Next Page
 

     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 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.

Page 1 of 5                                                                                         Next Page: Refractive Errors