 See What You’re Missing
Clear vision would mean life without contacts or glasses. Life
enjoyed in all its vibrant, bright and colorful images—with
no squinting! Imagine running, biking, hiking, swimming, tennis
and golf without the worry of losing a contact lens or glasses slipping
down your nose. Imagine waking up in the morning and being able
to see. Clear vision can be acquired through laser vision correction.
Correct your nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism
and see how your life will change!
Are You A Candidate for LASIK or LASEK?
An ideal LASIK patient is over 18 and has healthy corneas. Certain
medical conditions, pregnancy and nursing may cause a patient to
be ineligible for LASIK. Contact our office today for a free eye
exam and find out if you are an ideal LASIK candidate.
When corneal thickness or concern regarding the corneal flap is
an issue, a suitable alternative to LASIK is LASEK. LASEK is a new
procedure which has little risk because a flap is not created. Dr.
Schuster, an experienced vision correction surgeon, will recommend
this viable choice when appropriate.
LASIK
A small protective flap of corneal tissue it gently lifted back
by the surgeon. A cool beam of light from the laser gently reshapes
the cornea. The protective flap is then gently placed back into
position and begins healing immediately.
LASEK
The outermost layer of the cornea is first loosened by an alcohol
solution and then gently peeled back. A cool beam of light from
the laser gently reshapes the cornea. The outermost layer of the
cornea is then placed back into position. To aid healing, a contact
lens is placed on the cornea for a minimum of three days.
What to Expect After LASIK/LASEK
The Day of Your Procedure
Blurry vision immediately after the surgery is common but patients
typically do not experience pain or discomfort. Plenty of rest is
recommended.
The Day After Your Procedure
Your vision becomes clearer and most patients are ready to drive
and go back to work. However, LASEK patients will experience a longer
healing period. Follow your doctor’s orders and allow your
eyes a good chance to heal.
Understanding Vision Problems
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Distant objects appear blurry due to a cornea that is too curved
or an eye that is too long, which focuses light before it reaches
the retina.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Close and sometimes distant object appear blurry due to a cornea
that is too flat, which focuses light at a point beyond the retina.
Astigmatism
Images near or far appear blurred or distorted due to a cornea that
is oval-shaped, which focuses light in more than one place relative
to the retina.
Presbyopia
The need for reading glasses is due to the lens behind the cornea
becoming less able to focus up close. Most people will experience
this after turning 40.
Are You A Candidate for "New" PRK?
Newer Lasers make PhotoRefractive Keratectomy (PRK) a better option than before. It is best for treating patients with healthy but thinner than normal corneas. The surface skin is removed (Epithelium) by the laser without a flap and discarded. To prevent excess scarring or haze which can occur rarely in older PRK a scar-preventing medication "Mitomycin C" is placed on the cornea after surgery for 2 minutes. A contact lens is then applied for 3-5 days to aid healing and decrease discomfort after surgery. Results are similar to LASEK.
| 
