Laser Vision Correction

Would you like to reduce your dependence on eyeglasses and contacts? Thanks to advanced laser vision correction, there is an alternative to reduce your dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses, or possibly eliminate them completely. With new and improved vision, patients are inspired to pursue life with confidence and enthusiasm.

Laser vision correction procedures, such as LASIK, Custom Wavefront LASIK, PRK, and LASEK/Epi-LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  Laser vision correction uses a cool excimer laser to reshape the cornea in order to focus light rays back onto the retina.

LASIK (Laser-In-Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK is the common laser vision correction procedure performed today. In LASIK, anesthetic drops are first inserted into the eye and a lid speculum is utilized to keep the eyelids open.  A thin flap in the cornea is then created using either a microkeratome blade or a computer-controlled laser such as IntraLase.  The flap is gently folded back by the surgeon, exposing the internal corneal tissues. Pulses of cool excimer laser are applied to reshape the cornea. The corneal flap is repositioned. The flap adheres quickly and naturally without the usage of sutures. The surface heals over just a few hours, explaining the remarkable comfort of the LASIK procedure.  Because healing is very rapid, functional vision is achieved by the next day. Patients typically resume driving and return to work the following day.

Custom (Wavefront) LASIK

Custom LASIK, also referred to as Wavefront LASIK, uses 3-D measurements of how your eye processes images to aid the laser in reshaping the cornea more precisely. Wavefront technology improves not only how much you can see but also how well you can see.

Bladeless LASIK, also referred to as iLASIK™, IntraLASIK, or All-Laser LASIK, is a 100% blade- free technique utilize to create the corneal flap,  the first step in the laser vision correction process.
Conventional LASIK can only treat vision imperfections such as lower-order aberrations (associated with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism). Custom LASIK can further treat other visual distortions such as higher-order aberrations (irregularities associated with glare and halos. The risk of post-LASIK complications, such as halos, glare, shadows, and difficulty with night vision, is therefore, minimized with Custom LASIK.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Before the onset of LASIK, PRK was the most common refractive surgery procedure. In PRK, no flap is created.  Instead, the epithelium (outermost layer of the cornea) is removed. The same excimer laser used in LASIK is utilized to remove tissues from the surface of the cornea to reshape its curvature. A bandage contact lens is placed over the cornea for 3-5 days to promote the healing of the epithelium.

LASEK/Epi-LASIK

In LASEK/Epi-LASIK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis), the epithelium (outermost layer of the cornea) is gently moved to the side. The exciser laser is utilized to reshape the surface of the cornea. The epithelium is replaced after the laser treatment.  A bandage contact lens is placed over the cornea for 3-5 days to promote the healing of the epithelium.

Comparing Procedures

LASIK, PRK, and LASEK/Epi-LASIK produce similar visual outcomes. However, there is generally more discomfort during the healing process and a longer recovery period from PRK and LASEK/Epi-LASIK.  Patients who are not candidates for LASIK due to certain ocular conditions (large pupils, thin corneas, corneal scars) can often be effectively treated with PRK and LASEK/Epi-LASIK.

To determine if you are a candidate for laser vision correction, please call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation.