A PERMANENT SOLUTION FOR YOUR EYESIGHT
As more people develop refractive errors, whether due to digital eye strain or simply because of genetics, more patients are looking for a permanent solution to correct their eyesight. This solution has manifested itself in the form of laser eye surgery.
While laser eye surgery can help patients with a range of refractive issues, it does not mean that every patient is a candidate for surgery. We offer consultations to help you discover if laser vision correction is right for you.
Please, book your consultation with us today.
WHAT IS LASER EYE SURGERY?
Laser eye surgery, also known as laser vision correction or refractive surgery, utilizes lasers or refractive lens exchange to correct refractive errors.
As mentioned earlier, some patients may not be candidates for refractive surgery procedures. Some factors, like corneal scarring, thin corneas, eye injuries, and past eye surgeries, can limit your candidacy for laser eye surgery.
Laser eye surgery doesn’t guarantee perfect 20/20 vision, but can reduce your dependence on eyewear. Many patients may still require the use of glasses or contact lenses even after the procedure.
TYPES OF SURGERIES
LASIK
LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure and treats myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. An ophthalmologist performs the operation by making a small flap in the surface of your superficial cornea.
Your ophthalmologist will then fold the flap back to access your corneal stroma, which will then be reshaped using an excimer laser. Your ophthalmologist will then fold the flap back into position to heal.
LASIK
PRK
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a similar procedure to LASIK. However, instead of creating a flap in the superficial cornea, your ophthalmologist will remove the outermost layer of your cornea, known as the epithelium.
An excimer laser is then used to reshape your corneal stroma. The epithelium is then left to heal over the course of a few days.
RLE
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) or clear lens extraction (CLE) is a procedure that replaces the crystalline lens of your eye with an artificial intraocular lens instead of using a laser to reshape the corneal stroma.
An ophthalmologist makes a small incision in the eye, then uses ultrasound technology to break up the natural crystalline lens. It is extracted using a phacoemulsifier and an artificial intraocular lens with your desired prescription replaces the crystalline lens, restoring your vision.
PRE-SURGERY PREPARATION
When you come in for your surgery, make sure you’ve made arrangements for transportation and work following the procedure. You will not be able to drive for a few days, and your eyes will need a few days to a week to heal before you return to work.
POST-SURGERY MANAGEMENT & CARE
Following your refractive surgery, your co-management team will schedule a series of follow-up appointments to manage the healing process.
You will get a special pair of sunglasses as well as eye drops to help protect and soothe your eyes while they are healing. You may experience some side-effects following the procedure, including dry eyes, light sensitivity, and irritation, but these are common. If you believe your side-effects are persisting longer than average or you are in significant discomfort, please contact your eye doctor for assistance.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY
If you’re ready for a permanent solution to your refractive error, please book a consultation with our team today. We can determine if you’re a candidate for refractive surgery and which procedure would be best for you.