Weill Cornell Medical Center New York -Presbyterian Hospital
Department of Ophthalmology
Volume1/Number 04/Winter 2000
VISX announces FDA approval for Hyperopic Astigmatism
VISX, the cutting edge manufacturer of the first laser specifically designed for laser vision correction, announced FDA approval for their hyperopic astigmatism algorithm in the fall of 2000. This latest upgrade on the Excimer laser will allow a population with a previously untreatable refractive error, the opportunity to enjoy laser vision correction with the Excimer laser of choice, preferred by most refractive surgeons.
What is astigmatism?
When all light comes into focus exactly on the wall of the retina, the eye has no refractive error and is said to be emmetropic.
The blue and light green rays depict all light coming into focus on the wall of the retina. In astigmatism, the eye is shaped more like a football than a baseball. The result produces multiple focal points.
The blue and green rays here come into focus at two different points in front of the wall of the retina. This is astigmatism.
What is hyperopic astigmatism?
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, concerns an insufficient curvature of the cornea. In hyperopic astigmatism, the cornea may be described as both lacking sufficient curvature, and as having more of a football shape than a baseball shape. Consequently, the laser must now reshape this cornea with a different pattern to correct for hyperopic astigmatism. In all other ways, the procedure is no different from any other lasik procedure. Pre and postoperative care is basically the same.
Director of Weill Cornell Laser Vision Center featured in New York Times
Dr. Sandra Belmont was quoted extensively in two recent articles in The New York Times. On Saturday, December 9th, Dr. Belmont spoke on behalf of the American Academy of Ophthalmology for "Turning Surgery into a Commodity" (New York Times Business section). The Academy feels that "People excited by bargain basement prices in laser vision correction surgery may not pay enough attention to the ability and experience of the surgeons offering them. Patients should not choose their doctor based on price."
As "Drive Through Laser Vision Centers" continue to spend upwards of $200 per patient on advertising, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds the public "not all surgeons are equally capable. We see companies come into a city. They hire a surgeon who is not busy and they make him a refractive surgeon. Ophthalmologists who lack experience might be unable to deal with complications after surgery.
Studies have demonstrated a correlation between a surgeon's lack of experience and the number of successful outcomes".
LTK featured in Science Times
"In a Burst of Laser Heat, Farsightedness is Zapped" -is the title of a story featuring Dr. Belmont and Laser Thermal Keratoplasty (LTK), which ran in the New York Times Health and Fitness section (December 12th').
Patient undergoing LTK procedure
"Patients are attracted to LTK because it does not involve any cutting or removal of corneal tissue. They like the speed of the process, and the fact that the risk of serious complications with LTK is extremely low. I think it's safer", Dr. Belmont said. "It's going to be the procedure of choice for farsightedness".
Doctor Sandra Belmont
Photo cortesy of 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 4. Winter, 2000.