Laser Eye Surgery - Ohio - Greater Ohio Eye Surgeons, Inc.

LASER VISION CORRECTION

Both PRK and LASIK are preformed with eye drop anesthesia. These procedures are done with current state of the art VISX Star4 Excimer laser which is FDA approved for correction of substantial degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) and moderate degrees of hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. LASIK is preformed with microkeratome, a miniature device used to raise a thin flap of corneal tissue. During this portion of the procedure, the eye may feel slight pressure sensation, and vision is darkened and blurry. Completion of the flap takes 15 seconds.

This flap is retracted and the laser is focused on the remaining corneal tissue (stroma) and the treatment performed. Once the laser portion is completed, usually in about 20-40 seconds, the flap is replaced in its original position. This procedure offers the likelihood of improved vision within a few days, and minimal discomfort.

LASIK is the procedure of choice for most patients with moderate to high myopia, as there is little chance of corneal scarring, which might compromise the visual result. It's also the procedure of choice for treatment of hyperopia, again permitting rapid improvement of vision. PRK uses the laser to reshape the surface of the cornea, without the use of the microkeratome. This simplifies the procedure, and eliminates the possibility of flap-related problems. PRK offers the likelihood of independence from glasses or contact lens wear in patients with low to moderate degrees of myopia and astigmatism. PRK patients experience mild to moderate discomfort for 24 to 48 hours following their procedure. This discomfort is managed with oral and topical medications and a soft (bandage) contact lens. Visual acuity is usually quite good within a week, and continues to improve gradually over a three month period. To minimize the risk of corneal hazing, topical steroid eye drops are used and gradually tapered over a three month period.

An evaluation to determine weather you would be a good candidate for one of these refractive procedures is preformed free of charge. Patients who wear soft contact lenses are asked to remove these lenses two weeks prior to their evaluation. Patients who wear gas permeable lenses should remove these lenses three weeks prior to evaluation. These measures are necessary to allow the cornea to return to its native curvature and permit the most accurate refraction and successful outcome of laser refractive surgery.