LASIK (LASer In-situ Keratomileusis). This is our most common type of treatment. A protective flap is made using the keratome. The treatment is then applied under the protective flap. LASIK treatment allows for the most rapid visual recovery. Usually both eyes are treated at the same time.
LASIK without a flap (PRK, LASEK). For patients with extremely dry eyes, thin corneas, large pupils, very high corrections or a combination of these, laser refractive surgery without a flap may be the best treatment. Rather than making a protective flap, the laser treatment is applied directly under the ultra-thin tissue layer (known as the epithelium) that covers the front surface of the eye. There are many minor variations in how the tissue layer is handled: if the layer is completely removed, then the procedure is called PRK (photorefractive keratectomy); if it is laid back over the treatment area, the technique is called LASEK. In either one of these methods, the tissue layer grows back in 5-7 days, during which time the vision is blurry and a protective contact lens must be worn. Usually, this treatment can be used on both eyes the same day.
In addition, we offer both so-called conventional and customized treatment (wavefront or third-generation laser) on our patients. The decision on which treatment to use is based on our thorough examination on patients.
Results: The vast majority of patients no longer need glasses or contact lenses for distance vision after laser vision correction treatment. Almost all patients who have laser vision correction see better without glasses after the procedure. Following treatment, 95% of patients will have 20/25 (6/7.5) or better vision without glasses, and 99% will have 20/40 (6/12) or better vision without glasses. To put things into perspective, a 20/40 (6/12) vision is good enough to pass the driver's vision test without glasses.
If needed, the results can be further improved through a repeat laser treatment. There is no additional fee to have a "touch-up" procedure. We perform enhancement treatments in approximately 5% of our patients.
Of course, these results are very impressive. It is important to realize, however, that it is impossible to accurately tell you beforehand what your results will be. As with everything in life, no guarantees can be made about the outcome of laser vision correction in any individual case, because each person responds in a slightly different way. If you will only be satisfied with "perfect" 20/20 (6/6) vision without glasses after laser treatment, we would kindly advise you not to have the surgery performed.
The quality of vision following laser vision correction is usually superior to vision with contact lenses or glasses. Patients generally have less glare than they had with contact lenses, and of course the inconvenience and discomfort of contact lenses is eliminated. Side vision isn't compromised, as it is with glasses, and there is no longer the problem of dirty, misty, wet or scratched glasses.