Premium Lasik is a simple, outpatient procedure that can correct most prescriptions whether you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. Premium Lasik was created in the 1990s and is still the most commonly used form of vision correction across the world.

The flap is made with a Femtosecond laser or in some cases with the Microkeratome. After the flap is created, it is then folded back, the eye is lined up in the path of a second laser that microscopically reshapes the cornea to correct the prescription using CATz custom technology (see below). After the prescription correction is done, the flap is folded back to its original position, and seals itself to the rest of the cornea within minutes. The entire procedure takes no more than 10 minutes & recovery is generally within several hours.

A local anesthetic numbs the eye. Then, Valium ensures that the patient is relaxed and comfortable. Most patients feel slight pressure during the procedure, with little or no pain. You’re given protective eyewear and driven home to relax for the rest of the day. A day later, you return for a post-operative check-up.

Lasik is not ideal for every patient. One of the most common reasons is when a patient’s cornea is too thin for Lasik. Lasek is also a superior option to Lasik when there is a severe amount of astigmatism in the eye or a patient is very susceptible to dry eyes.

In such cases, flapless Lasik, or Lasek may be the best solution for getting rid of glasses. Lasek is similar to Lasik but does not require creating a flap in the cornea as Lasik does.

The only downside to Lasek is that the healing process may be a few days longer, while in Lasik, functional vision is restored in 1-2 days and sometimes sooner. All in all, that’s a small price to pay because Lasek allows non-Lasik candidates to experience effective, safe laser vision correction. The results from Lasik and Lasek are the same.

CATz Custom Topography-guided Lasik

The most technologically advanced form of custom Lasik. While Lasik, SMILE, and other systems aim to give patients 20-20 vision. Topography-guided Lasik or CATz is designed to produce supervision (better than 20-20 vision). As of 2025, CATz is the most advanced option for Custom Lasik available anywhere and the best way to go.

With the Catz system, visual imperfections are measured at 7,000 points on the eye (vs 200 in other systems). Each of the points is treated individually making it a custom procedure. Dr. Yaldo was the first surgeon in Michigan to perform CATz Custom Lasik and a majority of patients achieve 20-15 vision or better.

In June 2014, Dr. Yaldo was Michigan’s first to perform the new topography-guided LASIK procedure, introducing a new generation of laser technology designed to be far more precise and produce less night vision side effects than even the most advanced Wavefront-guided LASIK.

“CATz is by far the most precise LASIK technology available, and it represents a huge leap forward,” notes Dr. Yaldo. “I am proud to have played a role in its development over the past several years. I’m also delighted to be one of the first surgeons in the nation to offer what is now the new gold standard for LASIK.”

CATz treats patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism (blurry or distorted vision caused by an irregular curvature of the eye). It is also the first LASIK technology to demonstrate improved night vision after surgery (compared to using glasses or contact lenses).

Patients interested in learning more about CATz topography-guided LASIK and other Michigan Lasik eye surgery questions should call (800) 398-EYES and set up a Free Evaluation.

Implantable contact lenses can produce better vision than Lasik.

The Visian implantable contact lens (ICL) produces vision correction that is stunningly sharper, more vivid and more permanent than Lasik can produce. ICLs are usually reserved for patients with levels of -4 to -20 myopia with and without astigmatism.

If you are between 21 and 45 and nearsighted, you are an excellent candidate for the Visian ICL. Unlike traditional contact lenses that go on the surface of the eye, the Visian ICL is positioned inside the eye between the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the natural lens where it stays indefinitely. In case of emergency, it can also easily be removed from the eye.

What are the benefits of contact lens implants?

– Almost instant visual recovery: The ICL is a good option for those that are not candidates for lasik and are candidates for PRK or Lasek (option 2 above). The ICL provides excellent sharp vision immediately after surgery as opposed to Lasek which may take 4 to 5 days to heal.

– Dry Eyes: the Visian ICL does not cause or contribute to dry eyes. If you have dry eyes, ask your doctor if the Visian ICL may be the best vision correction option for you.

– Better and sharper vision than Lasik can ever provide.
The Visian ICL is made from Collamer material. Collamer, is biocompatible with the eye (not seen as a foreign object to the body) and provides exceptional quality of vision. The lens rests quietly in position while accurately correcting vision. The Visian ICL is a powerful lens that will remain inside your eye for a lifetime.

How Does The Visian ICL Procedure Work?

The doctor creates two micro openings in the edge of the cornea to insert and position the lens. The lens is injected, gently unfolding in your eye. Special marks on the lens ensure proper positioning. That’s it—the procedure takes about 15 minutes! Because the opening is microscopic, recovery time is very short without needing any sutures. A few minutes after the procedure you will be able to leave the clinic, and be able to return to normal activities within hours.