a fingerprint. The presence of underlying conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or dry eyes may require special attention before surgery begins. We may need to recommend alternatives to LASIK such as Lasek, traditional PRK, Intacs™, lens extraction and others," says Dr. Buckley who is licensed and highly experienced in performing all of these procedures.

The Buckley Institute is Colorado's only source for WavePrint™ mapping technology. Instead of only measuring the surface of the cornea as all other assessments do, the WavePrint™ System provides a detailed map of your entire optical system that is like a 'fingerprint of your vision'. Another technology, ORBSCAN, reveals the strength and thickness of the cornea. The Buckley Institute also utilizes the sophisticated Touch Tear MicroAssay™ System analysis to look for the absence of protein levels in the tears that can lead to 'dry eye' problems and interfere with the healing process following LASIK surgery.

"I'm enthusiastic about modern refractive surgery. It is very safe and I've experienced for myself just how much it can improve your life. The doctor's decision about which procedure is best for you should only be made with the total health of your eyes in mind," adds Dr. Buckley.

To schedule a complimentary personal consultation contact The Buckley Institute at 719-444-3000 or toll free at 1-800-422-7315. You can also visit our web site at www.buckleyvision.com.

Army Enthusiastic About LASIK, Begins New Program

(April 11, 2002) - The Army has joined the Navy and Air Force in endorsing laser in-situ keratomileusis for active duty service members and will offer it to Special Forces and other front-line troops first, the Washington Post reported in a front-page article April 1. The Army launched its Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program on April 1, although Walter Reed Army Medical Center has already performed the surgery on 200 patients. Before enacting the program, the Army monitored how Rangers who had undergone LASIK handled extreme combat training. They reported no problems, saying the surgery helped to avoid fogged spectacles and lost contact lenses. About 35% to 50% of Army troops require corrective lenses, although not all of those are candidates for LASIK.

ARE YOU FINALLY TIRED OF LOOKING FOR YOUR GLASSES?

New techniques in laser surgery are yielding superior results.
By Dr. Britt Buckley

Advances in laser vision correction have helped thousands of people do away with their glasses and contacts. No doubt, better technology has contributed to successful surgeries for those with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. But improved technology is only part of the story.. A state-of-the-art laser system in the hands of an experienced surgeon equates to successful surgeries without complications. In the paragraphs that follow, you'll read about the newest technology and lessons learned through experience.

At The Buckley Institute, I use the VISX STAR S3 ActiveTrak™ Excimer Laser System, the most advanced laser vision technology available. It's the only excimer laser that is part broadbeam and part scanning. If one thinks of the laser beam as a paintbrush, the S3 uses a broad beam to treat the majority of the corneal surface (like painting a room) and then does the finish work with a finer (scanning) beam to polish the edges. This combination is known as a variable spot scanning (VSS™) beam. Independent studies have shown that the VSS technology is the fastest and smoothest way to sculpt the cornea, thus yielding the best results.

The VISX STAR S3 ActiveTrak™ features a very sophisticated infrared video device that follows even the smallest movements of the eye during the surgical process. Using this ActiveTrak™ technology, I'm able to track or follow any inadvertent eye movement. In fact, this new laser is the only one that allows the surgeon to track eye movement in all three dimensions (the third dimension being movement related to the patient's natural breathing in and breathing out) during surgery. As a result, every pulse of the laser is applied in exactly the right spot, yielding superior results.

Another key piece of technology used in LASIK surgery is the Microkeratome. I use the automated Moria M2 microkeratome to prepare the eye for surgery. This microkeratome, the instrument that makes the corneal flap, features Direct Drive Automation (DDA) that completely eliminates gears and tracks for increased safety and reliability. The Moria M2 has a compact dual motor design with a unique drive mechanism that enables me to fully customize the placement of the corneal hinge and even accommodate patients with deep-set and small eyes.

Most recently, The Buckley Institute implemented pre-operative tear-profiling to improve LASIK outcomes. The Touch Tear MicroAssay System™ permits immediate in-office testing of very small, micro-liter-volumes of human tears. By measuring the Lactoferrin levels in the tears, I'm better able to assess the probability of attaining a favorable surgical outcome and reduce the likelihood that a surgical enhancement will be necessary. In addition, I can measure IgE for assessing allergy problems and treat for 'dry eye' prior to surgery, thereby improving surgical results.

Based on over 17,000 procedures performed to date, the variety of procedures, and specialized training, Dr. Britt Buckley is considered Southern Colorado's most experienced vision correction surgeon. You may obtain more information by visiting The Buckley Institute's website at www.buckleyvision.com.

FDA approves refractive surgery for treatment of all visual error parameters.

Colorado Springs (February 20, 2002) - Britt A. Buckley, M.D., founder of The Buckley Institute @ Peak Vision Center, has been notified by VISX Inc. of FDA approval for correcting farsighted and mixed astigmatism using the VISX Excimer Laser.

With this approval, patients can look to laser vision correction for the treatment of all the visual error parameters including nearsightedness, farsightedness, nearsighted astigmatism, farsighted astigmatism and mixed astigmatism.

"This final FDA approval specifically allows me to correct any visual error requiring distance glasses or contacts with laser and LASIK techniques," said Dr. Buckley. "And now I can provide laser vision correction for all the visual error parameters using our VISX S3 ActiveTrak Laser."

The Buckley Institute @ Peak Vision Center is the most comprehensive refractive eye surgery facility in Southern Colorado. The Institute's founder, Britt A. Buckley, M.D., has performed more than 17,000 vision correction procedures to date. The Institute provides customized vision correction using state-of-the-art technology.

The Buckley Institute uses pre-operative tear profiling to improve LASIK surgery outcomes.

Colorado Springs (January 2, 2002) - Britt A. Buckley, M.D., founder of The Buckley Institute @ Peak Vision Center, has acquired the Touch Tear MicroAssay System™ for measuring "dry eye" as a precursor to LASIK surgery. Patients with normal moisture levels experience more favorable surgical outcomes.

The Touch Tear MicroAssay System™ permits immediate testing of very small, micro-liter volumes of human tears while the patient is in the doctor's office. By measuring the Lactoferrin levels in the tears, the doctor is better able to assess the probably of attaining a favorable surgical outcome and reduce the likelihood that an enhancement will be necessary.

"The Tear MicroAssay improves our ability to assess a patient's readiness for LASIK surgery," said Dr. Buckley. "We can measure IgE for assessing allergy problems and treat for 'dry eye' prior to surgery, thereby improving our surgical results."

The Buckley Institute acquires the new automated Moria M2 microkeratome for LASIK surgery.

Colorado Springs (October 9, 2001) - Britt A. Buckley, M.D., founder of The Buckley Institute @ Peak Vision Center, has acquired the new automated Moria M2 microkeratome for LASIK surgery. This microkeratome, the instrument that makes the corneal flap, is specifically designed for consistently better LASIK surgery results.

The automated Moria M2 microkeratome features Direct Drive Automation (DDA) that completely eliminates gears and tracks, producing a smooth keratectomy with increased safety and reliability. The Moria M2 has a compact dual motor design with a unique drive mechanism that enables the surgeon to fully customize the placement of the corneal hinge and even accommodate patients with deep-set and small eyes.

"The Moria M2 is a joy to use," said Dr. Buckley. "It gives me the most consistent and smooth keratectomy I have ever seen. We are very pleased to be able to offer this improved technology to our patients."

The VISX STAR S3 Active Trak Excimer Laser - The New Tracking Laser

April 18, 2001

Britt A. Buckley, M.D., founder of the Buckley Institute @ Peak Vision Center, has upgraded to the VISX STAR S3 ActiveTrak™ Excimer Laser System. With this new technology, patient eye movement is tracked in all 3 dimensions during surgery for greater control and safety. In addition, 7 variable sized laser beams provide for faster, smoother treatment with more precision, greater comfort, and quicker recovery time. It is no longer necessary to dilate the pupil.

"Now, our patients need not worry about holding perfectly still or inadvertently looking away during surgery, said Dr. Buckley. "The ActiveTrak will follow their eye movement."

In addition, this new laser is FDA approved for Variable Spot Scanning (VSS*), enlarging the treatment zones for myopia by 51% and creating a beneficial blended vision zone on the outer area of the cornea. Dr. Buckley: "This new VSS capability will help reduce the slight nighttime "halo effect" some experience after LASIK.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation regarding this new laser technology, please contact The Buckley Institute @ Peak Vision Center at (719) 444-3000.

The Buckley Institute @ Peak Vision Center is the most comprehensive refractive eye surgery facility in Southern Colorado. The Institute's founder, Britt A. Buckley, M.D., has performed more than 15,000 vision correction procedures to date. The Institute provides customized vision correction using state-of-the-art technology.

