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LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK is a refractive surgery procedure in which a patient's nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism is corrected with the precision of a laser. The laser is driven by a sophisticated computer. The procedure involves reshaping the front surface (cornea) of the eye. In a "normal" eye, most of the light rays entering the eye are focused by the cornea. The light rays then come to focus onto the retina (similar to film in a camera). When a person is nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic, the light rays simply do not focus on the retina. By reshaping the cornea, the surgeon can change the point of focus to the retinal surface.

LASIK is not a new procedure. It has been around for years; however, since LASIK first originated, there have been many technological advances primarily in the laser and the computer that drives the laser. Now, your chances of obtaining 20/20 vision are much better than before, and side effects like glare and halos have been reduced dramatically.

Custom LASIK is a newer addition to the LASIK family. Custom LASIK is similar to "traditional" LASIK in that the surgery is done in the same manner. The difference lies in what is entered into the computer. With "traditional" LASIK, the laser fires using the information from the patient's prescription. This measurement is determined by us at the pre-op examination. With Custom LASIK, the patient is measured by an instrument called a wavescan. The wavescan not only measures the prescription, it also determines if there are any optical imperfections in the eye. In other words, the wavescan measures the patient's eye as an entire optical system, and it allows the laser to correct the eye in a way that we have never been able to do with glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, this creates a better quality of vision post-operatively.

Intraocular Lenses

Intraocular lenses are tiny devices that are implanted inside the eye with the sole purpose of correcting a patient's prescription. Intraocular lenses have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are now a great option for some patients. The procedure is performed by surgically opening up the eye and inserting the lens inside. The procedure itself is very similar to cataract surgery except nothing is removed from the eye.

If you have ever been told that LASIK is not a good option for you because your prescription is too high, Intraocular lenses may be a viable option for you. If you have any questions regarding this new and exciting procedure, please give our office a call.

CK (Conductive Keratoplasty)

CK is another refractive surgery procedure, which is geared toward farsighted and presbyopic patients. Presbyopia is the term to describe the loss of focusing ability that occurs with age. CK is similar to LASIK in that it reshapes the front surface (cornea) of the eye; however, a laser is not used and no tissue is taken from the eye. CK works best in patients who have had perfect vision throughout their whole life and now find the need for reading glasses.

The procedure involves insertion of a probe into the cornea in a radial fashion. The probe emits radio waves and causes the tissue it comes into contact with to shrink. This creates a band of tightening effect and causes the surface of the cornea to steepen.