We have always believed we don’t just have patients – we have relationships. This focus on patients means those exploring Precision LASIK™ have someone they can trust and can turn to when they need answers or reassurance.
Since opening Updegraff Laser Vision in 1996, Dr. Updegraff has sought to provide only the best environment in which to treat his patients. Our LASIK suites are maintained with the sterility of a surgery center, are private, and are climate-controlled with HEPA filters for humidity, dust, and debris. During surgery, Dr. Updegraff wears gloves, and he requires everyone inside (including the patient) wear a “lint-free” surgical gown – things many other LASIK centers do not do. Dr. Updegraff takes every available precaution to ensure you have the best possible outcome, including maintaining a state-of-the-art facility.
schedule free consultationIn addition to his ophthalmology residency, Dr. Updegraff completed a year-long fellowship in Cornea, Refractive, and Laser Surgery at the University of Texas-Houston. This type of exclusive, subspecialty training is reserved for only a select few surgeons. Dr. Updegraff has performed and led studies to teach other doctors how to reduce patient complications from refractive surgery. Dr. Updegraff has earned seven U.S. patents for developing instruments, techniques, and technologies in LASIK; as well as two patents for eye microsurgery. Additionally, he was the 3rd ever to perform LASIK surgery in the United States and the first in Asia! While in private practice, Dr. Updegraff has been performing LASIK surgeries every week for nearly two decades.
schedule free consultationLASIK is performed in two steps. First, the surgeon creates a micro-thin flap in the corneal tissue and folds it back. In the second step, an excimer laser is used on the inner cornea to correct vision. In LASIK surgery, we lift the flap, carefully apply the excimer laser’s cool beam to reshape the surface, and then replace the flap. The pulse of the excimer laser is so precise that it removes less than one-quarter micron with each pulse – less than the width of a human hair. Once the flap is replaced, it immediately begins to heal.
Originally, the first step – flap creation – was done with a hand-held oscillating blade called a microkeratome. Since 2005, however, the evolution of the femtosecond laser has allowed for this step to also be performed with a laser. When this type of technology is used, it means the LASIK procedure is done without any blades, making it all-laser LASIK.
Dr. Updegraff has been performing all-laser LASIK exclusively since October 2005, when a top-of-the-line femtosecond laser was first made available. Numerous clinical studies as well as Dr. Updegraff’s personal experience have shown that all-laser LASIK is significantly safer than the earlier, bladed procedures – it provides better visual outcomes, decreases complications, and reduces the need for retreatments.
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1601 38th Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33713