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Updegraff Vision introduced blade-free technology (Intralase) to Tampa Bay more than two years ago.  Dr. Updegraff has performed thousands of procedures using the blade-free technology.  He is Tampa Bay's most experienced all laser Precision LASIK surgeon.

All laser Precision LASIK (Intralase)  “After many years of following the IntraLase® technology I am convinced that with the Intralase® laser I will be able to provide my patients with a safer, more predictable, and more precise procedure.  I have been very satisfied with the outcomes for my patients for more than 35,000 procedures over the past decade using the microkeratome.

IntraLase® technology is taking LASIK to the next level.  I consistently look for ways to improve the quality I am providing for my patients, however, I am not an early adopter.  I carefully review independent case studies and follow the technology before adopting it and incorporating it into my practice.  I am very excited about this new technology and invite you to join me in this enthusiasm.  Unlike some claims in the market, this is TRUE, blade-free LASIK.  We’re proud to be the first in Tampa Bay to offer all laser Precision LASIK™”!    --Dr. Steve Updegraff

We know the decision to have LASIK surgery is a big one, so we take great care to determine what’s best for you as our patient. That’s why we offer IntraLase as step one in your LASIK treatment.

With IntraLase, a beam of laser light is used to create your corneal flap, which is then lifted so the second step of LASIK—the reshaping of your cornea—can be performed. When your LASIK treatment is over, the flap is securely repositioned into place. This bladeless, computer-guided technology is 100 percent more accurate than most of the mechanical microkeratomes (hand-held device with a thin metal blade) that surgeons may also use to create a corneal flap.

IntraLase Assurance and Comfort

IntraLase has been used successfully on hundreds of thousands of eyes and we trust this advanced technology to deliver exceptional results. Our commitment is to provide you with the ultimate in comfort, safety, and outstanding vision. LASIK with IntraLase can help you achieve all of this—while it delivers the added assurance of knowing you’re being treated with the most advanced technology there is.

How IntraLase works.

Unlike mechanical instruments, IntraLase technology is uniquely able to program the dimensions of your flap based on what’s best for your eye. Then the IntraLase laser creates your flap from below the surface of the cornea—without ever cutting it. How?

1. IntraLase uses ultrafast pulses of laser light to position microscopic bubbles at a precise depth determined by your doctor.
2. The laser light passes harmlessly through your cornea. Then the laser creating rows of these bubbles just beneath your corneal surface as it moves back and forth across your eye in a uniform plane.
3. Next, the IntraLase laser stacks bubbles around your corneal diameter to create the edges of your flap. These bubbles are stacked at an angle that is determined by your doctor and is individualized to the way your eye is shaped.
4. The process takes only about 30 seconds from start to finish—it’s quiet and it’s comfortable.
5. Your doctor then gently lifts the flap to allow for the second step of your LASIK treatment. When treatment is complete, the flap easily “locks” back into position and rapidly begins to heal.

PRECISION LASIK

LASIK surgery is an extremely precise procedure that requires a highly skilled LASIK surgeon and advanced technology. Updegraff LASIK Vision provides its patients the opportunity to receive the most advanced LASIK surgery found in Florida, the Southeast and the United States.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Dr. Updegraff performs LASIK surgery not only to the residents of the Tampa Florida area, but also to patients from all over the world. Dr. Updegraff is internationally renown and has been doing LASIK surgery longer than most doctors throughout the world.

LASIK Surgery Procedures

Think of the cornea of the eye as 100 sheets of paper stacked on one another. The cornea is made of sheets of collagen that reach from one side of the white part of the eye to the other. These sheets strengthen the front part of the eye and help protect against injury.

With LASIK surgery, we lift the top sheets, carefully apply the excimer laser to reshape the surface, and then replace them. Those top layers are called "the flap." The flap is now made with IntraLase laser.  Dr. Updegraff then gently lifts the flap that has been made.

The creation of this flap and the gentle lifting necessary to apply the laser requires a skilled and experienced surgeon. When the flap is lifted, the cool beam laser is applied. The pulse of the laser is so precise it removes less than one-quarter micron with each pulse…that's less than the width of a human hair. When the flap is replaced, healing begins immediately.

See The Difference With LASIK Surgery

Because the cornea heals so quickly, patients typically "see the difference" immediately. Complete healing takes place over time, up to one year in some cases. The process, the staff, the environment and the instrumentation at Updegraff Vision are designed to provide the best and safest possible outcome for each individual patient.

Intralase FAQ
Intralase Fact Sheet
New Science of Lasik (Visual)
Intralase (More Magazine)
Intralase Patient Information Brochure

The first step in the process is visiting our office for a complimentary consultation.  Call TODAY to schedule a personal consultation to learn more about your options for vision correction. 

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