Ezra Maguen, MD - Procedures

Refractive surgery procedures include the following:

Astigmatic keratotomy (AK)
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
Laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK)

66k Image ASTIGMATIC KERATOTOMY (AK) is similar to RK and is used to correct astigmatism. An astigmatic eye generally has a cornea shaped like a football or teaspoon, and relaxing incisions are performed in an attempt to make the cornea more round. AK is often combined with RK and has a similar long track record.

Two - 33k Images PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY (PRK) involves sculpting the surface of the cornea to a new curvature with a special cold laser (excimer) by vaporizing the surface layer through a series of precise laser pulses under computer control. PRK in the United States has recently been approved by the FDA for the correction of low to moderate myopia (up to -7 diopters). PRK for the correction of far-sightedness is currently under investigation in the United States and Dr. Salz has participated in this preliminary study. Dr. Salz has performed PRK on hundreds of eyes over the past 7 years.

Two - 44k Images AUTOMATED LAMELLAR KERATOPLASTY (ALK) AND LASIK involves separating the surface layer of the cornea with a special instrument (microkeratome). This layer is temporarily folded back and a thin disc of corneal tissue is removed with a second pass of the microkeratome. ALK is primarily indicated for the correction of higher amounts of myopia and although satisfactory results can at times be obtained, a high percentage of eyes need additional procedures and an irregular corneal surface causing some distortion of vision is not uncommon. The combination of ALK and PRK is called LASIK, instead of using the microkeratome for the second pass to remove the corneal tissue the excimer laser is used instead. LASIK is currently being performed widely in may centers across the United States.

New Improved LASIK Technique
Down-Up LASIK with Superior Hinge

LASER THERMAL KERATOPLASTY (LTK) is being studied for the correction of small amounts of farsightedness. A special laser (holmium) is used to slightly tighten the fibers in the cornea in an attempt to steepen its curvature. It is still an investigational procedure in the United States.

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