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First Use of Newly Approved Topography-Guided LASIK in Southern California Performed by Dr. Paul Dougherty
Dougherty Laser Vision Introduces Uniquely Precise Laser Treatment for Nearsightedness and Astigmatism
Westlake Village, Calif. – May 27, 2014 — Dr. Paul Dougherty of Dougherty Laser Vision has performed the first FDA approved topography-guided LASIK procedure in Southern California, introducing a new generation of laser technology designed to be far more precise and with fewer night vision side effects than even the most advanced wavefront-guided LASIK.
The new topography-guided technology – known as Customized Aspheric Treatment Zone (or “CATz”) – maps the patient’s cornea by measuring nearly 7,000 points of light, versus the approximately 200 points of light measured with traditional wavefront technology. This more precise measurement creates a topographic map of the cornea that shows even the most subtle distortions. As a result, nearly half of the LASIK patients treated as part of the CATz FDA clinical study achieved “supervision” (better than 20/20 vision), with reduced risk of post-LASIK complications such as glare and halos. CATz may also be used to correct such complications following LASIK performed with less advanced technology.
“CATz is by far the most precise LASIK technology available and represents a huge leap forward,” – Dr. Dougherty
CATz was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism (blurry or distorted vision caused by irregular curvature of the eye). It is also the first LASIK technology to demonstrate improved night vision after surgery (compared to using glasses or contact lenses).
Optometrist Dr. Gary Jacobs of All About Eyes in Oxnard, California said, “I’m thrilled that our patients can finally benefit from this remarkable new procedure.” Dr. Jacobs is one of the highest volume LASIK co-managing optometrists in the nation.
The specific CATz technology approved by the FDA is the NIDEK NAVEX Quest EC-5000 Excimer Laser System. Dr. Dougherty served as a principal investigator for the system’s 2005 U.S. clinical trial, for which Dougherty Laser Vision was the leading enroller of patients.
Dr. Dougherty was also lead author of the published, peer-reviewed scientific paper on CATz, and currently serves as a physician trainer instructing other surgeons on how to perform topography-guided LASIK.
The first patient Dr. Dougherty treated with CATz following FDA approval of the NIDEK system was a 34-year old woman with moderate nearsightedness and astigmatism. After surgery, her vision is better than 20/20, without glasses or contacts.
Learn more about LASIK and if it’s the right fit for you.
“I’m proud to have played a role in its development over the past 10 years. I’m also delighted to be one of the first surgeons in the nation to offer what is now the new gold standard for LASIK” – Dr. Dougherty
The patient was referred to Dr. Dougherty by Dr. Stacy Hamlet, an optometrist with Conejo Family Eyecare in Thousand Oaks, California. “Our patient was exceptionally happy with her results,” said Dr. Hamlet. “Topography-guided LASIK is an exciting new treatment option, and we look forward to referring many additional patients.”
While just a small number of surgeons in the U.S. are currently trained and certified to offer topography-guided LASIK, the procedure and related technology have been used widely for more than a decade throughout Europe, Asia and South America.
The CATz system approved in the U.S. uses 6,880 points of light to create a topographic map that enables surgeons to create a target map of what the cornea should look like after surgery. The target map is then used to guide the laser to correct any nearsightedness and astigmatism, as well as smooth out any topographic irregularities.
The NIDEK NAVEX Quest EC-5000 is also the first excimer laser system shown to improve night vision following LASIK. “It has the highest fidelity of any laser vision correction laser, and its results are unsurpassed,” added Dr. Dougherty.
Patients interested in learning more about CATz topography-guided LASIK should call (866) 987-2020 or visit the Dougherty Laser Vision website at www.doughertylaservision.com to schedule a free consultation.
About Dougherty Laser Vision and Paul Dougherty MD
For nearly 20 years, Dougherty Laser Vision has brought the benefits of LASIK, lens implants, cataract surgery and other advanced vision correction procedures to patients who demand the highest quality care. Medical Director Dr. Paul Dougherty is an internationally renowned eye surgeon who has performed more than 30,000 vision correction procedures and helped pioneer many of today’s most advanced refractive surgery techniques. He also serves as assistant clinical instructor of ophthalmology at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute and as a principal investigator for numerous FDA trials. Dr. Dougherty was one of the first surgeons in the U.S. to perform laser vision correction on an investigational basis. He also had the procedure on his own eyes in 1997. His book – “See for Yourself – A Patient’s Guide to Permanent Vision Correction,” is a popular guide for consumers. Dougherty Laser Vision has locations throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. More information is available at www.DoughertyLaserVision.com.
Contact: Erik Deutsch
(323) 851-2455
erikd@excelpr.com
