LASIK - Laser-in-situ Keratomilieusis
LASIK is the procedure of choice both nationwide and internationally, for the treatment of mild to severe nearsightedness,
farsightedness and astigmatism. This procedure involves making a thin corneal flap which acts a natural
bandage to promote healing. The flap is created using a device called a microkeratome. Once
this step has been completed, the flap is lifted and then an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. The
flap is then placed gently back into place and is allowed time to dry so that it adheres back to the cornea. LASIK
offers quick visual recovery and very minimal postoperative pain. Most patients will have both eyes treated
at the same time.
Custom-LASIK involves the use of a device called a wavefront aberrometer.
This detects what we call “higher order aberrations” in each patient. These aberrations
are what cause patients to complain of “ghosting” on the letters on the eye chart, or seeing haloes around lights
at night time. Custom-LASIK treats these aberrations and tries to eliminate them so that the effect of
“ghosting” or haloes is minimized. Using custom-LASIK is beneficial for a subset of patients
who have a large amount of higher order aberrations or who have large pupils.
PRK - Photorefractive Keratectomy
PRK
also known as flapless LASIK - is a vision correction procedure that is appropriate for patients with very thin or steep
corneas, very high prescriptions, extremely deep-set eyes, very large pupils, or those who are fearful of having a corneal
flap created. Many nearsighted or farsighted patients who have been told in the past that they are not good LASIK candidates
may now enjoy the same benefits by undergoing the PRK procedure.
Flapless
LASIK requires the cornea to be bathed in an alcohol solution, which loosens the outer skin of the cornea (the epithelium).
This layer is then carefully peeled back like a sheet using special surgical instruments, and then the
laser is applied to the underlying cornea. No corneal flap is created. A contact lens is then placed
to act as a “band-aid” to promote healing. This is an extremely safe procedure and clinical
studies have reported that six months after surgery, PRK patients have the same vision outcomes as their LASIK counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
