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Laser Vision Correction (LASIK) Q&A

What is Laser Vision Correction?

Laser vision correction is a form of surgery employed to adjust a person’s vision. The most common procedure, and what a person usually hears, is LASIK® which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis. The surgery can assist a person who is nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism. The surgery works by reshaping the cornea, which is the front clear portion of the eye, in order to enable light to travel through it and hit the retina correctly. LASIK® is the most popular choice for laser vision correction.

What types of Laser Vision Correction exist?

The most common laser vision procedure is Lasik. Lasik involves making an incision into the cornea (that never fully heals), then lasering the underlying cornea to reshape it. We believe that Lasik, while a safe, carries greater risks than a non-incision procedure called PRK.

It is important to realize that while Lasik and PRK both use the same excimer laser to reshape the cornea, with PRK the cornea is reshaped on the surface, rather than under a corneal flap. That means in PRK there is no incision is made into the cornea like in Lasik. This Lasik incision never fully heals and can cause potential problems both early and late on. This is why we prefer the non-incision PRK procedure.

What are the Advantages of PRK Surgery?    

We prefer PRK over Lasik because there are less long-term risks and the results are largely equivalent. The PRK procedure itself is painless. There is no device sucking onto the cornea as in Lasik. PRK advantages include:

• Vision is improved immediately
• No pain throughout the procedure
• No partial healing incision made in the eye
• No chance of corneal flap complications, short or long term
• No stitches required
• Alterations can be made years after the procedure if your eyes change
• Over 98% of patients don’t require glasses or contacts afterward

What Happens During the PRK Surgery?

During the procedure, which takes mere seconds, a laser is used to painlessly reshape the front of the cornea enabling light to properly focus onto the retina. A temporary contact lens is then placed on the cornea to provide protection as it heals. The procedure takes under five minutes and offers immediate vision improvement. New cells grow back, typically within five days, at which point the doctor removes the contact lens. Generally, we perform laser vision on Thursday afternoons and most patients return to work on Monday. Financing is available.

What Should I Expect After PRK Surgery is Completed?

Typically, your eyes will feel dry, irritated and light sensitive for a few days. Most patients have the surgery on Thursday and return to work on Monday. The doctor will give you eye drops to prevent infection and reduce discomfort. The drops also provide moisture. Your vision may be blurry the first few days following the procedure, but should then begin to show the improvements. Our ophthalmologists monitor each patient through the healing process and follow up regularly for six months after the procedure. As with any surgery, it is important that you follow the doctor’s instructions to reduce the risk of complications.

What kind of patients have you treated?

We treated a large number of different types of patients including other eye surgeons, Top Gun Pilots, Navy Seals, Secret Service, actors and actresses, models, professional sports figures, firefighters, law enforcement, moms, dads college students and people like you. But always remember to us, you are the most important person that we treat.

Do you offer financing?

Yes, you can inquire at your complimentary consultation.

Expertise:

The Laser Vision Center at InVision was founded nearly 20 years ago. The center operates under the direction of Dr Marc von Roemer. Dr von Roemer is extremely well respected by his patients who consistently highly rank him for his excellence in surgical skill, outcomes and personal attentive care. Dr Von Roemer spearheaded recent technologic updates raising our already outstanding safety profile to yet even higher levels. He welcomes you to our center.

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