WHAT IS LASER VISION CORRECTION?

LASIK surgery is the most common solution used to correct refractive errors. Custom PRK (Surface Ablation) is similar to LASIK but uses some modifications for how the laser is applied to the corneal surface. Patients who are not good candidates for laser vision correction have other options, such as the phakic intraocular lens, to treat vision problems with implants. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is effective for older individuals with presbyopia. Corneal inlay surgery may also be used to improve vision.

These safe and effective technologies have been used for many years, and the procedures are fast and virtually painless. Laser vision correction continues to be the most common elective vision procedure performed. The surgery is done on an outpatient basis and takes about 15 minutes per eye. Vision improvements can be seen within 24 hours.

Laser vision correction technology continues to advance, with new developments and improvements added regularly. Contact Ophthalmic Partners to book a consultation and learn how laser vision correction can improve your eyesight. A thorough eye exam will be performed to evaluate eye health, and the curvature of your cornea will be mapped. If you are a suitable candidate for laser surgery, the eye doctor will explain the procedure, including any preparations needed. Laser vision correction can dramatically improve your quality of life, with most people achieving 20/20 vision after surgery.

MORE ON LASIK

A number of laser refractive surgery options are available, but laser vision correction (LASIK and/or Advanced Surface Ablation) is the most common surgical procedure used to achieve this goal. These procedures utilize the excimer laser to painlessly reshape the cornea, correcting nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and many forms of astigmatism. The Intralase laser can also be used to create a laser-guided LASIK flap so that no metal cutting blade is necessary. This “all laser LASIK” affords our patients an added layer of precision and safety during their laser procedures. Astigmatism may also be corrected with astigmatic keratotomy (AK), which is sometimes used in conjunction with LASIK.

WHAT IS LASIK SURGERY?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. The surgeon begins by creating a hinged corneal flap, which is precisely cut to 110 microns, approximately the thickness of a hair. The flap is lifted to expose the corneal tissue underneath, and the laser is applied, usually for less than one minute. The flap is then repositioned over the cornea. The surgical procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes for both eyes. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is another refractive laser surgery that reshapes the cornea.

WHAT IS THE PHAKIC INTRAOCULAR LENS?

Some patients are not good candidates for laser refractive surgery, either due to corneal shape, thickness, or level of near-sightedness. In many cases, these patients can be treated with the placement of a phakic intraocular lens. In this procedure, a small implantable lens, similar to a contact lens, is placed in the eye without the removal of the natural human lens. Once implanted, it cannot be seen or felt by the patient. Phakic lenses can take care of a wide range of refractive errors, even beyond what LASIK can treat.

Our physicians at Ophthalmic Partners have performed countless laser refractive surgery procedures, and have advanced training in laser refractive surgery as well as the repair of refractive surgical problems.

To schedule an appointment with our team of eye doctors, please contact us at (484) 434-2700 in PA or (856) 596-1601 in NJ.