NASA Approved

Astronauts need better than “good” vision they need excellent vision for those split second decisions. NASA has announced approval for bladefree "all laser" LASIK for their astronauts.

Fendalton Eye Clinic is the only clinic in the South Island offering the exceptional benefits of bladefree "all laser" LASIK technology.

LASIK is a two step procedure. First a flap is created in the cornea (front clear window of the eye), traditionally the LASIK flap has been made by “cutting” the cornea with a blade (microkeratome) a procedure that does not have NASA approval. Now with the IntraLase laser, replacing the microkeratome, the corneal flap is “created” using the precision & accuracy of laser technology. The computer controlled ultra fast laser virtually eliminates the most severe, sight threatening LASIK complications related to the microkeratome. Further the IntraLase laser creates an optimal corneal surface under the flap, enabling better visual outcomes from step two of the LASIK procedure, where wavefront guided technology maps and provides a personalised focus correction based on the unique characteristics of an individual’s eye.

NASA’s research showed that it is the combination of these two technologies “Bladefree” and “Wavefront guided” personalised LASIK treatment that provides superior safety and vision.

Click here to view an interview with Dr Steven Schallhorn M.D, Naval Director of Refractive Surgery.

While LASIK has been in use for almost a decade, it wasn't until it advanced to become an ultra-precise, "all laser" procedure that NASA approved it for use on astronauts.

What is advanced LASIK?

New NASA guidelines specify that only the most advanced form of LASIK may be performed on its candidates using precise measurement, and femtosecond (IntraLase laser) and wavefront guided lasers in the two step procedure.

Zywave (wavefront) mapping with Iris Registration allows the Bladefree Personalised LASIK treatment to be customised for each individual. The Zywave captures unique imperfections in each individual’s eyes, linking diagnostic information with laser treatment. Iris Registration reads the specific characteristics of the iris to accurately align the wavefront laser treatment.	The IntraLase FS (femtosecond) Laser for corneal flap creation replaces the microkeratome blade historically used in the first step of LASIK. The computer-guided, ultrafast laser virtually eliminates almost all of the most severe, sight-threatening LASIK complications related to microkeratomes1. The FS Laser also creates an optimal surface below the flap, allowing better visual outcomes.	The Bladefree Personalised LASIK procedure provides the most precise, accurate form of laser correction available today. Zywave measurements are fed into the wavefront computer-guided excimer laser for a personalised treatment. This highly advanced combination of LASIK technologies has been proven in extensive clinical trials to provide both excellent safety and outstanding visual outcomes — beyond 20/20 in many cases2.

LASIK has "The Right Stuff"

An estimated 50 percent of rejected NASA candidates are dismissed due to poor vision. The physically demanding, extreme zerogravity conditions that astronauts endure make even simple contact lens care and maintenance a challenge. The advanced, "all laser" LASIK procedure has also been cleared for U.S. military personnel, including Naval aviators, and most recently, Air Force pilots.

Consumers looking for proof that LASIK is safe, effective, and advanced enough for them need look no further; LASIK has proven it has “The Right Stuff.” The NASA decision was made following review of extensive Department of Defense clinical data which validated the combination of advanced "all laser" LASIK technologies provides excellent safety and vision.