Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction, such as LASIK and PRK, are surgical procedures that are performed to reduce your dependency on glasses. These procedures are performed on the front clear part of the eye called the Cornea.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. First, a flap is cut in the cornea. The flap is then lifted, and laser energy is applied to the internal layers of the cornea, called the stroma.

At Freehold Ophthalmology, your safety is our main concern. This is why we have chosen to use only the latest technology for making the flap called IntraLase, a 100% blade-free process. Using the IntraLase greatly reduces flap related complications associated with traditional microkeratome flaps.

How does Intralase work?

The IntraLase laser beam places a series of small bubbles inside the cornea, removing corneal tissue, and allowing the flap to be dislodged and exposing the cornea. Because the surgeon can determine the depth and diameter of the flap, the result is a more precise and usually smoother cut.

Following the IntraLase portion of the procedure, you will then be repositioned under a second laser. Your doctor will lift the IntraLase flap and will use the second laser to make the necessary adjustments on the corneal stroma. The flap is then replaced.

What is PRK?

PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy, is surface laser vision correction. Laser energy is applied directly to the front surface of the cornea without the creation of a flap, as in standard LASIK.

Should I get LASIK or PRK?

When you come in for a consultation, your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for Laser Vision Correction and which is the best procedure for you.

During the Procedure (LASIK)

After your current refractive error is determined, you will be positioned under the Intralase Laser. Numbing drops will be placed in the eye, followed by a suction chamber that holds the eye in place. The Intralase is positioned and the flap is cut, about 45 seconds per eye.

You will then be positioned under the second laser. During the lifting of the flap, you will feel your eye moving by your doctor. The laser will then be applied to the inner layers of the cornea, and the flap will be replaced. The procedure will be then repeated for your other eye.

During the Procedure (PRK)

After your current refractive error is determined, you will be positioned under the laser. After the instillation of numbing eyedrops, your eyelid will be gently secured using a sterile speculum. Your surgeon will then polish the surface of your cornea with a special brush. The cornea is now ready for the laser application, which usually takes anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes. After the laser treatment is completed, the eye is rinsed and a contact lens is applied to the eye. The speculum is removed and the other eye is then treated.

After the Procedure

Following LASIK, you may have some pain that night. You will be given pain medication to take and encouraged to rest the remainder of the day.

Following PRK, the corneal surface must heal. A bandage contact lens will be placed in the eye and you will be given pain medication to take. The cornea usually heals in 4-6 days.

LASIK and PRK will correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but a detailed examination is necessary to see if you are a candidate. Call now for a consultation!

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