Media Releases

July 12, 2005

MEDIA ADVISORY

First All Laser Eye Surgeries Performed in Alberta
Bladeless Procedure Expected to Appeal to Even More Patients

CALGARY, ALBERTA - Gimbel Eye Centre has completed the first all-laser LASIK procedures in Alberta, a major milestone for LASIK eye surgery.

Traditionally the first step in a LASIK procedure has been to create a "flap" using a surgical blade to expose the corneal tissue to be treated. The cornea is then re-shaped with an excimer laser to improve vision. Using next-generation technology, that "flap" can now be created with a silent, computer-guided laser, resulting in greater safety and precision and even better post-operative outcomes for patients.

"The 'all-laser LASIK', also known as IntraLase, is one of the most important advances in the field of laser vision correction since LASIK was introduced 10 years ago," says Glenn Gimbel, President of Gimbel Eye Centre. Based on industry reports, a significant number of prospective LASIK patients have been waiting for a bladeless procedure to be available before having the surgery. When given a choice, an estimated seventy-eight percent of patients choose all-laser LASIK over a procedure using a blade.

"By replacing a hand-held surgical blade with laser technology, we will be able to achieve even better results for LASIK patients including faster visual recovery," said Dr. Howard Gimbel, Executive Medical Director for Gimbel Eye Centre.

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