Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)
Are you ready to reduce your dependency on corrective lenses or ditch them altogether?
The goal of laser vision surgery is to improve eyesight by reshaping the cornea, the part of the eye that lets light in and focuses it on the retina.
While LASIK is the most well-known of these procedures, there are many types of laser vision correction surgeries available, including LASEK, PRK, and more.
Learn more about laser vision surgery below and schedule a consultation at Fite Eye Center to see if LASIK is right for you.
What Is Laser Vision Correction Used For?
LASIK is used to correct refractive errors and age-related vision problems, including:
Astigmatism
With astigmatism, vision is distorted at all distances, near and far. This is due to the deformed shape of the cornea, which is shaped more like a football than a basketball. Light becomes unevenly focused as a result.
Farsightedness
If you are farsighted, your vision up close will be blurry. This is because either the cornea is flatter or the eye is shorter than a typical eye. As a result, rather than focusing directly on the retina, light traveling through the cornea focuses behind the retina.
Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness causes blurred vision at a distance. This is either because the cornea has a steeper shape or the eye may have a longer shape than a typical eye. As a result, rather than focusing directly on the retina, light traveling into the eye focuses in front of the retina.
Presbyopia
A disorder called presbyopia often occurs later in life. This is a condition in which the lens of the eye stiffens, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. Most people over 40 will naturally develop presbyopia and require reading glasses to read menus, labels, and other small print. Presbyopia cannot be corrected with traditional LASIK, but monovision LASIK may be an alternative.
Types Of Laser Vision Correction
There are several different types of laser vision correction, including:
Intralase LASIK
Intralase LASIK (iLASIK) is a bladeless laser vision correction treatment where the surgeon uses two different types of laser. The first laser used is called a femtosecond laser, and the second laser is called the excimer laser. The first laser used in the iLasik surgery helps create a flap in the cornea and the second laser helps reshape the tissue in the cornea. iLasik surgery can help correct a broad range of vision imperfections and allows eye surgeons to customize the procedure for each patient. Learn more about iLASIK vs. Traditional LASIK here.
PRK
PRK (or PhotoRefractive Keratectomy) is a procedure that corrects nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. It utilizes the Excimer Laser, the same laser that is used to perform LASIK surgery. The two procedures provide similar results with respect to vision and long-term stability. PRK treatment is often performed in patients who are candidates for refractive surgery but are unable to have LASIK because of thin or atypically shaped corneas, or lifestyle requirements.
The PRK treatment procedure begins by removing the top layer of cells from the cornea called the epithelium. The epithelium is equivalent to skin elsewhere in the body except that it is transparent to allow vision. The epithelium regrows or regenerates after a few days. After the epithelium is removed at the start of the procedure, the Excimer Laser is used to reshape the cornea as needed to correct your prescription. After completion of the laser, a special antibiotic agent called Mitomycin C may be applied to the cornea to prevent the later development of scar tissue. Then, a specially designed bandage contact lens is applied to the cornea to protect the surface of the eye as it heals. This contact lens is typically left in place for several days until the corneal epithelium has regrown, as mentioned above.
During this period, medicated eye drops are used, and mild to moderate irritation of the eyes is experienced, along with blurring of vision. These symptoms are typically not severe, and usually, do not interfere with daily activities. It is very important however to avoid getting water and irritants into the eye during this initial stage of healing. During the next stage of healing, which usually lasts about 4-6 weeks, the eyes are typically comfortable but may feel dry at times. Frequent use of artificial tears is recommended. Your vision may fluctuate during this period, but will typically stabilize at around 2-3 months after the procedure.
Am I A Candidate For Laser Vision Correction?
The patients who are the best candidates for LASIK are:
- Astigmatic, or
- Farsighted, or
- Nearsighted
LASIK does not always eliminate the need for corrective eyewear. In some cases, driving or reading glasses are still needed after LASIK is performed to correct near or farsightedness.
If you are tired of wearing corrective lenses or are dealing with a strong prescription, you might enjoy the benefits of LASIK. Talk to your ophthalmologist at Fite Eye Center today.