Certain vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia can be reduced or eliminated surgically. These vision problems occur when the eye is not able to bring images to a proper focus inside the eye.

1. What is Laser Vision Correction?
Laser vision correction treats vision problems such as hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism using a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled excimer laser. This gentle beam of cool laser light carefully reshapes a thin layer of the cornea, flattening the curvature and improving the focusing problem. These pulses "dissolve" the molecular bonds of a thin layer of the corneal tissue without generating any heat. This ensures that thermal damage to adjacent tissue does not occur, and that the structural integrity of the cornea is maintained. Since 1988, more than 2 million excimer procedures have been performed worldwide.

Procedures currently available in the U.S. utilizing the excimer laser include: Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK) and Laser Assisted Intrastromal Keratomileusis (LASIK). Both LASIK and PRK use the laser to sculpt the cornea with microscopic accuracy, differing primarily in the treatment of the outermost layer of the cornea (epithelium). In PRK, the surgeon gently removes the epithelium (deleted text) and then sculpts the cornea underneath. With LASIK, a small mechanical device called a microkeratome creates a thin cap of tissue from the cornea. The cap is folded back from the surface and the laser then sculpts the underlying cornea, altering the shape to correct the curvature. The corneal cap is then returned to its original position, adhering back to the cornea within minutes and without stitches.

Custom Lasik is our current procedure of choice. Until recently, patients were treated based on their optical prescription despite the fact that every person’s eyes have a unique set of naturally occurring optical imperfections. This is known as conventional LASIK. Today, with the advent of wavefront diagnostic technology, wavefront-guided excimer lasers can now treat patients according to the uniqueness of their entire optical system, not just their prescription.

Wavefront technology compares distorted waves of light exiting the eye to flat waves of light that would have returned in a perfect optical system. This information is converted to a 3D map that then serves as a guide for the excimer laser while reshaping the cornea. Results have shown that Custom LASIK can reduce some of the unwanted visual effects associated with conventional LASIK; especially those associated with night vision such as glare and halos. Custom LASIK has the potential to improve the quality of vision and potentially to help patients see even better than they could with glasses or contact lenses.

2. Is Laser Vision Correction right for me?
Laser vision correction is well-suited for active people who find glasses and contacts to be a nuisance and those who simply don't want to be so dependent on them.

If you wear glasses or contacts and are over 18 years old, you may be a good candidate. Your lens prescription should be relatively stable for at least one year and you should be free of medical problems related to your eyes.

You should also make sure you have realistic expectations about laser vision correction. Though laser vision correction has the potential to greatly reduce or eliminate dependency on corrective lenses, there can be no assurances that you will obtain perfectly corrected vision. If necessary, visual sharpness after laser vision correction can be enhanced with lenses, however, for most people, the use of glasses should be merely occasional.

People who are most satisfied with the results of laser vision correction clearly understand the potential risks and side effects and have realistic expectations of what their vision will be like after surgery.

3. Can laser vision correction help all vision problems?

The quality of one's vision depends on three elements:
- Curvature of the cornea (may be too steep or irregular)
- Power of the lens (may block vision or delay focusing)
- Length of the eye (might be too long or short)

When these three elements are correctly proportioned and configured, light focuses on the retina correctly and clear vision is the result. When not arranged correctly, as is the case for millions of people, a refractive problem occurs.

Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when the cornea is too steep relative to the length of the eyeball. As light enters the eye, the visual image focuses in front of the retina, resulting in a blurred or distorted view. The FDA approved the use of the excimer laser for myopia in November, 1995.

Astigmatism (asymmetrical cornea) occurs when your eye is shaped like a football, unlike a normal eye that has a round shape similar to a basketball. Astigmatism causes certain amounts of distortion or pitched images because of the uneven bending of light rays entering the eye. In April 1997, the FDA expanded the parameters for myopic excimer laser correction of astigmatism from mild to severe cases of astigmatism.

Hyperopia (farsightedness) occurs when the cornea is too flat relative to the length of the eyeball. As light enters the eye, the visual image focuses behind the retina, resulting in a blurred or distorted view. The FDA approved the use of the excimer laser for hyperopia in November, 1998.

Presbyopia (reading vision loss) is a condition, unrelated to farsightedness, which causes many people from mid-forties on to need reading glasses or bifocal lenses. Presbyopia is a result of loss of elasticity in the tiny muscles that move the lens, and cannot currently be corrected with the excimer laser. The excimer laser can, however, help create a condition called monovision, where one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other eye is corrected for reading vision. This option is particularly helpful for people who shift their vision often from near to far, such as teachers, computer users, public speakers and others who often address audiences.

Another treatment option for individuals with normal distance vision but with presbyopia near vision difficulties is CK (Conductive Keratoplasty), a non-laser, no-cutting procedure. CK treatment utilizes a controlled release of radiofrequency energy, instead of a laser or scalpel, to reshape the cornea and bring near vision back into focus. The surgery is performed in our office on an outpatient basis with a rapid recovery. No patching of the eyes is required. You may return to work the day after the procedure.

4. Is laser vision correction painful?

There is virtually no discomfort during the procedure. No needles or general anesthetics are used. The eyes are anesthetized with eye drops that are instilled prior to the procedure.

Some PRK patients experience mild discomfort during the initial healing period after the procedure is performed. This level of discomfort, rarely experienced by LASIK patients is often compared to having sand or an eyelash under a contact lens.

5. Are there any risks involved?

The excimer laser procedure, like all medical procedures, has limitations and risks, although the risk of having a serious vision threatening complication is less than 1%.

While rare, some side effects that may be encountered after laser vision correction include infection, delayed healing of epithelium resulting in haze, corneal flap problems, corneal surface irregularities, under/overcorrection, contact lens intolerance, or regression. Your doctor will review the potential risks with you in detail.

6. How soon can I return to my daily activities?

For the first 12 hours immediately following your procedure, we strongly encourage you to rest and keep your eyes closed as much as possible. Typically, PRK patients will wear a clear bandage contact lens for 3 to 5 days. With LASIK, patients wear a protective eye shield until the next morning. Most PRK patients can work and drive 4 or 5 days after the procedure, while the wait time for LASIK patients is typically 1 or 2 days. You should avoid rubbing or touching your eye for 24 hours and then only do so with caution for 1 week. Avoid getting soap, shampoo, hair spray, etc. in your eyes for 1 week. Avoid sunlight exposure, scuba diving, swimming, saunas, hot tubs, and water sports for a minimum of 2 weeks. Wear proper eye protection when participating in active sports and working with machinery, tools, or hazardous materials. These are only guidelines and the healing response varies from person to person - your doctor may suggest longer waiting periods for certain activities.

7. Can I make payment arrangements?

Numerous financing options are available. Please call for more information.

More Information-

Performed since the early 1970's, Vision Correction Surgery improves the eyes focusing ability without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.

In normal vision, light enters the eye through the cornea and is focused at a single point on the retina at the back of the eye.

Nearsightedness?
In nearsightedness (myopia) the cornea is often too steep and light rays focus in front of the retina. Near vision is clear and distant vision is blurry.

Astigmatism?
With astigmatism the curve of the cornea is irregular and egg shaped, causing light rays to focus at multiple points and resulting in blurred or double vision at all distances.

Farsightedness?
In farsightedness (hyperopia) the cornea is often too flat and light rays focus behind the retina. Both near and distant vision are usually blurry.

Cataracts
A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye. Normally, light passes through the clear lens and is focused onto the retina. However, as a result of the natural aging process, the lens gradually becomes cloudy. The cataract, or cloudy lens, blocks the passage of light through the eye and causes distorted or blurred vision.

A cataract can make activities such as reading and driving difficult. However, good vision can be safely restored with outpatient cataract surgery. Today, with the development of no stitch/small incision cataract surgery, many patients are experiencing a faster recovery and a quicker return to good vision.