See the Patented Updegraff Difference

As a world-renown Lasik surgeon, Dr. Updegraff, located in the  greater Tampa/St. Petersburg Florida area, has performed more than 35,000 successful refractive procedures.  He performed the third LASIK surgery in the U.S. and the first in Asia.  He is one of the most experienced LASIK and refractive surgeons in the world.  Due to his vast experience, he has developed a process that provides patients with the opportunity for the best possible outcome.

1. One Doctor, One Laser, One Concern: The Best Result for You
2. A Comprehensive Exam
3. Patient Education
4. Pre-screening
5. At Your Consultation
6. Day of Surgery
7. Post Op Impressions
8. Check Out the Updegraff Difference
9. Getting to 40
10. Traveling Patients
    

(1) One Doctor, One Laser, One Concern: The Best Result for You

Doctor Updegraff holds 6 U.S. Patents for developing the instruments, techniques and technologies in LASIK.
As a top Lasik surgeon, Dr. Updegraff's processes, techniques and innovations are patented.

Dr. Updegraff personally calculates the factors that will provide the best possible outcome for you. His experience is the difference.
The computer is only as good as the Lasik surgeon and it is his knowledge and experience which creates your unique equation, your nomogram. It is that nomogram which is programmed into the laser.

Dr. Updegraff recalibrates the laser between each eye for each patient. This attention to detail is part of the Updegraff Difference.
Dr. Updegraff calibrates the laser not just for each individual patient, but between each patient's eyes. Your left eye and right eye are unique. His nomograms are calculated to each eye and the laser is then calibrated to ensure precision. Ultimately what you have is one doctor, one laser, one concern: your vision. 

(2) A Comprehensive Exam

This does much more than determine whether you are a candidate for LASIK. It provides the detail of your unique eyes so that we can tell you about your individual experience. This includes what to expect, any possible problems, and what you need to do to prepare for the procedure.

(3) Patient Education

The team of LASIK professionals at Updegraff Lasik Vision is proud of their commitment to patient education. We offer:

• Patient Seminars
• Literature on Dr. Updegraff
• Literature on LASIK
• Trained LASIK counselors to answer your questions
• Opportunities to talk to someone "just like you" who has had LASIK surgery
• Opportunities to watch a procedure

At Updegraff Lasik Vision, we have relationships, not just patients. Our focus on patients means that those exploring vision correction options have someone that they can trust and can turn to when they need answers or reassurance.

(4) Pre-screening

At our seminars in St. Petersburg or Tampa Florida, we conduct a pre-screening to see if you are a LASIK candidate. Although not as detailed as the comprehensive exam, this "screening" allows us to take a quick look at both your prescription and your eyes. We're looking for anything that could interfere with your good outcome like:

• Corneal warpage (from contacts)
• Cataracts
• Other Apparent Problems

(5) At Your Consultation

Part of your consultation includes a far more detailed eye exam and comparison of your prescription to those results. This is the second time the staff has made this comparison, and it won't be the last. Their attention to detail in this comparison gives Dr. Updegraff the best possible information. Though LASIK is the result of a wonderful blend of technique and technology, it is only as good as the information on which it is based-the accuracy of your prescription and the results of your eye exam.

If your intention is to proceed with surgery as soon as possible, it may help to expedite the process if you are able to discontinue contact lens wear 7 days prior to your consult (although, this is not mandatory).

Corneal Mapping Topography

To assist in analyzing your cornea's natural shape one of the trained professionals at Updegraff Lasik Vision will create a corneal topography of your eye (as shown at right). This topography is a map of the cornea's surface. With this, Dr. Updegraff can rule out specific corneal diseases like keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea).

Undilated and Dilated Eye Exams

Working with your prescription and topography, we will examine your eyes undilated, then check them again dilated. While dilated we can take a look deep into the back of your eyes to ensure their health. We can also evaluate the involuntary changes your brain makes to help bring your world into focus.

Compare the Prescriptions

Dr. Updegraff compares your dilated and undilated prescriptions. This is done to ensure the best possible correction for your vision. This critical step provides another key element in Dr. Updegraff's accuracy in treating your unique eyes.

