Most people with vision correction issues want to know more about LASIK and whether it is right for them. At Eye Care Center, we provide a FREE LASIK CONSULATION with our expert doctors. There is no reason to continue ‘wondering’ if you are a candidate. Schedule a free consultation today and get the facts!!
When shopping around for refractive surgeons, you must remember to “compare apples to apples,” so to speak. Surgery options can be difficult, advances in technology must be taken into consideration, and pricing gets confusing. You only get one pair of eyes, so treat them with the best. Depend on Eye Care Center doctors to provide the most ‘straight-forward’ options and choices to you, while obtaining the most accurate information.
Here is a brief description of the procedure:
A flap is surgically created in the cornea and gently folded back. An Excimer Laser is used to reshape the cornea into a flatter shape (this is similar to how a contact lens corrects vision by forming a new shape on the cornea). The flap is then put back in place, acting like a natural bandage. The healing process is quick and the discomfort level is quite low.
People will often say that they did not feel anything, and could see well the very first day. Most people have improved vision in 24-48 hours, but it must be noted that each person will heal at a different rate. Vision, although greatly improved immediately after surgery, often continues to improve for some weeks, even months.
LASIK is not for everyone. People's eyes are different so even though you may have had a friend who has had LASIK, it may not be the best course of treatment for you. If you are interested in laser vision correction, we will be happy to guide you in picking the right surgeon, procedure, and laser appropriate for you.
Laser Vision Correction Common Questions
What is PRK?
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) involves using an Excimer laser that uses a cool ultraviolet beam of light instead of a blade to reshape the cornea. It is commonly used to treat low and moderated levels of both myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.
What is LASIK?
Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) combines the Excimer laser with an instrument called a microkeratome. The microkeratome makes a thin flap in the superficial cornea that is lifted upwards. The Excimer laser reshapes the underlying corneal tissue, and the flap is replaced. The flap seals within 24 hours of the procedure. This procedure is used for moderate to high levels of myopia and astigmatism.
Are PRK and LASIK new procedures?
PRK was invented in 1987 although it was not FDA approved in the U.S. until 1995. Several million people in Europe and Canada have had this procedure prior to its approval in the U.S. The microkeratome has been in use for over ten years for other corneal procedures. It has been combined with the Excimer laser for LASIK for the last several years.
Are these procedures painful?
The procedures themselves are painless. With PRK there is discomfort after the procedure for 1 to 3 days as the epithelium (the outer corneal layer) heals. With LASIK there is little discomfort as the outer layer of the cornea is undisturbed.
Should I get one eye done or do both eyes simultaneously?
Most of our patients have both eyes treated at the same time because there is only one recovery period, and the healing time is minimal. If you have only one eye treated, be aware that you may experience headaches and disorientation from the different refractions in each eye.
Will I be able to see better immediately?
Vision is typically blurry immediately after either procedure. The vision clears up with PRK in approximately 1-2 weeks and within 1-2 days for LASIK. Because the healing process is different for each patient, it is hard to predict when vision will stabilize.
Will my vision be 20/20 after the procedure?
As with any procedure, we cannot guarantee perfect results after the procedure. Ten years of PRK studies show that 95% of patients see 20/40 or better without additional correction. This is legal driving vision. Some people only need their glasses for certain activities after the procedure and some have eliminated the need for glasses altogether. Presbyopia, a condition that affects EVERYONE around age 40 and requires them to wear reading glasses, cannot be corrected by any refractive surgery.
Is the procedure permanent or will I need to have it performed again in a few years?
Both procedures are permanent. The tissue is completely removed and does not grow back.
Can I wear contacts if I still require correction after the procedure?
Yes, the advantage to these procedures is that you can wear soft or gas permeable lenses after the procedure, if needed.
How soon can I have the procedure performed?
If you are wearing glasses and have a stable refractive error, the procedure can be performed at any time. If you are wearing soft contact lenses you will need to be out of the lenses for approximately 1-2 weeks. If you are wearing gas permeable, hard lenses, or sleep in your contact lenses, you will need to be out of the lenses for approximately 1 month.
Are there any restrictions on who can have the procedure?
We prefer to have patients treated who are over 21 years old and have a stable refraction. You are not eligible if you have diabetes, collagen vascular disease (Lupus,etc.), keratoconus, autoimmune disease (HIV), wear a pacemaker, or are a keloid former. There are also other conditions that could eliminate you as a candidate; therefore a complete eye exam is needed to determine if you are eligible.
When can I go back to work and when can I drive?
Everyone heals at a different rate. Some people have surgery on Thursday and return to work on Friday, others take several days off work. You should not drive for at least 48 hours after either procedure.
Surgery Co-Management
Eye Care Center provides working arrangements with eye surgeons and more specialized eye care doctors to provide many of the surgical services such as cataract surgery, laser surgery, refractive surgery and strabismus surgery, retinal detachments, retinal tears and hemorrhages. You can be assured that your eyes will be comprehensively managed by the best eye care professionals.
