LASEK
LASEK (Laser Assisted Epithelial Keratoplasty) is an exciting technique using the excimer laser to reshape the cornea, treating nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. It can also be combined with Wavefront technology to perform a customized treatment, reducing or eliminating not only the patient's nearsightedness and astigmatism, but also reducing or eliminating the aberrations in the patient's eye.
Special instruments are used to lift the surface epithelial layer of the cornea. The excimer laser is then applied to the layer beneath the flap, gently reshaping the cornea by removing a minute amount of corneal tissue in a precise, computer-guided pattern, sculpting it into a new shape. Only a microscopic amount of corneal tissue is removed. This part of the procedure usually takes less than a minute. The corneal epithelium is then repositioned and a contact lens is placed on the eye, completing the entire procedure in about 10 minutes for both eyes.
Conductive Keratoplasty
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is a minimally invasive technology for the treatment of mild farsightedness. CK uses electrical energy to reshape the cornea, steepening it and thereby reducing or eliminating farsightedness. It can also be used to create blended vision, which is a form of mild monovision, thus allowing patients to read without the use of reading glasses.
LASIK
- What is LASIK?
- Who Are Candidates?
- LASIK Pre-Operative Care
- LASIK Post-Operative Care
- Potential Side Effects and Complications
What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the latest developments in laser vision correction. In LASIK, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to create a thin flap in the cornea (much like a carpenter's plane works). The excimer laser then gently reshapes the cornea beneath the flap and the flap is then put back in place. By reshaping the cornea, LASIK can correct nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness.
LASIK stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis. Keratomileusis, which means to change the shape of the cornea, is a form of vision correction that has been performed for over 30 years. Earlier forms of this procedure used only the microkeratome to reshape the cornea. The development and subsequent FDA approval of the excimer laser with its submicron accuracy, combined with improvements in microkeratome technology allows us to perform the precise, accurate procedure of LASIK we use today.
The microkeratome passes over the surface of the cornea creating a flap its anterior portion. The flap is then moved, and gently held, to one side. The laser is then centered over the pupil. The laser is then applied to the layer beneath the flap, gently reshaping the cornea by removing a minute amount of corneal tissue in a precise, computer-guided pattern, sculpting it into a new shape. Only a microscopic amount of corneal tissue is removed. This part of the procedure usually takes less than a minute. The corneal flap is then repositioned and fluid is used to irrigate beneath it to remove debris. After a few moments, the corneal flap securely adheres back into its original position, completing the entire procedure in about 10-15 minutes.
Who Are Candidates?
Typically, if you are over the age of 18, with stable vision; meaning no change in your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses for about 12 months, and free from ocular disease, then you may be a candidate for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. However, not everyone is a qualified candidate for the refractive laser procedures. Please call our Refractive Laser Advisor, at 1-888-4-LASIKS to arrange a complimentary consultation with either Dr. Spencer E. Sherman or Dr. Laurence T.D. Sperber. After this examination you will be informed as to whether or not you are a qualified candidate, and if so, which procedure will be best for you. The decision to have laser vision correction is a very important one that only you as a patient can decide upon.
LASIK Pre-Operative Care
Before having Laser Vision Correction, you will have a complete pre-operative examination performed by Dr. Sperber or Dr. Sherman. It is important that you remove your soft contact lenses at least one week prior to this examination. Hard or Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses must be removed at least four to six weeks prior to the pre-op exam. Once the examination has determined that you are a candidate for Laser Vision Correction, you will be scheduled for your laser procedure.
Before the actual surgery, it is also necessary to be without contact lenses: one week for soft contact lenses; and four to six weeks for hard or rigid gas permeable contact lenses. You can eat and drink normally prior to your procedure.
Upon arrival in the laser suite, anesthetic eye drops will be placed in your eyes. You will then sit down on the laser chair and it will recline until you are lying flat. Once in the laser chair, you will look up at a red light, which you will see in front of you. The doctor will put some anesthetic drops in your eye and then a lid speculum, an instrument that will prevent you from blinking, will be placed in your eye. The doctor will then prepare you for the procedure by telling you exactly what will happen during the procedure. You will be instructed when it is most important to look at the light. The procedure itself will take only a few minutes.
At the end of the procedure, a plastic eye shield will be taped over your eyes. You will then sit up and the doctor will check your eyes.
After you leave the laser suite, you will be given your postoperative instructions regarding the drops you will take and then you will be ready to go home.
LASIK Post-Operative Care
After LASIK, the visual recovery is very rapid. On the day of your procedure, your vision will be somewhat foggy or smoky. By the next day, your vision will be significantly better. It is very important to avoid rubbing your eyes for the first week after LASIK, and it is crucial to take your drops as instructed by your doctor.
After LASIK, some patients experience some increased dryness in their eyes, which can lead to some visual symptoms such as haloes around lights or problems with glare. These problems are usually short lived and using the prescribed drops and artificial tears should hasten their resolution.
If you have any sudden changes in your eyes such as pain, redness or a decrease in vision, you should contact Dr. Sperber or Dr. Sherman immediately.
Potential Side Effects and Complications
LASIK has a very high degree of success. Even though the FDA approved this procedure, there may be a small percentage of patients who experience minor under-correction or over-correction, haloes or glare around lights. Usually these symptoms spontaneously disappear. Enhancement procedures may be performed to correct over or under correction. 20/20 vision is our goal, but we cannot guarantee perfect vision. Nor can we promise that eyeglasses or contact lenses will not be needed in the future. Our goal is to reduce or eliminate your dependence upon glasses and contact lenses. Any patient at the average age of 40 may require reading glasses.
PRK
- What is PRK?
- PRK Pre-Operative Care
- PRK Post-Operative Care
- Potential Side Effects and Complications
What is PRK?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser procedure in which the excimer laser is used to treat nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. In PRK, the laser removes a small amount of the corneal surface, gently reshaping the cornea to improve your vision. This is a laser-only procedure - no surgical incisions are made. The excimer laser treatment usually takes less than a minute, and only a microscopic amount of corneal tissue is removed.
The Excimer Laser treats the surface of the cornea. Removing the surface layer known as the corneal epithelium.
The Excimer Laser then treats the corneal stroma. Removing a microscopic amount of tissue, thus reshaping the cornea.
At the conclusion of the procedure, a contact lens is placed on the cornea to help minimize postoperative discomfort.
PRK Pre-Operative Care
The pre-operative care for PRK is the same as it is for LASIK (see LASIK Pre-op Care above).
PRK Post-Operative Care
The post-operative care for PRK is similar to LASIK (see LASIK Post-Operative Care above), except that in the first few days after PRK you may have mild to moderate amount of discomfort. You will be given several drops to use and, if necessary, oral medications may be prescribed. You should expect your vision to be blurry for several days after PRK, but in the few days following the procedure, you will see significant improvement. It is very important to avoid rubbing your eyes for the first week after PRK, and it is crucial to take your drops as instructed by your doctor.
Potential Side Effects and Complications
PRK has a very high degree of success. Even though the FDA approved this procedure, there may be a small percentage of patients who experience minor under-correction or over-correction, haloes or glare around lights. Usually these symptoms spontaneously disappear. Enhancement procedures may be performed to correct over or under correction. 20/20 vision is our goal, but we cannot guarantee perfect vision. Nor can we promise that eyeglasses or contact lenses will not be needed in the future. Our goal is to reduce or eliminate your dependence upon glasses and contact lenses. Any patient at the average age of 40 may require reading glasses.