Laser vision correction  - (LVC) includes PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis). Both are based on the cool beam ultraviolet laser developed by IBM originally in the 1970s to precisely etch microchips. The first PRK patient done was in the U.S. in 1987 and that person continues to see 20/20 today, living proof of the safety and stability of the procedure.

Custom LASIK is the newest form of LASIK.  This procedure provides an additional level of precise data about your vision requirements using wave front technology.  A device called a wavefront analyzer measures the way light travels through your eye and compares it with the way light travels through an eye with perfect vision.  This device creates a 3-D wavefront map that is as unique to you as your fingerprint pattern. This map is then transmitted to the laser, enabling our surgeon to customize the procedure to your individual vision requirements.

The laser removes 39 millionths of an inch of tissue in 12 billionths of a second. Each pulse gently creates the proper curves on the cornea (clear front dome of the eye) to bring it back into focus painlessly. The cornea is about the thickness of eleven hairs and the laser typically removes a layer as slender as a single hair.

Prescription Ranges - The range of prescriptions correctable by LVC continues to expand. When first introduced we were working with mild to moderate amounts of nearsightedness and astigmatism, and now can correct even extreme cases. We can also offer the same decreased dependence on glasses to farsighted patients as FDA approval for this subgroup continues to expand.

Patient Selection - Patient selection is very important with this elective and permanent procedure. Regarding how thick your glasses are now, I find more patients with too little prescription, rather than too much strength that don’t qualify. Like any other surgery we don’t recommend it unless your potential benefits far outweigh the minimal risks. General health issues like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, uncontrolled diabetes and other conditions are strong points to consider when identifying good candidates. Ideal age is generally held at 20 to about 60 years old. Under 20, many people’s eyes are still changing and your eyeglass strength must be stable within 2 steps for the last 12 months. Over 60, the likelihood of needing cataract surgery which also corrects near and farsighted errors increases and LVC would be redundant.

Expectations - The point I spend the most time on with patients is their expectations of what LASIK or PRK can and can’t do. It can greatly decrease your eyeglass strength and dependence with the goal of daytime driving uncorrected (20/40) attainable by over 90% of patients, but it can’t guarantee you the 20/20 vision that the majority of laser patients enjoy. The single biggest reason is that we are working with human tissue and healing rates which differ for us all and these do effect the final outcome. Another thing to clarify is that the need for reading glasses/bifocals will still occur in the 40s, although there are options to decrease even this need for existing bifocal wearers that are candidates.