Laser Vision Options
Bladeless Laser Vision Correction
Griffin Eye Center is the first in South Carolina to offer the latest advancements of both the Wavelight® EX500 excimer laser and the VisuMax® laser. This unique combination allows us to provide our patients with the best possible vision. Also, we are now the first ophthalmic center in South Carolina to offer SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction). SMILE is the latest advancement in laser vision correction for myopia (near-sightedness), providing LASIK-like outcomes in a minimally invasive procedure. Other options include the Contoura Vision® which is laser vision correction that uses some of today’s most advanced mapping technologies to create a highly personal treatment for your eyes.
Drs. Neil and Sarah Griffin perform all-laser LASIK procedures using the cutting-edge Alcon WaveLight® EX500 Excimer laser. The WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser is designed to provide patients with a high level of precision and reliability.
No two eyes are alike and Wavefront-Optimized LASIK is designed to treat the uniqueness of your eye. With sophisticated measurements of your cornea and using the most advanced technology, Wavefront-Optimized LASIK has been able to provide patients with a greater chance of 20/20 vision compared to traditional LASIK. The incidence of glare and halos is now much lower with custom treatments, giving a higher quality of vision to our LASIK patients.
Drs. Neil and Sarah Griffin use the latest and most advanced lasers. The speed and accuracy allows the ability to expand treatment capabilities, enhancements of current treatments, broaden range of correction and provide the ultimate outcomes for our patients. Contact us for a free LASIK consultation!
ALTERNATIVES TO LASIK
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
In this procedure, the thin outer layer of the cornea is first gently removed. Then an advanced excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying cornea area. The result is a cornea that more accurately focuses light on the retina. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye until the epithelium grows back.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
Griffin Eye Center offers several different vision correction surgeries to people who previously thought they had no options. Thanks to advancements in technology, those who were previously thought to be too old or too farsighted for LASIK now have an option for vision correction surgery.
RLE is for patients between the ages of 50 plus who are experiencing the effects of presbyopia. Presbyopia is a normal part of aging that becomes more apparent as people approach their 40s and 50s. As the human body ages, it loses its elasticity, and therefore its ability to easily change focus, making it more difficult to read smaller print. Because LASIK and other forms of laser vision correction do not affect the lens of your eye, they cannot correct this problem.
The RLE procedure involves removing your eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) that is designed to match your specific vision needs. After a comprehensive eye evaluation, we will discuss options using the latest most advanced type of IOL that will best help you reach your individual vision goals.
SMILE
Understanding the options Both LASIK and SMILE can help create clearer vision and reduce or eliminate your need for glasses and contacts. Understanding the difference between the two procedures can help you and your surgeon make the right choice for your laser vision correction.
| LASIK | SMILE |
|---|---|
| • A flap is made on the surface of your eye. • A second laser reshapes your cornea, resulting in clearer vision. • Rapidly return to daily routine and activities. | • A small laser opening is made on the surface of your eye. • A thin layer just below your eye’s surface is removed, resulting in clearer vision. • Rapidly return to daily routine and activities. |
What is SMILE?
SMILE is the latest advancement in laser vision correction for myopia (near-sightedness), providing LASIK-like outcomes in a minimally invasive procedure.
Why is it called SMILE?
SMILE is an acronym that stands for “Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.” Simply put, a laser is used to create a thin, contact lens-shaped layer just beneath the surface of the eye and then a small opening, through which the layer is removed.
Please Note: Like all surgery, LASIK surgery has some risks; we will discuss these with you during your consultation.
Contact us about your eye condition and discuss the potential risks and benefits of laser refractive surgery.
“Thrilled with my choice of using Dr. Neil Griffin for my LASIK surgery. Every member of the team that played a part in this, from the consult, to the surgery was so amazing. Professional, friendly and efficient. Highly recommend.”
-A. Strope