LASIK and similar procedures are used to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatisms. Typically, LASIK procedures use an oscillating, metallic blade to create a flap in the eye through which a laser makes corrections to the cornea.

iLASIK™ is an evolution of traditional LASIK procedures. Instead of using a blade and a single laser, iLASIK uses separate, state-of-the lasers for each part of the surgery, creating one of the most precise medical procedures available. iLASIK is the only refractive surgery approved by NASA for its astronauts, and is only available in North Central Florida at the UF Eye Clinic at Hampton Oaks.

The Procedure

1. A UF ophthalmologist conducts an extensive eye exam and iLASIK consultation. If you are a candidate, the physician will arrange a time for your procedure.
2. WaveScan computers and software create a digital blueprint of your eyes, providing your physician with the most accurate information and results that truly are customized for each patient.
3. After moving to the state-of-the art iLASIK surgical suite, UF ophthalmologists use a laser to create a small flap on the cornea.
4. A second laser then makes refractive corrections based on your eye’s custom blueprint.
5. The corneal flap is closed and begins to heal instantly.
6. You are on your way to helping restore vision without glasses or contacts.

The Technology behind iLASIK

There are three components that make iLASIK such a special, state-of-the-art procedure.

• The AMO WaveScan WaveFront™ System scans each eye to create a digital “fingerprint” of the imperfections of each eye. Since no two eyes are exactly alike, WaveScan provides physicians with unprecedented information about each patient. The powerful WaveScan software can identify and measure imperfections of the cornea 25 times more precisely than traditional methods. During standard LASIK procedures, eye scans can become misaligned as the patient moves from their seat to the operating bed. With WaveScan, UF Physicians will have 100% accurate information every time.

• The Iris Registration system recognizes and corrects any misalignment that may occur due to any movement between the time of the eye scan and the time of the surgery.

  The Intralase FS laser system replaces the oscillating, metallic blade (called a microkeratome) used in traditional iLASIK procedures. The Intralase laser makes a flap in the patient’s cornea through which the Visx laser makes refractive corrections. The use of a laser, rather than a blade, to create this flap is beneficial in many ways:
  • The laser is guided by computer, rather than a physician, thus providing a greater degree of precision
  • The laser creates a flap with a much more uniform thickness than procedures done with a blade, which leads to fewer complications in the healing process
• Used together, the WaveScan System and the Intralase laser create the CustomVue iLASIK procedure. After the incision is made by the Intralase laser system, CustomVue translates the information provided by WaveScan’s digital fingerprint into instructions for the Visx Star 4 S4 laser system, which makes refractive corrections through the corneal flap. With its use of iris registration and digital eye mapping, CustomVue gives UF physicians a level of precision that never available before in North Central Florida and makes iLASIK one of the most precise medical procedures in the world.

iLasik Physicians

Dr. Cameron Johnson

Dr. Cameron Johnson, Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, attended medical school at Vanderbilt University prior to completing a residency in Ophthalmology at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute. During this time, he participated in research, which was presented at national meetings. He then completed a fellowship in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at the University of Florida. Following two years of private practice in Phoenix, Arizona, he returned to UF.

He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. His interests include Lasik and PRK, cataract surgery and corneal transplantation. He lives in Gainesville with his wife and three children.

Dr. Tuli

Dr. Tuli, assistant professor of ophthalmology, is the Director of Cornea and External Diseases Service at the University of Florida. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Indiana
University and received her fellowship training in cornea and external disease at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami.

Dr. Tuli is board certified in ophthalmology. Her interests include
cataracts, corneal transplants, dry eye disease, Fuch’s dystrophy and refractive surgery, including LASIK, PRK and LASEK. She also provides adult and family based comprehensive ophthalmic care.

Scheduling an Appointment

To schedule an appointment for an eye exam and an iLASIK consultation at the UF Eye clinic at Hampton Oaks, please call 352.273.8714.

Information

For more information about the iLASIK procedure and its technology, please visit http://www.ilasik.com/.

Ophthalmology and Eye Care

Eye Care at Shands at UF

iLasik ™ Procedure

Shands Audio HealthCast

Listen as Dr. Johnson, UF College of Medicine, discusses the iLasik procedure.

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about ophthalmology and eye care services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.