What is Laser Vision Correction?

Also known as refractive surgery, Laser Vision Correction refers to elective operative eye procedures that use a laser to reshape the cornea and change the way light is focused or “refracted” by the eye. The goal is simple: to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts. If you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism and feel that glasses or contact lenses limit your activities, Laser Vision Correction may be the right choice for you.

How Does Laser Vision Correction work?

The most common Laser Vision Correction procedures are done with an Excimer Laser. The Excimer Laser is a computer controlled cool laser that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea to improve the way light is focused or refracted by the eye. Two major procedure types are available for treating low to moderate levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism: Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK). In both cases, the laser sculpts the cornea in about 30 to 60 seconds and the entire procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes.

The Excimer Laser

The Excimer Laser has been FDA approved for use in both PRK and LASIK. The lasers that we use are state of the art and employ the newest generation software. Our access to different lasers allows us to choose the laser best suited to treating your refractive error. Our lasers also employ an eye-tracking device, which provides an additional level of precision. This device allows the laser to continuously detect and compensate for eye movements, while guiding the laser beam to keep it centered over the treatment area.

What is LASIK?

Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) changes the shape of the cornea to improve the way light is focused or “refracted” by the eye. After eye drop anesthesia is used to numb your eye, an instrument called a microkeratome glides across the cornea and creates a corneal flap. The surgeon carefully lifts the flap, and in 30 to 60 seconds, ultraviolet light and high-energy pulses from the Excimer Laser reshape the internal cornea. By adjusting the pattern of the laser beam, the surgeon can treat high levels of near-sightedness and moderate amounts of farsightedness and astigmatism.

After the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is gently replaced in its original position. Because of the cornea’s natural bonding qualities, healing is rapid and does not require stitches.

LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure. Some patients report a slight, post-operative discomfort that is usually alleviated with eye drops. Many patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision within the first day. For others, vision may fluctuate and continue to improve for several weeks.

What is PRK?

Utilizing the precision and accuracy of the Excimer Laser, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) changes the shape of the cornea to improve the way light is focused or “refracted” by the eye for myopia and hyperopia, with or without astigmatism. After eye drop anesthesia is used to numb your eye, the epithelium (the outermost layer of the eye) is removed by resurfacing the surface of the cornea with ultraviolet light and high-energy pulses. The Excimer Laser is ideal for corneal surgery because it emits a “cool” or non-thermal light beam that eliminates thermal or heat damage to surrounding tissue.

PRK is performed as an outpatient procedure. Immediately following the procedure, a bandage contact lens is placed over the eye for three to five days to protect the eye while it heals.

PRK has a lengthier healing process and more discomfort than LASIK. Patients may report some discomfort after the procedure until the outer portion of the cornea (epithelium) heals, usually within 48 to 72 hours. Some patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision within the first week. For others, vision may be blurry and fluctuate for several weeks to several months.

What is Monovision?

Monovision describes a situation where one eye is slightly nearsighted (myopic) and one eye is corrected to provide good distance vision. For many people, the brain automatically adjusts to use the better eye for the specific targeted vision. The nearsighted eye focuses well on near objects and can be used for reading or similar activities. The corrected eye can be used for driving, sports, or other activities requiring distance vision.

People who have successfully simulated monovision through contact lenses may want to consider the option of monovision for laser refractive surgery: one eye could be corrected for distance vision and the other eye under corrected to provide near vision.

Can Laser Vision Correction Correct Presbyopia?

Refractive surgery can not correct presbyopia. Laser Refractive Surgery alters the shape of the cornea, but does not restore the lost flexibility of the lens which causes presbyopia.