| Many patients are not candidates for LASIK surgery due to thin corneas, large pupils, severe myopia, or keratoconus. A solution for these patients requiring vision correction is the Verisyse™ Phakic Lens Implant (PLI) or the Visian ICL™ (Intraocular Contact Lens). The word "phakic" means that your natural crystalline lens is left in the eye. The procedure involves placing the lens implant inside the eye. This is generally done in a 15 minute procedure under topical anesthesia, one eye at a time. The implant is attached to the iris (Verisyse™) or between the iris and the lens (Visian ICL™). This gives the eye another focusing lens that provides high-quality, high-definition vision which, for high myopes has been shown to be better than LASIK. The implant can be removed if needed.
Artemis UBM
The Artemis UBM (Ultra-high frequency Bio Microscope) is an ultrasonic device used to examine the internal structures of the eye. It is unique because it incorporates a fixation device allowing precise alignment. Only the Artemis allows the surgeon to gain an understanding of where the lens implant is going to fit in your eye. Roholt Vision Institute is one of 3 practices in the country to utilize this device for ICL sizing – you should insist on this examination if you are considering an intraocular lens implant for myopia. www.arcscan.com/products.html.
Dr. Roholt was the first surgeon in Ohio to offer this life-enhancing option for patients. As of May 1, 2008, Dr. Roholt ranks first among all doctors in Ohio with implanting the most Visian ICL™ lenses. For more information regarding the Visian ICL™ and the Verisyse™ Lens visit www.icl-ohio.com or www.visianinfo.com or www.visioninfocus.com .
Epi-LASIK is an advanced form of PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy). PRK is the traditional method of laser vision correction, and was approved by the FDA in 1995 prior to LASIK. Other methods of performing PRK include ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation) and LASEK.
PRK is laser vision correction similar to LASIK, performed without a flap. PRK techniques have evolved over the years so that results are equivalent to LASIK. An excimer laser is used to remodel the corneal surface just as in LASIK. PRK is a simpler procedure than LASIK: no flap needs to be made. A clear skin, "epithelium" covers the cornea. The epithelium is gently removed in PRK; ablation (laser treatment) is then performed. Epithelium resurfaces the cornea over the next 3-4 days.
The most recent advance is called “Epi-LASIK.” A specially designed microkeratome is used to gently lift up the epithelium only. This tissue is then either replaced or discarded.
Epi-LASIK Advantages
n No flap complications
n Smoother bed for wavefront-guided (Zyoptix) treatments
n Easier recovery than PRK
n Lower enhancement rate
Eye discomfort after PRK or Epi-LASIK is somewhat increased over LASIK for 3 days, and visual recovery is not as fast as LASIK, so generally the right and left eyes are treated on separate days. Outcomes are similar to LASIK. PRK/Epi-LASIK is preferred in some high stress environments or the military, or if corneal thickness or pupil size is not suitable for LASIK.
Dr. Roholt was the first eye surgeon in Ohio to perform Epi-LASIK. If you are interested in a consultation, contact Roholt Vision Institute
Presbyopia/Near Vision 
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