How do laser vision correcting procedures work?

Laser Vision correction procedures encompasses a variety of options that actually modify the cornea or the front surface of the eye. The latest technology involves a quick, painless and very accurate laser.

What is RK?

Radial Keratotomey, RK, is the practice of using a scalpel to make six to eight radial incisions in the cornea to flatten it and help the nearsighted see distances better.

What is PRK?

Photorefractive keratectomey, PRK, is surgery that uses a laser beam to sculpt a thin layer of the surface of the cornea to the individual's refractive needs. The surgeon reshapes the surface layer by scraping away the outer surface of the cornea and then reshapes it's underlying tissues with a cool ultraviolet beam. Depending upon the severity of a patient's nearsightedness, the process can remove anywhere from 5% to 30% of the tissue's thickness.

What is LASIK?

Laser-assisted intrastomal keratomileusis, LASIK, is the most popular procedure at this time. It is a quick and painless procedure involving a reshaping of the eye's inner corneal layer with laser technology. The surgeon uses an instrument called a microkeratome to create what is known as a corneal flap. Once this flap has been created and folded back, a laser is then used to reshape the cornea and improve the patient's vision of distance. With the reshaping completed, the flap is returned and a natural process of healing begins.

Who is a good candidate for vision correcting procedures?

Vision correcting procedures cannot be performed before puberty. This is because the lens does not attain its full shape and stabilize itself until approximately the ages of 18-21. Refractive surgery should not be performed until the eye is stable. In most cases, anyone between 18 and 70 can generally have vision correction procedures done in order to treat both nearsightedness and an astigmatism.

To determine if you are a good candidate you should start by scheduling an exam with your primary eye care doctor. Only a comprehensive consultation with your doctor can accurately determine if you are eligible for a vision correcting procedure. The ideal candidate is at least 18 years of age, has not had significant prescription change in the last year and free from ocular diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma.

Can my vision be perfect with laster vision correction?

Your level of success with laser vision correction depends upon individual conditions, the expertise of the opthalmologist, and the type of follow-up care program. Each individual is a little different, and so are their corrective needs.

Assuming you are the right type of patient for this procedure, the results of this technology are very good. Most patients will have 20/40 vision or better without glasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery is not a guarantee and some patients may still need corrective lenses to perform certain tasks.

Can vision correcting procedures be used for treating cataracts?

Laser vision correcting procedures such as LASIK cannot treat cataracts. Typically patients with cataracts suffer from continually worsening vision. Therefore, the real refractive power of the eye cannot be determined, making it inadvisable for them to undergo laser vision correction. However, laser vision correction can be used to correct refractive error following cataract removal.

How much do laser vision correcting procedures cost?

The cost of the procedure depends upon several variances. Only after the patient's medical history and current information are clearly understood are we able to recommend which type of laser procedure will be best for you. Type of procedure and where the procedure is taking place are two factors. In approximate numbers however, you can estimate spending $2200 to $2500 per corrected eye.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure is a very short process. LASIK patients are typically in the laser room for 20-30 minutes. Once the preparational steps have been administered, the actual laster treatment time is typically less than one minute per eye. Total time spent in the laser center on the day the procedure is performed is usually less than two hours.

Will I feel any pain during the procedure?

Vision correcting procedures are performed on an outpatient basis requiring only topical anesthesia (eyedrops). Some surgeons will administer low doses of medications to relax the patient, yet the individual will be awake and comfortable during the entire procedure.

Can I wear my contact lenses right up to the procedure?

Soft contacts cannot be worn for at least 72 hours before the procedure. Hard or gas permeable lenses cannot be worn four to eight weeks prior to the surgery. Glasses, however, can be worn at any time before the procedure.

When can I return to work?

This also depends on the patient and the procedure performed. Some doctors recommend you to stay home for a week; others permit you to return to work within two days following the operation. LASIK has the quickest recovery time.

Will I ever have to wear my glasses again?

There is a possibility you may need reading glasses as you get older. This is caused by a condition called presbyopia in which the lens of the eye begins to lose flexibility making it difficult to read. This typically occurs between the ages of 40 to 50.

What will my recovery be like?

• Wait one full day before taking a shower.
• Sunglasses should be worn for the first few days.
• Read and watch TV in moderation the first few days.
• Do not wear eye makeup for one week.
• Do not exercise for one week.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs and whirlpools for one week.
• Avoid gardening and dusty environments for one week.
• Avoid contact sports that could result in injury for one month.

Are there any side effects to vision correcting procedures?

Temporary side effects include a difference in power or image size between the two eyes, double or hazy vison, increased sensitivity to light and halos around lights. For a few hours following the surgery, the patient may experience a sensation similiar to that of having an eyelash in their eye.

As with any surgical procedure, there is a degree of risk involved with refractive surgeries. Risks include the possibility of decreased vision loss due to under-correction, over-correction, infection, discomfort, night glare, flap complications, or healing haze. Studies presented by laser manufacturers reviewed by the FDA show that 94% of patients with mild to moderate myopia, who have undergone laser vision correction, have achieved 20/40 distance vision or better (sufficient to qualify for a drivers license in most areas) with one treatment.

Can I be treated again if I remain nearsighted after the procedure?

Doctors have been utilizing enhancement procedures to refine laser vision correction for quite some time. Typically, patients need to wait six months for the eye to completely heal and the refraction is stable prior to undergoing the enhancement procedure. Additional fees are not charged for enhancements.