Laser Vision Correction
Consultation and Co-Management
Vision correction surgery, also called refractive and laser eye surgery, is any surgical procedure used to correct vision problems. In recent years, tremendous advancements have been made in this field. After refractive and laser eye surgery, many patients report seeing better than they had at any other time in their lives.
Most types of vision correction surgery work by reshaping the cornea, or clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. Other types involve replacing the eye’s natural lens. There are a number of different types of surgery to improve vision, including:
AM I GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASIK?
If you answer yes to the following questions, you may be an ideal candidate for LASIK:
If you feel you’re an ideal candidate or would like to know more, please feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation with us.
Most types of vision correction surgery work by reshaping the cornea, or clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. Other types involve replacing the eye’s natural lens. There are a number of different types of surgery to improve vision, including:
- LASIK: Short for laser in-situ keratomileusis, this laser eye surgery is used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, and/or have astigmatism. During LASIK surgery, vision is corrected by reshaping underlying corneal tissue so that it can properly focus light into the eye and onto the retina. LASIK eye surgery differs from others in that a flap is made in the outer layer of the cornea so that the underlying tissue can be accessed. LASIK may also be done with the addition of computer imaging called wavefront technology to create a detailed image of the cornea and guide for treatment.
- PRK: Short for photorefractive keratectomy, this laser eye surgery is used to correct mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. During PRK surgery, an eye surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea. This laser, which delivers a cool pulsing beam of ultraviolet light, is used on the surface of the cornea, not underneath a flap of the cornea, like in LASIK eye surgery. PRK may also be done with computer imaging of the cornea.
- LASEK: Short for laser epithelial keratomileusis, this is a variant of PRK. An epithelial flap is created and then epithelial cells are loosened using an alcohol solution. A laser is used to reshape the cornea, then the flap is replaced and secured with a soft contact lens while it heals. LASEK surgery is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- EPILASIK: In EpiLasik, which is similar to PRK, a very thin layer is separated from the cornea and then the cornea is reshaped. The thin layer may be left off or replaced. The area is protected with a soft contact lens while it heals.
AM I GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASIK?
If you answer yes to the following questions, you may be an ideal candidate for LASIK:
- Are you over the age of 18?
- Have you had a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least two years?
- Do you have sufficient corneal thickness (you will not know the answer unless you have had a measurement called pachymetry which will be performed during your LASIK evaluation)?
- Are you affected by one of the common types of vision problems or refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism?
- Are you free of diseases that may reduce the effectiveness of LASIK or your ability to heal properly and quickly? (some conditions that may affect your recovery after LASIK include rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes)
- Are you adequately informed about the benefits and risks of LASIK?
If you feel you’re an ideal candidate or would like to know more, please feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation with us.