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'No Touch' Laser Vision Correction^SM

To permanently alter the shape of the cornea the excimer laser beam must come in contact with the stromal layer, which is covered by the epithelium (the outermost layer).

Removing the epithelium is accomplished in two ways:

• Using a cutting instrument to create a flap made up of epithelium and part stroma.
• Manually removing the epithelium, allowing it to grow back after the laser treatment.

The first method is the LASIK procedure and the second is PRK.

'No Touch' Laser Vision Correction^SM is a patented laser vision correction technique that refers to the method of removing the epithelium with the laser instead of using an instrument, alcohol or other manual methods. With the exception of the eyelids being held open only the laser beam comes in contact with the eye. The first pass of the laser beam removes the epithelium; the second pass treats the prescription.

This innovative technique produces a very smooth surface for the laser treatment and promotes faster regeneration of the epithelium. 'No Touch' Laser Vision Correction^SM is performed by Dr. Schwartz with the VISX® excimer laser.

Choosing the right procedure is a combined effort including both the patient and doctor. Consideration is given to a patient's personal issues as well as clinical findings. For example, 'No Touch' Laser Vision Correction^SM may be the recommended procedure for patients with corneas which are too thin to support a LASIK treatment. Without the need for a corneal flap, 'No Touch' Laser Vision Correction^SM will preserve more of the corneal tissue.

Cutting the cornea as in the LASIK procedure may be disconcerting to some patients, in spite of the wonderful results it produces. The 'No Touch' Laser Vision Correction^SM procedure offers a less invasive alternative in laser vision correction with comparable results.

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