Local Eye Surgeon First in Area for Revolutionary Eye Surgery

January 4, 2005—Utah—There is a new clarity in vision available for those who are severely nearsighted—and only one surgeon in Utah County who is certified to perform it.

Advanced Medical Optics introduces Verisyse ™ Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL). Verisyse offers surgically corrected vision for the severely nearsighted. People who have severe nearsightedness may not be eligible for laser-corrected vision such as LASIK and must rely on strong-prescription glasses in order to see clearly. This revolutionary procedure involves placing the Verisyse IOL inside the eye to provide high-quality, high-definition vision without the need for glasses or contacts in most situations.

Severely nearsighted Utah county residents seeking this miraculous procedure can only get it in one place. Dr. Randal Ellsworth at the Excel Eye Center received training for Verisyse by attending a course offered to only two ophthalmologists in Utah during its early stages and by successfully completing all requirements to use this new technology.

“It is both thrilling and an honor to be a part of the most state-of-the-art technology in eye surgery,” said Dr. Randal Ellsworth. “It is moving to watch people who have never had the chance at unblurred vision finally be able to see everything clearly—without dependence on contacts or thick glasses.”

Dr. Ellsworth has more than 15 years of experience performing vision correction procedures, specializing in cataract and laser vision correction. He was one of the first surgeons to begin performing LASIK in Utah and is currently one of only six surgeons in Utah qualified to perform Verisyse. Dr. Ellsworth continues to be at the forefront of new medical research involving the eye.

What is Verisyse?

The Verisyse Phakic IOL is a micro lens placed behind the cornea. It is constructed of PMMA—the same material used safely for the past 50 years in cataract surgery.

“Phakic” means that the natural crystalline lens is left in the eye (not removed like in cataract surgery). This allows the eye to adjust between objects near and far.

The miracle of Verisyse happens in only 30 minutes as an out-patient procedure. Although Verisyse is intended to be permanent, the micro lens can be removed if desired. Verisyse is proven to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness.

What Causes Nearsightedness?

In normal eyes, the cornea bends light rays to focus directly on the retina. In nearsighted eyes, the cornea’s shape is too steep (or long) and light is focused in front of your retina. This causes blurry vision. Verisyse can correct from moderate to extreme nearsightedness (requiring lenses between –5.0 to –20.0 diopters).

About Excel Eye Center

For more than 85 years, Excel eye Center has been the standard for eye care in Utah by consistently providing the highest available levels of professional eye treatment in a caring and friendly environment. Today the company is among the largest private ophthalmologic practices in the Western United States with full-service treatment centers in Provo, Orem, American Fork, and Payson, as well as satellite offices in Nephi, Fillmore, Mt. Pleasant, Richfield, Gunnison, Ephraim, and Delta. In addition to offering a complete range of ophthalmologic and optometric services, the company also specializes in corneal transplants, laser-assisted corrective surgery (including LASIK), pediatric ophthalmology, cataract care and cosmetic surgery. For more information call 1-877-YOUR-EYES or visit us at www.exceleyecenter.com. To directly reach Dr. Ellsworth, call the Provo office at 801-374-1818.

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