There are many different types of refractive surgery available:
LASIK
LASIK, also known as “laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis,” is the most popular refractive procedure available. A surgeon creates a flap in the cornea then uses a laser to reshape the cornea. Lasik is used to help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, as well as astigmatism. The amount of a patient’s prescription, corneal thickness and ocular health determine whether he or she is a good candidate for LASIK.
PRK
PRK is a similar, but older procedure than LASIK . An instrument is used to remove the epithelium (top layer) of the cornea and then a laser is used to reshape the cornea. This procedure requires a bandage contact lens as the epithelium heals. The healing time is longer, but for some patients this procedure is recommended over LASIK.
REFRACTIVE LENSECTOMY
This is a surgical procedure that uses the same successful techniques of modern cataract surgery. The difference between standard cataract surgery and refractive lensectomy is that cataract surgery is performed to remove a patient’s cloudy lens that is obstructing their vision, while refractive lensectomy removes a clear lens and replaces it with a man made arcylic lens to reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
VISIAN ICL
The Visian ICL is an implantable contact lens for patients with moderate to high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness). This lens is used to treat patients who would not otherwise be candidates for traditional refractive procedures like LASIK or PRK.
If you are interested in any of these procedures, our doctors will perform a thorough evaluation, discuss your options and refer you to the leading specialists in the area. We co-manage with refractive surgeons and therefore, provide post-op care in our office.
