Now Stanford School of Medicine researchers are investigating whether a new laser device can lead to even more favorable results than the one used in traditional LASIK. “If the new device is shown to have better outcomes for patients, it could become the standard of care,” said Manche, who is leading the study.
Despite the laser’s ability to better predict flap thickness, preliminary data have shown little difference in outcomes between the laser and the microkeratome. Manche said he launched the study in an effort to answer definitively whether the laser device can improve outcomes for patients. “We define better results as a greater number of patients seeing 20/20 or 20/15 after the surgery,” he said.
During the study, 50 LASIK patients will have the all-laser procedure in one eye and the traditional procedure with the mechanical device in the other. Manche will then determine vision and subtle corneal distortions in each eye.
Manche is currently enrolling patients for the study. Study participants must be 21 or older and have moderate to extreme nearsightedness. They cannot be pregnant or nursing, and they cannot have eye disease or have had previous surgeries. Participants will be charged 70 percent of the normal cost of the LASIK procedure.
Intralase Corp. manufacturers the machine used to perform the all-laser LASIK procedure. To determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, contact the Eye Laser Center at (650) 498-7020, or visit this website.
From a Stanford press release.
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Uhm. An almost blatant press release (translated, ADVERTISEMENT) for Intralase Corp. And Stanford School of Medicine.
What’s next, an ad for geek toys?
Seriously, the article was informative and pertinent, but the study enrollment information should have been parenthetical.