Eye openers: the latest innovations in vision surgery

Thanks to new technology you just may be able to hang up those glasses. Alternatives to LASIK, the popular surgery that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, promise simpler methods and faster results. Here we offer an overview of the newest options. For more information, visit aao.org, the Web site of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

Focal Point: FDA-approved in September 2004, ICL (a permanent contact-lens implant generally made out of plastic) may be the answer for patients who are too nearsighted for LASIK.

Surgical View: The patient receives topical or local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision and inserts the Collamer lens next to the patient's natural lens, behind the iris.

Recovery Zone: The small incision should heal, and full vision should be restored in 24 to 48 hours. Any swelling should only last three days.

Price Scan: ICL costs about $3,000 per eye. Like most elective vision surgeries, it isn't covered by insurance.

Wavefront Guided Ablation

Focal Point: Popularly known as Custom LASIK, Wavefront Guided Ablation increases a patient's chance for 20/20 vision and may also improve night vision. "[Custom LASIK] detects all the little distortions," says Paul Karpecki, M.D., director of research at Moyes Eye Center in Kansas City, Missouri. "it's more customized to the individual eye, and the Wave-front [technology] may contribute to making the procedure safer."

Surgical View: A surgeon uses computer software to pinpoint distortions and guide the laser. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes.

Recovery Zone: Some patients may experience initial burning or stinging. Most notice better vision immediately, with overall vision improvement within a month.

Price Scan: Custom costs $2,000 to $2,400 per eye compared with $1,000 for traditional LASIK. insurance doesn't cover it.

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

Focal Point: FDA-approved last April, this procedure may be ideal for patients over 45 with presbyopia (you see well in the distance but need glasses to see up close). "CK is one of the safest procedures because it doesn't involve any cutting inside the eye," says Karpecki. "The surgery is quick, but patients may need another procedure three to seven years later."

Surgical View: Using an instrument that produces radio waves, the surgeon reshapes the patient's cornea. Relatively painless, CK takes about two minutes per eye. Recovery Zone: It takes 24 to 48 hours for the point of insertion to heal and for scratchiness and light sensitivity to end. Vision improvement is usually immediate, with fully blended vision (both eyes working together correctly) occurring in four to six weeks.

Price Scan: CK isn't covered by insurance. It averages $1,500 per eye. (To correct near vision, many patients only need one eye treated.)

Accommodating Intraocular Lens

Focal Point: This updated version of cataract surgery improves overall vision. (Standard cataract surgery only addresses distance vision.)

Surgical View: While the patient is under local or topical anesthesia, a surgeon removes the natural lens and replaces it with a "hinged" silicone lens. This lens utilizes the eye muscle to move back and forth to restore vision at all distances. Patient must use postoperative drops to prevent infection. Recovery Zone: Incision should heal within 24 to 48 hours. Distance vision will be very good one to two days after surgery, but it may take up to a month for near vision to improve.

Price Scan: It can cost $4,500 per eye (!) and insurance doesn't yet cover it. "This procedure is so new," Karpecki explains. "But as with anything, the price may come down."

Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik