"LASIK eye surgery is popular to correct lens irregularities that distort vision because it is fast, virtually painless, and has quick recovery times," explains Dr. Westfield. "However, until recently many people with vision impairment were not able to benefit from the basic LASIK procedure, simply because it could not accurately correct more complex irregularities in the lens."

Westfield Eye Center's ophthalmologists perform numerous traditional LASIK eye surgery procedures in Las Vegas each year. Until recently, the laser could not be regulated precisely enough to address less common, more complex irregularities of the lens surface. A newly developed technology called Wavefront has solved this problem by integrating complex computer technology with a sophisticated system that analyzes the lens surface and creates a three-dimensional "map" that the surgeon can then use to direct the LASIK system.

"Vision correction requires a high level of precision in the first place, but advanced problems call for an especially delicate approach," explains Dr. Yee. "While this technology cannot correct every eye problem, it opens up the LASIK option for many patients who until now were not good candidates for the procedure, simply because the technology was not available to adapt the procedure process in the ways that would offer our patients high-quality results."

For many of Westfield Eye Center's patients, Wavefront LASIK eye surgery in Las Vegas offers 20-20 vision or better, depending on factors like the extent and complexity of the lens deformities, as well as the patient's healing patterns and overall health. Although the procedure can correct both eyes in under an hour, Dr. Westfield and Dr. Yee note that most patients require about a month before the lens tissues have healed completely, and until then some irregularities in vision are normal.

"For many of our patients, laser eye surgery represents a chance to change their lives because it allows them the freedom to enjoy natural, clear vision without the hassle of glasses and contacts," comments Dr. Westfield. "The Wavefront technology allows us to design each procedure according to the needs of the patient in question, and I think for many women and men, that is very important."

Westfield Eye Center (http://www.westfieldeyecenter.com) provides state-of-the-art medical and surgical services to help women and men from Las Vegas, and throughout Nevada, as well as the Colorado River region, including parts of Arizona and California, correct their vision through procedures such as cataract surgery using multi-focal IOLs and LASIK laser eye surgery. Las Vegas ophthalmologist Dr. Kenneth Westfield graduated from the Wayne University School of Medicine and has over 25 years of experience performing complex procedures. Dr. C. Edward Yee, our corneal refractive specialist, earned his medical degree with honors from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He has received extensive training in a range of procedures, including a specialized fellowship in LASIK eye surgery.