Check Corneal Thickness

In addition to the corneal mapping, we'll check your corneal thickness. This step is very important because the thickness of the corneal is not only part of your "qualification" as a LASIK candidate, it is an integral part of the surgeon's decision about your individual surgery. Remember, this custom process is designed for your unique eyes and for your special care.

Your Expectations

At the end of this comprehensive exam, you'll know whether you are a candidate and you'll know what you can expect in outcome.  You can schedule an appointment that day for your surgery.

(6) Day of Surgery

We'll ask you to come early the day of your surgery. We need time to do further confirmatory testing on your eyes, your prescription and the thickness of your cornea. While the team of doctors and technicians help you get ready, every step will be taken to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Some patients ask for a mild sedative. We want you to be awake and alert during the procedure, but a mild sedative is available should you decide you want it. This is part of your service. Everyone responds differently to having a procedure, so the decision is yours.

The Updegraff Difference also includes caring individuals. Our "hand holder" is there to provide a bridge from high tech to high touch. This level of comfort assures you that we're all there, together, focused on you, your eyes and your outcome.

We're Focused On You
The outcome of your surgery is dependent on accuracy so Updegraff Lasik Vision invests heavily in checking, re-checking and triple-checking your unique eyes. Though these numbers are programmed into the laser, Dr. Updegraff personally calculates factors, adjusts and calibrates this precision equipment to ensure it is ready for you.

(7) Post Op Impressions

Within a half-hour of your surgery, your vision will be examined. Most patients can immediately "see the difference." Some patients, however, can take longer. After surgery, Dr. Updegraff advises patients to go home and close their eyes for 4-5 hours. This helps the healing process get a good start. Your second exam is within 24 hours. We're looking for a lifetime of clear, natural vision for you.

(8) Check Out the Patented Updegraff Difference

• Your prescription is checked, double-checked then triple-checked
• A topography is made of each eye
• The laser is calibrated between each eye for every patient
• The surgical center is climate controlled for humidity, dust and other debris
• The laser is permanently installed and operated only by Dr. Updegraff
• The laser and other precision instruments are used exclusively by Dr. Updegraff
• Sterile techniques are used by Dr. Updegraff and every technician
• Your eyes are draped just as they should be for any eye surgery
• Disposable instruments are never reused. Their serial numbers are recorded in your chart

(9) Getting to 40

As we get older, our eyes become less accommodating (less able to adjust their focus). You may know people who never wore glasses before suddenly having to wear glasses to read or work on the computer. This is a condition called presbyopia. This happens to most people as they move into their forties. Unfortunately, once accommodation is gone, it cannot be regained.

For those who are nearsighted, reading without glasses or contacts may not be a problem…but with glasses or contacts, their up-close vision may be blurry. LASIK does the same thing as glasses. It can give the nearsighted patient clear vision for distance, but because of lost accommodation (presbyopia), the close vision will be blurry. Solutions consist of accommodating implantable lenses (like the crystalens), monovision or reading glasses.

Monovision is a very personal choice. With monovision, one eye is corrected for near vision, the other is corrected for far vision. In time, for some people, the brain accommodates and the patient doesn't notice that their eyes have different vision. If you have presbyopia, this may provide you an alternative to reading glasses. Dr. Updegraff can provide you with necessary contacts to demonstrate what monovision can be like. This option should be thoroughly discussed with Dr. Updegraff. Again, we are committed to a positive outcome for you. Feel free to thoroughly discuss your alternatives.

(10) Traveling Patients

Because of his international reputation as a leading refractive surgeon, Dr. Updegraff's patients come from all over the world to his Florida LASIK and refractive surgery center.  While patients seek out Dr. Updegraff for LASIK and other refractive surgeries, he prefers to work closely with the patient's primary eye care professional for follow-up care.  This is particularly convenient for visiting patients.

Your own doctor can perform preliminary tests to determine your candidacy and provide that information to Dr. Updegraff.  The patient can then fly to Tampa Bay, Sarasota or other desired Florida locations and have their pre-operative care, surgery and first post-operative visit before flying home.  Your pre-operative prescripton determines how long you have to stay.  We ask patients to stay for at least three days.  Dr. Updegraff works closely with eye care providers across the United States and abroad to ensure quality outcomes for patients.  He is committed to ensuring continuity in your care for a lifetime of healthy, natural sight. 

727/551-2020       888/USA-2015