LASIK, PRK and Epi-LASIK Laser Vision Correction

Since the FDA approved the use of the Excimer Laser for Laser Vision Correction, in 1995, millions of people in the US and even more around the world have been freed from the need for glasses and contact lenses. The technology that led up to the approval included radial keratotomy (RK), which has been all but abandoned, and PhotoRefractive Keratectomy (PRK) which is still used in selected patients who are not candidates for LASIK.  Epi-LASIK is the newest version of PRK and it results in more precise healing and less discomfort.  

The FDA approval was originally for nearsightedness only, but as the technology has advanced, vision correction has been performed for several years for people with astigmatism and farsightedness as well.

In PRK and Epi-LASIK the surface (epithelial) cells are removed and the laser treatment is applied to the second layer of the cornea to change its shape and thereby its focal point. At the end of the procedure a bandage contact lens is placed, which remains for 3 to 5 days while the epithelium regrows. These procedures are generally not as comfortable as LASIK and take longer to heal than LASIK, however both procedures give equally good vision. Surface procedures involve no cutting and therefore are safer.  After your Epi-LASIK procedure, you will leave Liberty Vision wearing sunglasses, and go home to sleep for 4 to 5 hours during which time the surface cells will begin to re-grow after about one hour of sleep.  Full regrowth generally requires 3 days during which time the eye is protected with a "bandage" contact lens which only Dr. Gold deals with.  It is not to be touched by the patient.  It is exceptionally rare for one of these lenses to pop out, but if it does, it must not be replaced except by calling Dr. Gold, day or night!!!

In LASIK a protective flap is created in the front of the eye (cornea) with a microkeratome. The flap is then folded back to expose the deep layers of the cornea. Laser treatment is then performed using the Excimer Laser on the deper layers to change the focal point of incoming light rays. The central cornea is flattened to correct nearsightedness, steepened for farsightedness and rounded for astigmatism. The flap is then repositioned and it adheres without the need for stitches.

After your LASIK procedure, you will leave Liberty Vision wearing sunglasses, and go home to sleep for 4 to 5 hours during which time the flap will adhere in the correct position. You can expect very cloudy vision until after that nap. For most patients the excitement begins the next morning when they discover that they are fully capable of driving themselves to the one day post-op visit!

All of the Laser Vision Correction procedures are brief and offers minimal discomfort. Dr. Gold recommends that patients take Valium before the procedure to achieve mild sedation. The Valium also helps patients sleep after the procedure.

The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops. The eyelids are held open with a special retainer, so the patient does not have to worry about blinking. Movement of the eye is usually not a problem because the patient is motivated to look at the fixation light in the laser and Dr. Gold uses state-of-the-art "tracking" technology. Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating drops are used following the procedure. The most typical reaction the first morning after surgery is: "I can't believe I can see the clock without glasses!"

Liberty Vision in Hamden, CT provides Laser Vision Correction at affordable prices.

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