Weill Cornell Medical Center New York -Presbyterian Hospital
Department of Ophthalmology
Volume1/Number 03/Fall 2000
Leaders in Medical Science
Cornell Ophthalmology Associates, leaders in medical science, and first in patient care. The statement is axiomatic. But who are these doctors that have quietly and methodically set about their work, and in so doing, raised the level of their profession to such heights? Perhaps, in these recent months, you've seen, heard, or read about one.
Hyperion Laser for farsightedness
Following its FDA approval in June 30th, there has been much news coverage about LTK (Laser Thermal Keratoplasty), the "no-touch", 3-second procedure specifically designed for the treatment of low to moderate farsightedness, pioneered here, in the northeastern U.S., by Dr. Sandra Belmont, Director of the Laser Vision Center.
77 million Americans who are over the age of 40 may now avail themselves of this treatment. Dr. Belmont states that farsighted patients "start to lose their distance and near vision around the age of forty, and are most handicapped as of that age.They can not see up close, or far away and are truly, visually impaired."
In 2.8 seconds, without touching, without an incision being made, laser energy is applied to the mid periphery of the cornea, gently steepening it and correcting farsightedness. The LTK procedure is an extremely safe, and effective surgical technique."
Having covered the procedure for NBC, Dr. Max Gomez observed, during an interview with Dr. Belmont, that "there is virtually no pain or discomfort after the procedure. It takes about three weeks for distance vision to lock in.Equally importantly, the correction appears to be stable."
Since farsightedness often progresses with age, it's possible that some patients may eventually require enhancement.
Learn more about LTK and see a webcast of the procedure at our web site: www.cornelllaservision.com
Excimer Laser for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
The VISX laser produces optimal results in 60% less time, removes 76% less corneal material, and requires 92% less pulses than its imitators. This is the state of the art in a new dimension of Excimer laser expertise. Broad beam, and Variable Spot technology, that incorporate a flexible approach to beam diameter, allow for an enlarged treatment zone to 8mm, with integrated blend zones.
The VISX incorporates a built-in, pupil-centered fixation device, which allows the surgeon to focus the laser beam directly over the visual axis. Ablations are performed expediently and safely, regardless of eye color or saccadic eye movement.
Other trackers (ex: The flying spot eye tracker) lock in on the edge of the pupil, not on the visual axis, making dark irides very difficult to track.Consequently, uncorrected visual acuity results with pupil-centered fixation are higher than results with other eye trackers.
The VISX CAP(Contoured Ablation Pattern) method for the treatment of irregular corneas and mixed astigmatism will soon make laser vision correction an option for millions who are as of now, considered untreatable.
1The use of CAP Method for the Star S2 is investigational in the U.S.
2The treatment of mixed astigmatism is investigational in the U.S.
Doctor Sandra Belmont
Photo courtesy Robin Thomas
The Director
Internationally recognized, Sandra Belmont, M.D., F.A.C.S., has over fifteen years of experience in laser vision correction and is corneal fellowship trained.She is the sole director of the corneal fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Edited by John Saegaert Vol.1, Number 3. Fall, 2000.