Laser Refractive Surgeries
More and more people dependent on glasses and contacts are opting for Laser Vision Correction, a procedure designed to reduce or eliminate this need. Following are the basic concepts of two very common procedures performed by Dr. Denman.
LASIK Procedure
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed and well known vision correction surgery, and the procedure itself involves little or no discomfort. Also, eyesight improvement is almost immediate, and maximum vision is typically achieved within a few days. The Casey Eye Institute is one of the few facilities on the West Coast with the Allegretto Wave System, today's most advanced laser technology, and Dr. Denman is proudly certified.
Recovery
The actual LASIK procedure takes only seconds, and patients may return home shortly after as long as alternate transportation has been arranged. Plenty of rest is necessary during the first post-op days; avoid any activities, and do not rub the eye(s). A follow up appointment will be scheduled with Dr. Denman and Dr. Mace 24-48 hours following the procedure and periodically over the coming weeks and months. Vision should dramatically improve in the first few days after surgery. Often times, patients return to work within a couple of days.
Basic Concepts of the LASIK Procedure
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1. The patient is prepared for surgery and the eye is anesthesized to relieve pain. A microscopic incision is made with the INTRALASE, a bladeless laser used to create the corneal flap incision. This flap is retracted to expose the underlying corneal stroma, where the laser reshaping will occur. |
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2. Dr. Denman directs the laser beam toward the center of the cornea. It is a "non-thermal" laser, meaning minimal heat is involved. The treatment is very smooth and precise. The laser's tracking device keeps the treatment precisely centered. |
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3.This magnified view shows the laser as it removes a microscopic layer of the cornea to change the curvature of the surface. |
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4.At the end of the procedure, a new corneal curvature is created so that light focuses more clearly. |
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5. The flap is replaced and will heal without stitches. |
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PRK Procedure (Advanced Surface Ablation)
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) was at one time the most common laser eye surgery. These days LASIK is more common, but PRK is an alternative for patients who cannot undergo LASIK Surgery. It is estimated that 20% of patients in the U.S. have PRK rather than LASIK. Dr. Denman and Dr. Mace will advise which procedure is best for you during your initial consultation.
Recovery
Dr. Denman may prescribe pain medication for recovery, but most patients find this unnecessary as they experience minimal discomfort. Several check-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process, followed by periodic visits over the next several months. During the recovery process, the patient should rest and refrain from any strenuous activities for at least a week. PRK heals more slowly, so plan to take at least one week off from work following the procedure. Although PRK heels more slowly, the final results are just as good as LASIK.
Basic Concepts of the PRK Procedure
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1. PRK is an alternative surgery to LASIK. There is no incision or flap created. However, the outer corneal epithelium is gently removed before the laser treatment. |
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2. The laser is applied to the underlying surface. A contact lens is applied, and the epithelium then heals back over the surface in several days. |
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What are the complications of PRK and LASIK?
Sight threatening complications are fortunately rare with refractive surgery, and PRK is no exception. However, PRK tends to be a process that heals slowly, allowing visual recovery to be more slow than with LASIK procedures.
On the other hand, LASIK procedures are more technically complex and can have complications related to this. A full list of side effects of these procedures is available from Dr. Denman's office.
Dr. Denman and his team are more than happy to provide further information on these procedures at your request. Feel free to review our FAQ page, and if your questions have not all been answered, don't hesitate to contact our office for additional materials or to set up your complimentary initial consultation.