FORT MYERS – The FDA recently granted approval to treat high myopia (nearsightedness), and myopic astigmatism with the CustomVue procedure using the STAR S4 Excimer Laser System. The indications include the reduction or elimination of myopia and myopic astigmatism up to -11.00 diopters. “Prior to this approval, we were only able to do a CustomVue LASIK procedure on patients with up to -6.00 diopters of myopia,” explained local ophthalmologist and LASIK specialist Dr. Jonathan Frantz. Those who fell outside these parameters were treated with the traditional LASIK procedure.
The CustomVue procedure now has the highest range of myopia and astigmatism treatment as well as approval for treatment of hyperopia (farsightedness) and mixed astigmatism available on the market.
Clinical studies found that 98.3 percent of those receiving the CustomVue high myopia treatment were corrected at six months to 20/40 or better and 84.3 percent were corrected to 20/20 or better without spectacles or contact lenses.
“The expansion of the CustomVue procedure for highly nearsighted and/or astigmatic individuals adds yet another level of safety, precision and personalization to the laser vision correction procedure, said Dr. Frantz. Almost all individuals who are eligible for LASIK surgery can now be treated with the truly personalized approach of the CustomVue procedure, including patients who are nearsighted or farsighted.
In 2002, Dr. Frantz became the area’s first ophthalmology practice to install the VISX STAR S4 WavePrint System, which incorporates a host of VISX technologies, including the WaveScan Map, the 3D ActiveTrak™, and Variable Spot Scanning (VSS™). “The WaveScan Map, referred to as a ‘fingerprint of your vision,’ obtains a precise and detailed analysis of your entire optical system,” explained Dr. Frantz.
Remaining at the forefront of technology, Dr. Frantz was again the first ophthalmologist in our area to offer the CustomVue procedure in June 2003. The CustomVue procedure tailors a distinct correction for each individual – in fact, every treatment is designed by the unique characteristics of the individual’s eyes. “Glasses and contacts are limited in their ability to correct unique imperfections in each individual’s vision,” explained Dr. Frantz. With the CustomVue procedure, no two prescriptions are identical. This precise measurement and correction can enable individuals to achieve the full potential of their vision – a new level of excellence that may not be possible with glasses or contact lenses.
Honored as one of the top providers of laser vision correction in the United States by VISX, Inc., Dr. Frantz has been performing Laser Vision Correction since 1987 and was the original principal investigator of the FDA clinical trials that led to the initial approval of the Excimer laser. He has been providing laser vision correction at the main offices of Florida Eye Health on New Brittany Boulevard in Fort Myers since 1996. In 1999, he installed the first on-site laser in Naples at his office at 2100 N. Tamiami Trail at Gateway Plaza.
If interested in learning more about CustomVue LASIK, visit the Florida Eye Health website at call The Center for Laser Vision Correction at 791-2020 in Fort Myers or 430-3939 in Naples for a complimentary screening.
