LASIK AND PRK
Laser Vision Correction
What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that corrects your vision by changing the shape of your cornea, making it possible for your eye to properly focus light on the retina. Two lasers are used during LASIK, a femtosecond laser is used to create a corneal flap. An excimer laser is then used to perform the reshaping of the cornea based on your prescription measurements. This laser is extremely accurate and can remove a quarter of a micron of tissue at a time (a human hair is approximately 50 microns thick). After the treatment laser, the flap is folded back into position and reseals itself; no sutures are needed. The procedure itself takes about 6-8 minutes per eye.
What is PRK?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the original laser vision correction option used in the early 1990s before the development of LASIK. For some individuals, particularly those with thin corneas or corneas with irregular epithelium (skin), LASIK may not be the best option. Just one laser is used during PRK. There is no flap created during PRK, instead the thin superficial skin layer of the cornea is removed and the excimer laser is then used to perform the reshaping of the cornea as it is during LASIK. A bandage contact lens will be placed on the eye and the epithelial (skin) layer grows back, usually within a week following the procedure. PRK patients should understand that recovery times after PRK are longer than recovery times after LASIK.
ARE YOU A GOOD
Laser Vision Correction Candidate?
1
Is your prescription stable and are your eyes healthy?
Whether young or young at heart, good candidates for laser eye surgery usually have a stable prescription for at least two years and have no other ocular disease.
2
Can your eyes fit the prescription that needs to be corrected?
Depending on your degree of prescription, you may be better suited for LASIK, PRK or something elese?
3
Schedule a consultation with us to see what best fits your eyes!
There is no way of knowing for sure what procedure fits you best unless you undergo a comprehensive dilated eye exam with special testing. Please allow 2 hours for this examination.
The LASIK Procedure
Once you are found to be a candidate for LASIK eye surgery, you will meet with our surgical counselor who will go over pricing and scheduling of your procedure. On the day of your procedure, you should have a friend or loved one drive you. Your eyes will be numbed with special drops, and you will be led into the laser suite. You will remain awake throughout the procedure, and will be asked to focus on a fixation light inside the laser.
There are 3 main steps to the LASIK procedure:
1. The femtosecond laser is used to create a thin flap of corneal tissue in about 8 seconds. (video)
2. The flap is lifted and the excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct your prescription. (video)
3. The flap is placed back into position, where it adheres naturally.
The procedure takes about 6-8 minutes per eye. Immediately following the surgery you will begin to start to see, although the first few hours most patients are somewhat foggy and have some fluctuation to their vision. It is normal to experience burning and watering of the eyes for the first few hours after the procedure that can usually be helped by taking a short nap. The following day most patients are able to drive and return to their normal activities.
OUR LASIK SURGEONS
RESOURCES
The PRK Procedure
For patients with thinner corneal thickness or irregular epithelium (the top skin surface of the cornea) it may be a better option to perform Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK). PRK is also preferred when correcting vision in patients with cornea transplants and sometimes used for enhancements in patients who have had previous LASIK that was done several years in the past.
There are 3 main steps to the PRK procedure:
1. The superficial skin cells of the cornea (the epithelium) is removed.
2. The excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct your prescription.
3. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to help the healing process and will remain on the eye until the superficial skin cells have grown back in place (usually 3-4 days).
Due to the removal of the superficial surface cells of the cornea (the epithelium) with PRK there is a slower recovery of comfort and best vision. Patients undergoing PRK should allow time off work or any other critical task for the first 3-4 days to allow the eye to properly heal. Most PRK patients are back to normal activities after about a week and then the postoperative course is much like that of a LASIK patient
OUR PRK SURGEONS
RESOURCES
Technology
In keeping with our ongoing commitment to remain at the forefront of vision correction, Moyes Eye Center offers one of the newest and most technologically advanced laser systems, the WaveLight Refractive Suite. This laser technology offers increased accuracy, safety and precision allowing us to customize the treatment to the visual needs of each patient.
HELPFUL VIDEOS
To learn more about the Wavelight Refractive Suite watch this video
EXPERIENCE A LIFE
WITHOUT GLASSES OR CONTACTS
Benefits of Laser Vision Correction
Laser Vision Correction (LVC) has many benefits and has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective surgery in the world. You can trust that at Moyes we’ve spared no expense in equipment, technology, and experienced surgeons to ensure you get the results you desire.
Our Laser Vision Correction Team
Andrew Moyes, M.D.
Cataract and Corneal Specialist
Yong Kam, M.D.
Cataract and Corneal Specialist
Michelle Boyce, M.D.
Cataract and Corneal Specialist
Anthony Verachtert, O.D.
Refractive Pre and Post Op Care