See Better Today > Laser Vision Correction

What is Laser Vision Correction?

Lasik and PRK the most common Laser Vision Correction procedures, and they are somewhat similar. Both use an excimer laser to painlessly reshape the front surface of the cornea to create the desired vision correction. The excimer laser is a non-thermal (cool) laser that is controlled by a computer. The actual time that the laser takes to do its work is usually less than one minute. Farsighted corrections and combinations of nearsightedness and astigmatism may take slightly longer.

In Lasik (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis), the surgeon first creates a micro thin flap of the surface of the cornea using a sterile surgical instrument called a "microkeratome". This flap is folded back, and the excimer laser is used to shape the cornea surface. The flap is then replaced and usually does not require suturing to stay in position. The vision typically returns rapidly after Lasik, and a bandage contact lens in not usually necessary because the eye is not usually painful after surgery. Thus, both eyes are often treated in the same session with Lasik. Lasik can be used to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness with low to moderate levels of astigmatism, and low to moderate farsightedness with low to moderate levels of astigmatism.

In PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), the surgeon prepares the surface of the cornea, and then uses the excimer laser to precisely and rapidly reshape the surface of the cornea. The corneal surface must then heal, and often a bandage contact lens is used for comfort. The vision may be blurred in the operated eye for a couple of weeks (or more) after the procedure. The excimer laser is FDA approved for PRK for low to moderate levels of nearsightedness and astigmatism, and low levels of hyperopia and astigmatism.

Visit Us

You don't have to wait until your regular eye exam, so visit us today. You can have laser vision correction as soon as you're ready and eligible for it.

The Process

The preoperative examination is an extremely important step in achieving an accurate result from PRK or Lasik. While a screening evaluation can determine potential candidates, it is the actual preoperative examination that determines which procedure, if any, are best for the patient. Some details of this examination include:

• Discussion of the patient's motives and expectations of Laser Vision Correction.
• A review of the patient's medical and ocular health history.
• A complete dilated eye examination.
• Determination of the best corrected visual acuity, the uncorrected visual acuity, a refraction, and a determination of the stability of the patient's refraction over the past year.
• A determination of the thickness of the cornea.
  
  

Contact lenses should be removed 3-5 days prior to the preoperative examination as well as the actual surgery itself. They may have to be left out longer if rigid lenses are used.

Financing arrangements should be made prior to the day of surgery, and any post-operative medications required should be obtained prior to surgery.

The Day of Surgery: Both Lasik and PRK are painless to perform, and require only eye drop (topical) anesthesia. In some cases, an oral sedative can be given preoperatively, but the patient must be alert enough to be able to keep the eye in position during the actual application of the laser. The eyelids themselves are held open with a smooth metal device called a speculum, so the patient does not have to worry about keeping his eyes open during the procedure. Usually street clothes can be worn for the procedure, although eye makeup and perfume or cologne should not be worn, as this can interfere with the laser function. There should be a person available to drive the patient home.

Procedure Overview: In Lasik, a microkeratome is used to create a paper-thin flap on the surface of the cornea prior to the application of the laser. In PRK, the surgeon prepares the surface of the eye more superficially prior to the laser application. After the laser creates the desired refractive effect, the flap is placed back into position in Lasik, where it stays firmly in place without the need for sutures. In PRK, the surface of the eye must heal back over after the laser application, and usually a bandage contact lens is placed for comfort during the healing process, which may take one to three days. Both eyes can be treated in the same session with Lasik, while with PRK the eyes are usually treated a few weeks apart.

The laser used is a state-of-the-art VISX Star S4 ActiveTrak Excimer Laser with the WaveScan WaveFront System . This system features an active eye tracking technology in all 3 dimensions (horizontal, vertical, and up and down motion of the eye), Variable Spot Scanning technology, and an 8.0 mm Blend Zone option. These features all help to give the smoothest possible laser application. Plus, unlike some lasers, dilation is not required for laser eye tracking during the procedure!

Procedure: Lasik

• Prior to the procedure, both the microkeratome and excimer laser are checked to insure proper functioning. The refractive error of the eye is programmed into the laser.
• The patient has anesthetic eye drops placed, and then reclines on the surgical chair with the eye facing upward toward the laser. Again, it is important not to wear eye makeup or use perfumes or cologne prior to the procedure.
• The soft eyelid speculum is place to hold open the eyelids of the operated eye, and the other eye is usually covered to prevent inadvertent exposure to the laser. Looking up into the laser, the patient can see a blinking fixation light, and it is imp