LASIK SURGERY

At Ophthalmology Associates, we recognize the investment you are making in improving your lifestyle and preserving your best vision. Good results with LASIK surgery are very dependent on having meticulous attention to detail. We will always take the time to do a thorough and precise evaluation and exam, and are dedicated to providing you the highest quality of care.

Our Surgeon: Dr. Hart Moss

Dr. Moss completed his undergraduate and medical school training at the University of Wisconsin. After a one year internship at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, he completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of North Carolina. He then undertook an optional one year fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, training under Dr. Douglas Koch, one of the world’s leaders in refractive surgery. The fellowship focused on difficult and complex LASIK and refractive surgery cases.

 

Process:

1. Screening appointment: At this appointment, you will complete a screening form, meet with our LASIK coordinator, and have measurements of the eye, including topography and corneal thickness measurements.

2. LASIK evaluation: If your preliminary testing indicates that you are a possible candidate, you will be asked to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Moss. At this point, Dr. Moss will perform a thorough eye exam and evaluation for refractive surgery, and answer all questions you may have.

3. LASIK surgery: Performed at the Brookfield Laser Center. After a relaxing tablet is taken, your eyelids will be cleaned and numbing drops will be applied. Once inside the laser suite, the WaveLight laser will be used to make your corneal flap, and the excimer laser will be used to perform the individualized Laser Vision Correction treatment. The entire procedure usually takes about 15 minutes; after that, we recommend taking a few hours to relax at home.

4. Post-­operative checks are done one day, one week, and one month after surgery.

***before your screening appointment and LASIK evaluation, please stay out of your contacts for 2 weeks before this appointment for soft contact lenses, and 1 month for gas-permeable contacts.

Brookfield TLC Laser Center:

LASIK surgery is performed at the Brookfield Laser Center, with a dedicated staff and the most up-to- date, bladeless, WaveLight TM suite. This includes the FS200 femtosecond laser and Alcon WaveLightTM excimer laser.

FAQs

 

What is laser vision correction?

LASER VISION CORRECTION, which includes LASIK and PRK, is the surgical correction of refractive error. Refractive error occurs when light is not focused directly onto the retina, and is commonly treated with glasses or contacts. There are several types of refractive errors:

Myopia (nearsightedness): light is focused in front of the retina. Objects are generally clear up close and blurred in the distance.

Hyperopia (farsightedness): light is focused behind the retina. Objects are more blurred up close than at a distance.

Astigmatism: caused when the cornea is non­-spherical (football-­shaped rather than basketball­-shaped).  Light is focused at several different points, causing blur at both distance and near.

Presbyopia: progressive difficulty with near vision usually beginning in one’s 40s, caused by stiffening of the human lens. This eventually requires the use of readers, bifocals, or “monovision” or “multifocal” contact lenses.

Laser vision correction encompasses several methods of altering the shape of the cornea in order to correct near-­sightedness, far­-sightedness, or astigmatism and dramatically lessen or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts.

Am I a candidate for laser vision correction?

Laser vision correction is considered for patients aged 21 and older, with stable refractive error, and a normal corneal profile and thickness. Certain eye conditions like dry eyes or cataracts, medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, pregnancy or nursing, and medications such as Accutane or steroids, may contraindicate laser vision correction.

Each person is a unique case requiring individual evaluation. The only way to find out is to schedule a LASIK consultation. 

Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Moss!

Is LASIK or PRK better for me?

Once healing is complete, studies have shown that there is no difference in outcomes between LASIK and PRK. There are, however, specific advantages to each:

LASIK has the advantage of an extremely rapid recovery with minimal symptoms of irritation. Although extremely rare, there are risks associated with the creation of the corneal flap, and LASIK may be slightly more likely than PRK to cause or exacerbate dry eyes. LASIK may not be recommended for patients with thin or irregular corneas.

PRK can be associated with some discomfort, blurred vision, and light sensitivity for the first 3­5 days, and it can sometimes take a few months for the “final” vision to be realized. However, PRK may be a more appropriate treatment for patients with mild dry eyes, thin corneas, or athletes who would be at risk for trauma to a LASIK flap.

Does LASIK hurt?

There is no pain associated with the LASIK procedure.  Local anesthesia is used on the cornea, which is administered through eye drops.  Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure.  After the procedure, patients may experience minor irritation in the eye.  This should fade within a day or two.

What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

Blade-­free LASIK (Laser in-­situ Keratomileusis): After a numbing drop is applied to the eye, laser energy is applied to the cornea to create a thin flap. The flap is gently reflected back, and a different laser (excimer laser) is used to reshape the cornea. This treatment profile is customized specifically to your eye based on measurements obtained with an instrument called a WavescanTM. During the treatment, small eye movements are accounted for as the laser constantly tracks your pupil. After the laser treatment is finished, the corneal flap is reflected back into place where it self­ seals. The entire process usually takes approximately 15 minutes.

PRK (photo­-refractive keratectomy): PRK is similar to LASIK, in that the excimer laser is used to create a customized corneal ablation. With PRK, instead of creating a flap, the superficial corneal cells (epithelial layer) are removed with alcohol or a brush, and the laser treatment is performed directly on the surface. A contact lens is placed on the eye, and the epithelial cells regrow over approximately 5 days, after which we remove the contact lens.

What if I have presybopia (need for bifocal or readers)?

LASIK done on younger patients will not prevent the need for readers later on, and for those patients in their 40s or older who already need bifocals and readers, LASIK does not reverse this aging change. However, an option for these patients is “monovision”, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye for close vision. Most patients are easily able to automatically focus with the correct eye; however, a contact lens trial is recommended.

If a refractive lens exchange is considered, an advanced­ technology lens implant called a “multifocal IOL” can be used; this lens has correction for both distance and near and can dramatically reduce the need for readers.

What are the risks of laser vision correction?

While refractive surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgeries performed today, there are risks. Most complications, however, can be treated. Risks include under or over­-correction, dry eyes, corneal flap complications, infection, corneal haze, or corneal ectasia (progressive bulging/thinning of the cornea), and others.

What are enhancements?

In a percentage of patients, under or over­-correction can occur. This is more likely to occur in patients with larger refractive errors. While some people choose to occasionally wear corrective glasses or contacts, for patients with enough residual corneal thickness, a retreatment or “enhancement” can be performed. This can be done by re­-lifting a LASIK flap or doing a surface ablation (PRK).

The cost of an enhancement is free if it is scheduled within the first year after the original surgery.