Wavefront CustomVue™ Laser Vision Correction

CustomVue™ Procedure Provides Individualized Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction can now be tailored to the unique characteristics of your eyes thanks to advanced technology developed by VISX, Incorporated, the worldwide leader in laser vision correction, and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Like a fingerprint, the vision of every eye is unique," says Dr. Buckley. "The VISX CustomVue™ procedure uses state-of-the-art technology to measure the unique characteristics of your eyes. Based on a sophisticated map of the eye, we can customize a unique correction that is tailor-made to your vision."

By specifically addressing the unique imperfections of your vision, the VISX CustomVue procedure can help you achieve your "personal best vision," without contact lenses or glasses. Results from a clinical study have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the CustomVue procedure, and demonstrated that it can potentially produce better vision than previously possible with contact lenses or glasses.

At the heart of the CustomVue procedure is the VISX WaveScan® system. The WaveScan is 25 times more precise for measuring visual imperfections than the technology commonly used to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses.

"The WaveScan system produces a detailed map of the eye. The digital information is transferred to the STAR S4™ Excimer Laser System," explains NAME. "This provides a new level of precision and accuracy for optimizing each patient's vision based on their specific needs."

Optimizing "Your Personal Best Vision"

Using the measurement and correction technologies of the CustomVue procedure, Buckley Vision Institute can develop an individualized laser vision correction plan that addresses your individual needs.

The VISX CustomVue procedure utilizes the WaveScan measurement device to map the entire optical path of your eye. The resulting WavePrint® map produces a "fingerprint of your vision," providing your doctor with a precise and detailed guide for how to best improve your vision. "This enables us to correct your eyesight so that you get the best possible vision," says Dr. Buckley. "In many cases, patients see better than 20/20 following a CustomVue treatment."

Doctors at Buckley Vision Institute are using the exclusive VISX CustomVue technology to provide laser vision correction treatment based on your personal vision needs. To learn if you are a candidate for Laser Vision Correction, call Buckley Vision Institute at 719-444-3000.

CustomVue: An FDA-Approved Procedure

The safety and effectiveness of the CustomVue procedure is underscored by the results of a clinical study conducted by VISX, Incorporated for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to results from the FDA study, at one year after the procedure, 100 percent of the people whose vision was corrected with the CustomVue procedure could pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses. Ninety-eight percent of the people treated with CustomVue had 20/20 or better vision at one year after the procedure, and 70 percent of those people could actually see better than 20/20 - without glasses or contact lenses.

To make an appointment with Dr. Buckley, or for more information about how you can benefit from the CustomVue procedure, call 719-444-3000.

Exciting news - Buckley Vision Institute is the first center in Southern Colorado to acquire the VISX Star S4 technology! This technology enables the laser to cut wavefront-generated prevue lenses that demonstrate a patient's potential vision. Call us today for more information!

The excimer laser used by your eye doctor can affect your satisfaction with LASIK. That's why Buckley Vision Institute chooses to use VISX! VISX invented the technology for laser vision correction more than 15 years ago. Today, VISX is the choice of more doctors for their patients. In fact, thousands of eye doctors and their staffs have chosen the VISX technology advantage for their own LASIK procedures.

The FDA has approved the VISX laser for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism for eligible patients. Millions of patients worldwide have undergone successful laser vision correction procedures, and over one million VISX laser procedures have been performed in the US since our first FDA approval in 1996.

The VISX Advantage

VISX pioneered the development of excimer laser systems and remains the industry leader in quality and innovation.

VISX laser systems have features that translate into several advantages for you:

  • VISX laser systems produce the smoothest surface on the cornea after the procedure. Smoother ablations, as they're known, promote faster healing and result in better vision.
  • VISX laser systems achieve an optical zone that may result in reduced problems with night vision.
  • VISX laser systems require a shorter procedure time, which may reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

Reasons why the VISX laser system is superior to others:

  • History of excellence in design
  • Rigorous FDA approvals
  • Clinical experience and knowledge
  • Extensive use by eye doctors
  • Exclusive focus on this technology

If you would like to visit the VISX site for more information, please click here (a new window will open).

Wavefront expands treatment

Now LASIK can repair aberrations
By Bill Radford the Gazette

Laser eye surgery has entered a new era.

Millions of people have undergone LASIK surgery in their desire to shed their glasses or contact lenses. Wavefront technology, a new way to assess vision problems, sets a higher standard for vision correction in LASIK patient.

