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The Idaho Eye Center is dedicated to providing our
patients with the best available refractive surgery care - the best techniques,
technology, facilities, and most important, the best doctors and staff.
 Click
here to see an example of how 20/20 compares to other visual acuities.
"Refractive Surgery"
is a term used for several procedures designed to treat "refractive errors" such
as nearsightedness, astigmatism, and
farsightedness. These procedures attempt to alter refractive errors by changing the
shape of the cornea.
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LADARVision®4000 at the Idaho Eye Laser Center |
Refractive laser eye surgery is available in Southeast
Idaho at the Idaho Eye Center. The Idaho Eye Center is a leader in its commitment to
provide the highest quality vision correction services.
Nearsighted conditions are treated utilizing the
sophisticated Excimer Laser technology to precisely sculpt the surface of the eye.
Only a very small amount of tissue (less than the thickness of a human hair) is removed
from the corneal surface. Around the world, hundreds of thousands of people have had
this breakthrough procedure. Laser vision correction of nearsightedness,
farsightedness, and
astigmatism is finally available to the 60 million Americans who suffer from
nearsightedness.
Key Benefits
 | Reduce or possibly eliminate your dependence on
glasses and /or contacts |
| Little or no discomfort or pain |
| Brief outpatient procedure |
| Recovery time of only 1 to 2 days |
| Both eyes can be treated at the same
time |
| Total time for surgery visit is
approximately 2 hours |
| Actual procedure takes about 5-10
minutes per eye |
| Low incidence of side effects and/or
complications |
| Freedom |
Should I have Refractive
Surgery?
Many patients with myopia or
astigmatism feel visually and socially limited in their everyday life by their dependence
on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some wish to be free of the tedious tasks of caring for
and maintaining contact lenses, of purchasing lenses, solutions, etc. Some elect to have
surgery for occupational reasons. Still others may have myopia or astigmatism as a result
of previous, unrelated eye surgery, such as cataract or corneal transplant surgery. Such
patients may possibly be corrected with refractive surgery.
Even if patients are ecstatic about the results of their
surgery, some still rely on prescription eye wear for certain visual tasks such as night
driving, bright light conditions, and reading. Thus Refractive Surgery may
not totally eliminate your need for optical correction, but it will likely make you
less dependent on that correction.
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Where will the
Surgery be Performed?
Refractive
surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure at the Idaho Eye Center in Idaho Falls.
The Idaho Eye Center is Eastern Idaho' s only full
service fixed site laser center. The Idaho Eye Center has a specially equipped
dedicated operating suite designed strictly for these procedures
and is certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.
(AAAHC), through a stringent qualifying process. It was the first surgery center in the
State of Idaho and is the only surgery center in southeast Idaho devoted exclusively to
surgical eye care.
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Types of
Refractive Surgery Offered by the Idaho Eye Center
 
Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK)
Astigmatic Keratotomy is typically only performed on cataract patients
to assist with correcting low levels of astigmatism. This is a non-laser surgical procedure
to treat astigmatism. This is accomplished by making incisions in the steepest parts of the
cornea, causing it to relax and become more round.
As mentioned, AK is still performed in certain
instances, but the Excimer Laser offers much more precise reshaping of the corneal surface
typically resulting in a better correction.
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Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK uses the Excimer Laser to correct low to moderate
amounts of nearsightedness. PRK treats nearsightedness by removing corneal tissue
from the surface of the cornea, causing the central optical zone to flatten. This
allows light rays to focus more directly on the retina, thereby reducing nearsightedness.
Over 99% of our laser refractive patients choose the LASIK procedure over PRK (see
below).
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- Laser In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
(Our recommended treatment)
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How LASIK Works
- CLICK HERE
Like PRK, which utilizes the Excimer Laser, LASIK reshapes
the cornea with laser technology. However, LASIK is used to treat low to high
amounts of nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. LASIK combines the computer controlled
precision of the Excimer Laser with the benefits of another type of refractive surgery
called Lamellar Keratoplasty (a procedure where an instrument known as a microkeratome
makes a small flap in the outer layer of the cornea).
 While PRK treats the surface of the cornea,
LASIK treats the
inner tissue of the cornea. Throughout the LASIK procedure, you are awake.
The doctor gives you some drops to numb your eyes so that throughout the procedure you are
comfortable. Next, a corneal flap is created using the microkeratome. The
"flap" remains attached on one edge. Then the cool light rays of the
Excimer Laser gently sculpt the internal corneal tissue to the correct refractive
power. The corneal flap is then laid back in its original position. Due to the
cornea's extraordinary natural bonding qualities, stitches are rarely required.
After the procedure, you will leave with a clear eye shield and eye drops to help your eye
heal. Your vision might remain blurry for a few days. Most people return to
work within 48 hours. LASIK results are usually realized sooner than with
PRK.
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Commitment to
Excellence
We are committed to helping you decide whether refractive
surgery is right for you. Our network of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and
certified/trained technicians are available and eager to answer your questions as you
consider which procedure will be right for you.
To learn more, call us ((208)
524-2025 -- Idaho Falls, (208) 232-2008 -- Pocatello, (208) 359-1130 --
Rexburg, or (800) 233-9336 -- Toll Free), send an email to idahoeye@ida.net,
or fill out the information request form below. All information will be held in the
strictest confidence. There is absolutely no obligation!
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Free LASIK Screenings
Every Friday at
the Idaho Eye Centers in Idaho Falls and
Pocatello between 10:00
AM and 4:00 PM
(no
appointment necessary)
Any
day at the Idaho Eye Center in Rexburg by
appointment.
To keep waiting times to a minimum, we
recommend
that you call for an appointment time.
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Other Contact
Information
Telephone:
(208)
524-2025 -- Idaho Falls
(208) 232-2008 -- Pocatello
(208) 359-1130 -- Rexburg
(800) 233-9336 -- Toll Free
(208) 529-1924 -- Fax
- Postal address:
- (Idaho Falls,
Rexburg, and Pocatello offices):
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- 2025 East 17th
Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
- 1157 Call Place,
Pocatello, ID 83201
- 351 East 2nd North,
Rexburg, ID 83440
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Electronic Email:
idahoeye@ida.net
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