LASER VISION CORRECTION:
LASIK & SURFACE ABLATION (PRK)
LASIK Explained
In LASIK, the surgeon uses two separate lasers: one (femtosecond laser) to create a precise flap, and one (excimer laser) to reshape the cornea beneath the flap. Once complete, the flap is put back into position without sutures and heals in place. Visual recovery is rapid and there is minimal discomfort. The vast majority of patients return to their daily activities the day following surgery.
PRK Explained
In PRK (also called advanced surface ablation), the surgeon uses the exact same excimer laser for corneal reshaping, but treatment is performed on the surface of the eye instead of underneath a corneal flap. The surgeon will remove the corneal surface cells (epithelium), a layer that naturally turns over just like skin cells. This cell layer regrows over the first few days. A contact lens is typically applied to aid with healing and comfort over the first few days, and the eyes may be light sensitive and have a burning sensation during this time.
Choosing Between LASIK and PRK
Long term results are identical between LASIK and PRK for good candidates, but LASIK heals quicker and with less early discomfort than PRK. Most patients who are good candidates for either procedure opt for LASIK due to its minimal discomfort, rapid healing, and rapid return to good vision. However, some patients are better candidates for PRK, especially those with thinner corneas. For these patients, long term vision outcomes should be as good as they would for LASIK but safer in the long-term.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Customizing Treatments
All laser vision corrections performed are customized for each patient. A variety of specific treatments are available, including wavefront-optimized (specifically designed to minimize glare and halos), wavefront-guided (best for patients with significant corneal aberrations), and topography-guided (for less regular corneas). All of these treatment options are available for both LASIK or PRK. The best procedure for each patient is determined through an exhaustive evaluation and detailed discussion with your surgeon.
Therapeutic Refractive Surgery
​
While complications are rare from laser refractive surgery, a small number of patients have achieved suboptimal outcomes, especially patients who had surgery using older technology. We now have the ability to retreat many of these eyes and improve quality of vision even in cases where initial outcomes were not as expected, or in cases with initially good outcomes that worsened over time.
​
​
