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Our services:
LASIK and refractive surgery
People who are nearsighted (myopes), farsighted (hyperopes) and those with astigmatism
now have alternatives to glasses. Laser technology offers several options to correct these
refractive problems. Our doctors have carefully guided many of their patients through
refractive surgery with comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care.
Some of the common options for refractive surgery are: LASIK, bladeless LASIK, custom
LASIK, PRK, LASIK, epi-Lasik, implantable lenses, CK, and surgery for presbyopia.
WHAT IS LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser Assisted Intrastromal Keratomileusis. During this procedure, the
surgeon uses an instrument called a microkeratome to create a thin flap of tissue within
the cornea. The flap is then folded back out of the way and some corneal tissue
underneath is removed using an excimer laser. The excimer laser uses a cool ultraviolet
light beam to remove very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea to reshape it. When the
cornea is reshaped in the right way, it works better to focus light into the eye and onto the
retina, providing clearer vision than before. The corneal flap is then returned to its original
position, adhering without stitches. This procedure is nearly painless and is performed
under topical anesthesia.
WHAT IS BLADELESS LASIK?
With IntraLase or "bladeless" LASIK, a special laser is used instead of a blade to create
the flap. Then the usual excimer laser does the ablation. The flap is then replaced and
serves as a type of natural "bandage" for healing which is the same as in typical LASIK.
WHAT IS PRK?
PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon gently
removes the top layer of cells on the cornea. The excimer laser is then used to reshape
the cornea by removing microscopic layers of tissue.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
Many, but not all, people are good candidates for refractive surgery. You can trust our
doctors to advise you whether or not you are a good candidates. You must be over 18
years old with a stable prescription that falls within certain limits. You must also be
within the range of the procedure, have no active eye disease and not be pregnant or
nursing. You should have realistic goals and be aware of all the risks.
WHAT ARE REALISTIC GOALS?
Most people (studies show 76.8% to 99.4% for myopes) achieve 20/40 or better vision
with LASIK. In most states, the law considers 20/40 good enough for driving. Some
patients may still need glasses or contact lenses following laser vision correction, though
their prescription level will be much lower than before.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS?
Anyone undergoing refractive surgery is exposed to some degree of risk. Potential side
effects may include minor discomfort and blurred vision for one to five days following
PRK. Although very rare, loss of corneal cap or irregular astigmatism from malpositioning
of the cap can occur following LASIK. Other serious risks are infection, diffuse lamellar
keratitis, and epithelial ingrowth. Other less serious complications are transient dryness,
nighttime halos and/or glare or a decrease in best corrected visual acuities following
either procedure.
The most satisfied patients after refractive surgery are those who clearly understand the
potential risks and side effects and have realistic visual expectations. Many people will
need to rely on reading glasses or multifocal lenses due to a condition called presbyopia.
This is a normal aging process in which the muscles that move the lens lose their
elasticity. Some people decide to correct one eye for distance vision and the other for
near vision (called monovision) to correct for presbyopia.
Our doctors would love to discuss these and any other procedures with you in greater
detail. They will gladly assist you in deciding which option is right for you!
now have alternatives to glasses. Laser technology offers several options to correct these
refractive problems. Our doctors have carefully guided many of their patients through
refractive surgery with comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care.
Some of the common options for refractive surgery are: LASIK, bladeless LASIK, custom
LASIK, PRK, LASIK, epi-Lasik, implantable lenses, CK, and surgery for presbyopia.
WHAT IS LASIK?
LASIK stands for Laser Assisted Intrastromal Keratomileusis. During this procedure, the
surgeon uses an instrument called a microkeratome to create a thin flap of tissue within
the cornea. The flap is then folded back out of the way and some corneal tissue
underneath is removed using an excimer laser. The excimer laser uses a cool ultraviolet
light beam to remove very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea to reshape it. When the
cornea is reshaped in the right way, it works better to focus light into the eye and onto the
retina, providing clearer vision than before. The corneal flap is then returned to its original
position, adhering without stitches. This procedure is nearly painless and is performed
under topical anesthesia.
WHAT IS BLADELESS LASIK?
With IntraLase or "bladeless" LASIK, a special laser is used instead of a blade to create
the flap. Then the usual excimer laser does the ablation. The flap is then replaced and
serves as a type of natural "bandage" for healing which is the same as in typical LASIK.
WHAT IS PRK?
PRK stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon gently
removes the top layer of cells on the cornea. The excimer laser is then used to reshape
the cornea by removing microscopic layers of tissue.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
Many, but not all, people are good candidates for refractive surgery. You can trust our
doctors to advise you whether or not you are a good candidates. You must be over 18
years old with a stable prescription that falls within certain limits. You must also be
within the range of the procedure, have no active eye disease and not be pregnant or
nursing. You should have realistic goals and be aware of all the risks.
WHAT ARE REALISTIC GOALS?
Most people (studies show 76.8% to 99.4% for myopes) achieve 20/40 or better vision
with LASIK. In most states, the law considers 20/40 good enough for driving. Some
patients may still need glasses or contact lenses following laser vision correction, though
their prescription level will be much lower than before.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS?
Anyone undergoing refractive surgery is exposed to some degree of risk. Potential side
effects may include minor discomfort and blurred vision for one to five days following
PRK. Although very rare, loss of corneal cap or irregular astigmatism from malpositioning
of the cap can occur following LASIK. Other serious risks are infection, diffuse lamellar
keratitis, and epithelial ingrowth. Other less serious complications are transient dryness,
nighttime halos and/or glare or a decrease in best corrected visual acuities following
either procedure.
The most satisfied patients after refractive surgery are those who clearly understand the
potential risks and side effects and have realistic visual expectations. Many people will
need to rely on reading glasses or multifocal lenses due to a condition called presbyopia.
This is a normal aging process in which the muscles that move the lens lose their
elasticity. Some people decide to correct one eye for distance vision and the other for
near vision (called monovision) to correct for presbyopia.
Our doctors would love to discuss these and any other procedures with you in greater
detail. They will gladly assist you in deciding which option is right for you!
