LASIK

LASIK actually stands for Laser in-situ keratomileusis, which is the most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery. This procedure is generally safe, effective, and has very few side effects. LASIK is a great option for many individuals considering laser vision correction for a variety of very personal and professional reasons. LASIK may not promise perfect vision, however; it is a highly successful procedure that can at the very least reduce a person's dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The lifestyle benefits can be tremendous for active and social people. These benefits can enable people to more freely pursue their hobbies, sports activities or career options.

The Excimer LASER

LASIK involves the use of an excimer laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, or the outer layer of the eye. The EXCIMER laser, which is a specific type of "cool" laser, generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range. It cannot be visualized by the human eye. Because the laser does not generate any heat, there is no tissue damage as the result of the laser light. As the treatment with the laser proceeds, microscopic layers of tissue, approximately 1/10th the width of a human hair are removed. The laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired result.

The Lasik Procedure

During LASIK the surgeon first applies anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye for surgery. The Cornea is then marked with water-soluble ink to guide replacement of the flap. Next a suction ring is applied that is designed to hold the eye steady and also confirms the pressure of the eye. The surgeon then creates a thin corneal flap using a device called a microkeratome. The surgeon tests for laser alignment and walks the patient through the fixation process. The corneal flap is lifted up, and the laser beam is applied to the exposed interior surface of the cornea to reshape the tissue. The computer-controlled excimer laser removes the tissue under the flap and reshapes the cornea of the affected eye. In less than 60 seconds, high-energy pulses from the excimer laser actually reshape the internal cornea with accuracy up to 0.25 microns, or 1/4000 of a millimeter. The flap is then replaced over the treated area. This corneal flap serves a natural bandage, which eliminates the discomfort associated with other types of refractive surgery, and expedites the healing process. Your doctor will then watch the eye for five minutes to ensure proper healing. Because of the extraordinary bonding properties of the corneal tissue, stitches are not needed to keep the flap in place postoperatively.

Risks

LASIK is a surgical procedure conducted on the cornea part of the eye, and it is crucial that patients are well educated on the potential benefits and risks of this procedure. As with any type of surgery risks are involved. After your pre-operative evaluation you will have a good idea about the risks and what they imply to your specific situation. It is important to discuss any concerns with your surgeon and weigh the risks and potential benefits. Each patient's vision is different and different treatment options are available in order to give the best possible results. The only way to determine if LASIK is right for you is to come in and discuss your options with our LASIK coordinator.

Click here for a review of the risks listed by the FDA.

PRK

PRK is quite similar to LASIK, also known as Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a procedure in which the surface of the cornea is reshaped by an eye care surgeon using the Excimer laser. The main difference between PRK and LASIK is that with PRK there is no corneal flap that is cut, instead; the laser beam is applied directly to the surface of the eye to reshape the cornea. PRK is less frequently used because of the development of LASIK, but in some individual cases, PRK may still be the procedure of choice.

Even though the initial healing may take several days longer than that of LASIK, the long-term results are the same. In general, PRK patients will have a somewhat slower recovery of their best vision than LASIK patients. Studies at the 6 month postoperative visit in LASIK and PRK patients show essentially equivalent results with similar ranges of nearsightedness.

Is PRK right for you?

• Do you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, not presbyopia?

• Do you have a genuine dislike of glasses or contact lenses?

• Would you like vision correction for lifestyle improvements?

If you would like more information regarding lasik in Rock Island or lasik in the quad cities please feel free to call us directly at 1.800.225.6465. We are more than happy to answer any of the questions you may have regrading custom LASIK vs. conventional lasik and the role of wavefront technology in our ability to perform accurate measurements of your cornea.

Testimonials

"LASIK brought me the chance to be free from glasses. Instead of reaching for glasses the first thing in the morning, I can reach for the newspaper. When the weather is inclement, there's no fog, mist, or sweat to wipe off. After over 40 years of glasses sliding down my nose, my life is changed."

"LASIK turned my life into a whole new world. I had no idea what it was like to wake up and see the world instantly without glasses or contacts. I am able to work, play and live larger than before. Thanks to Dr. Phinney and the staff who were fabulous and diligent to ensure my eyesight was the best it could be!

"LASIK totally changed my life! I do recommend ESA and Dr. Phinney to everyone. I just returned home from an annual trip to Mexico, it was the first trip since my surgery, and it was awesome not having to bother with contacts. I did not have my glasses on in any photo, unlike last year. It's wonderful being hassle free!"

"I love my results and can see wonderfully. I am thankful for everything thank you! Sincerely"