LASIK is the Most Popular Laser Vision Correction Surgery
Laser vision correction, often called LASIK, has been the most popular method of refractive surgery for more than 30 years. LASIK can be performed as an outpatient procedure to correct low, moderate, and high prescriptions for clearer vision.
How LASIK Surgery Works
Your eye doctor will prepare a computer-generated map of your eye’s surface prior to laser vision correction surgery. This information is used to calibrate the laser that will be used during the surgery. The surgeon will then use a microsurgical tool to create a corneal fold after anesthetizing the eye with drops. The excimer laser shines a beam of light onto the surface of the eye under the corneal flap, allowing the surgeon to gently and precisely reshape it. The brief laser vision correction surgery takes approximately five minutes per eye. Within 24 hours, patients are back to normal activities.
Who Qualifies For LASIK Surgery
Candidates for laser vision correction (LASIK) have to be at least 18 years old, in good health with no eye disease (such as cataracts or other health issues, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disease). Candidates must also have stable prescriptions for at least one calendar year. Nursing and pregnant women may need to have stable prescriptions for longer. Talk to your eye doctor for more information.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is Another Laser Vision Correction Option
PRK is another popular form of laser vision correction surgery. This procedure does not require any incisions or scalpels. When the corneal thickness is not sufficient for LASIK, PRK is used.
How PRK Surgery Works
Your eye doctor will again prepare a map of your eyes and use it to calibrate the excimer laser. After anesthetizing your eye with eye drops, the surgeon gently removes the protective first layer (epithelium) with the laser and then carefully shapes the area using computer-controlled pulses of light. The epithelial layer regenerates in days, and deeper layers of cells are left virtually unaffected in this vision correction surgery.
Patients who have undergone PRK surgery are given antibiotic drops and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and improve comfort. For the first two to three days, patients are required to wear a protective contact lens until the outer layer is healed. PRK laser vision correction patients are given anti-inflammatory steroid drops to complete their healing process for approximately two months.
See Clearly Again with Laser Vision Correction Surgery
If you’re ready to get rid of your glasses or contacts, contact Retina & Vitreous of Louisiana. We’ll determine which type of surgery would work best for your vision and prepare you for life without glasses and contacts. Talk to our team of highly-qualified specialists to see clearly with laser vision correction surgery.