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LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure that is designed to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. In addition to LASIK, Dr. Muller also offers Epi-LASIK/"LASEK" and PRK.
LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that treats refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism (oval curvature), etc. This procedure removes corneal tissue (stroma) beneath the surface of the cornea (epithelium).
During the LASIK procedure, a flap is created on the surface of the cornea. A computer-controlled excimer laser is then used to remove the proper amount of corneal tissue. In less than one minute, the excimer laser reshapes the internal cornea, or stroma. The thin flap of corneal tissue is then folded back into its original position, where it bonds after only a few minutes of drying. The entire LASIK procedure usually takes about five to seven minutes per eye.
No stitches or eye patches are required after LASIK and for most patients the healing time is fast. In fact, patients are usually able to return to their regular daily activities the day after their LASIK procedure. And, the results of LASIK are long-lasting, so you can view the world with clear vision for years to come!
If you answer yes to the following questions, you may be an ideal candidate for LASIK:
- Are you over the age of 18?
- Have you had a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least two years?
- Do you have sufficient corneal thickness (you will not know the answer unless you have had a measurement called pachymetry which will be performed during your LASIK evaluation)?
- Are you affected by one of the common types of vision problems or refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism?
- Are you free of diseases that may reduce the effectiveness of LASIK or your ability to heal properly and quickly? (some conditions that may affect your recovery after LASIK include rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes)
- Are you adequately informed about the benefits and risks of LASIK?
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PRK, or Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, is approved to treat low to moderate amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by removing tissue from the surface of the cornea.
During the PRK procedure, the patient's eye is numbed using a topical eye drop, anesthesia. Then, Dr. Muller removes the epithelium, a thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea. This may be done with a blade, a brush, or even the excimer laser, but most commonly is performed with a diluted alcohol solution. During the PRK procedure, the patient stares at a fixation light. The laser removes the precise amount of tissue while it reshapes the surface of the cornea.
Immediately after PRK, a soft contact lens is placed on the eye while the cornea heals. Because the epithelium was removed, patients may experience blurry vision for three to five days after PRK and a moderate amount of discomfort until the epithelium heals and covers the treated area. Various eye drops and oral medications are effective in reducing this post-operative discomfort. Final visual results after PRK may not be fully realized for several weeks or more as the surface heals in accordance to each individual's healing tendencies.
Epi-LASIK/"LASEK" is performed to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Epi-LASIK/"LASEK" combines the advantages of two of the most commonly performed vision correction procedures - LASIK and PRK. We offer Epi-LASIK/"LASEK" as an alternative to reducing or eliminating your need for glasses.
Epi-LASIK/"LASEK" is similar to LASIK, in that both use a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye. The main difference is that during Epi-LASIK/"LASEK", a very thin flap is made in the epithelium of the eye. Epi-LASIK/"LASEK" is usually recommended for patients with thin corneas or large pupils. Vision results for Epi-LASIK/"LASEK" are very similar to LASIK, and it is a great option for patients where LASIK might cause undue risk.
During Epi-LASIK/"LASEK", the surgeon uses a tiny instrument to lift the edge of the epithelial flap and gently fold it back out of the way. The excimer laser, as in LASIK or PRK, is then used to "sculpt" the corneal tissue underneath. Afterward, the epithelial flap is placed back on the surface of the cornea.
Epi-LASIK/"LASEK" is safer for patients with high corrections and/or thin corneas, but eye irritation is more common and recovery times are longer than conventional LASIK, requiring up to seven days to attain "good vision."
LASIK FAQ
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