Laser eye surgery continues to grow in popularity in the United States. With significant advances in laser technology and surgical techniques, laser eye surgery is an attractive option for many people who would like to be free from the hassles of glasses or contact lenses. More people are eligible for laser vision correction now than ever before. Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have an astigmatism, laser eye surgery may be able to help!

Laser eye surgery improves vision by correcting refractive errors. Refractive errors, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, occur when the cornea of the eye (its outer layer) is not curved correctly. In an eye with optimal vision, light passes through the cornea and lens and focuses on the retina, which lies at the back of the eye. In a nearsighted eye, the cornea is excessively curved. Instead on focusing on the retina, light is focused in front of it. The case is the opposite in a farsighted eye. Because farsighted eyes are not curved enough, light focuses behind the retina. In an astigmatic eye, the curvature is uneven, and light focuses in more than one place on the retina. Laser eye surgery helps to correct these refractive errors by reshaping the cornea so that it has the proper curvature.

PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is the original laser vision correction procedure. To perform PRK, the surgeon first removes the thin corneal covering known as the epithelium. An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea. The epithelium regenerates in a little less than a week. PRK entails some mild pain. Good vision returns approximately a week after surgery.

LASIK
Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) represents an improvement over PRK for most patients. Rather than removing the epithelium, a LASIK surgeon uses a special instrument called a microkeratome to create a thin flap in the corneal tissue. The flap is then pulled back and the laser reshapes the underlying tissue. Once the curvature has been corrected, the flap is laid back in place. Adhering to its former location without stitches, the flap provides protection for the eye as it heals. Good vision can be expected in a day or two following LASIK.

Although an estimated 95% of patients can have LASIK, some people are not good candidates for the procedure. People who should not have LASIK include those with dry eye, thin corneas, or large pupils. For these patients, PRK or a new procedure known as LASEK may be good alternatives.

LASEK
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) is the newest laser vision correction procedure. Combining aspects of PRK and LASIK, LASEK can be a good alternative for patients with thin corneas as well as for some other patients. In LASEK, an alcohol solution is used to peel back a flap of the epithelium. The laser than ablates the corneal tissue beneath. The epithelial flap provides protection for the eye as it heals, so there is less discomfort than with PRK. One advantage that LASEK has over LASIK is that the microkeratome is not used -- no cuts are made in the cornea with LASEK. But like PRK, achieving good vision may take up to a week after surgery.

If you are interested in laser vision correction, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Several important tests will need to be conducted prior to surgery to determine which procedure bests suits your eyes. Our highly trained and experienced refractive surgeons will be more than happy to provide you with additional information, so please contact us today!