Conventional LASIK corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness and astigmatism, which involve the focusing power of the eye. Wavefront-guided LASIK also treats eye imperfections, known as higher-order aberrations that affect the crispness of vision but are not measure in a standard eye test.

It's not just an advance in LASIK surgery, says Glenn Hagele, executive director of the nonprofit Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance. "It's a new ere in understanding the optics of the eye."

Wavefront technology was derived from astrophysics and used to fine-tune images produced by the Hubble Space Telescope. Eye surgeons now can use it to produce a three-dimensional map of the eye with all its imperfections.

"A traditional eyeglass prescription compared to a wavefront diagnosis is like comparing a state road map to a neighborhood city map," Hagele says. "Both give you a good idea where you are, but wavefront provides tremendously more detail.

During LASIK surgery, the wavefront map is used to program the laser, producing a more individualized and complex reshaping of the cornea. "It basically cleans up these unique imperfections in people's vision", explains Dr. Britt Buckley of Buckley Vision Institute in Colorado Springs. "And when it does that, patients get better vision then they've ever seen with their glasses or contacts."

Buckley performs the VISX CustomVue™ wavefront guided LASIK, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May. Dr. John Wright, of the Wright Eye Center in Colorado Springs, offers Alcon Laboratories' CustomCornea, the first wavefront technology to win FDA approval. Both doctors still offer conventional LASIK as well.

Wright hails the new technology but stresses that not everyone has the higher order aberrations. He believes most people will do just as well with conventional LASIK. The wavefront-guided LASIK adds to the cost, anywhere from $100 per eye to several hundred dollars, depending on the center.

Hagele agrees wavefront-guided surgery should not always be preferred over conventional LASIK, but believes wavefront will become the standard as a diagnostic tool. Wavefront also will reduce the number of patients who suffer complications from LASIK, he says.

Three percent of patients who undergo conventional LASIK or other refractive surgery have complications after six months, such as dry eye or night-vision problems.

Wavefront may even be used to eliminate problems resulting from previous LASIK surgeries. Hagele's group has produced a sister web site, www.complicatedeyes.org, to address that subject.

Mark Stallings can compare conventional and wavefront LASIK simply by closing one eye or the other. Dr. Buckley performed surgery on him June 20, using what Stallings calls "the new cool technology" in his left eye, and conventional LASIK in the right. Stalling has mixed astigmatism in his right eye, a condition the new technology is not yet FDA-approved to correct.

Although both eyes are improved, distance vision with his right eye is slightly fuzzy - sort of like the old movies where the leading lady is bathed in a soft light, he says. But overall, his vision in now 20/10 and Stallings, who wore glasses for about 15 year, is ecstatic with the results.

Despite such success stories, patients should have reasonable expectation, Hagele cautions. Not everyone will achieve "superior" vision, he says.

And though the probability of complications becomes even less with wavefront, the possibility still exists.

"This is not getting a haircut," he says. "This is getting microsurgery on the eye,"

ABOUT 20/20

Having 20/20 vision means seeing at 20 feet what a normal person sees at 20 feet, as measured by lines on an eye chart. A bottom number larger than 20, such as 20/40, indicates diminished vision.

With wavefront-guided LASIK, Buckley Vision Institute is offering a guarantee of 20/20 vision or your money back.

But 20/20 vision is just one measure of success, cautions Glenn Hagele, founder and executive director of the council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance. A patient, for example, may demonstrate 20/20 vision in a doctor's office but suffer from night-vision distortions.

Jim Van Dyke, marketing director for Buckley Vision Institute, says the 20/20 promotion is a way of touting the superior Wavefront technology without confusing patients with a barrage of technical terms.

"We don't really advertise CustomVue™ and Wavefront-guided technology and all those kinds of issues," he says. "We just advertise 20/20 or your money back. People just want to know how well they're going to see afterward."

ABOUT WAVEFRONT

LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, uses a laser to reshape the cornea. Wavefront-guided LASIK works by beaming light through the eye, taking detailed measurements as the light bounces back. These measurements are recorded on a virtual map, highlighting each patient's visual imperfections.

During LASIK surgery, this map is used by the surgeon to tailor the laser-beam settings, making the procedure customized to the precise vision specification of each patient.

SOURCE: Eye Surgery Education Council

BILL RADFORD, THE GAZETTE
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0272 or comics@gazette.com

Thank you for your interest in Buckley Vision Institute. We will try to answer your questions during your tour through our web site. If you prefer to discuss your questions in person, call us at 719-444-3000 or 800-422-7315.