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January 11, 2006

DAVIS DUEHR DEAN OPHTHALMOLOGIST FIRST IN UNITED STATES TO PERFORM NEW FDA-APPROVED VISION CORRECTION SURGERY

MADISON, WI – Davis Duehr Dean Ophthalmologist, John Vukich, MD, became the first ophthalmic surgeon in the U.S. to perform a revolutionary vision correction surgery since it was approved by the FDA two weeks ago.

The surgery, using second-generation optical implants called Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), was performed on a Sauk City woman on Tuesday, at the Davis Duehr Dean Surgery Center in Madison.

The patient, who has been extremely nearsighted since childhood, was not a candidate for LASIK surgery. "We did an evaluation for LASIK some years back and found that her corneas simply weren't thick enough to allow full correction with LASIK," said Dr. Vukich.

"The beauty of this procedure is that it can be done with a microsurgical incision which self seals. There are no stitches, unlike first-generation implants. This means faster healing time, and less complications," said Dr. Vukich, who was lead investigator in the clinical trials needed for FDA approval.

The ICL is custom designed for each patient and is paper-thin. Using an injector, the implant is placed behind the iris. As the implant is squeezed out of the injector, it unfolds into place.

During Tuesday's procedure, the ICL was placed in the patient's right eye, the one with the worst vision. The procedure took only 20 minutes. Just five minutes after the surgery was completed, the patient was able to see clearly enough out of her right eye to be able to read the clock across the room. Dr.Vukich will place the second implant in her left eye later this month.

ICL surgery is an ideal option for those who are not candidates for refractive surgery, or who cannot wear contact lenses. The cost of the procedure averages $3,000 per eye. The surgery is not currently covered by medical insurance.

For more information about ICL vision correction, contact Davis Duehr Dean Coordinator, Lynn Dombrowicki at (608) 282-2074.