Preparing You for Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery or laser vision correction can help patients lessen their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
If you’re considering laser eye surgery to correct your vision, Daniel Island Eye Care offers comprehensive laser eye surgery consultations to help you determine if you’re a suitable candidate for this life-changing procedure.
Our team will guide you through every step of the process, providing you with the information and support you need to make an informed decision. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.
What Is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery, or refractive surgery, is a popular option for correcting common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The most common types of laser eye surgery include LASIK and PRK. These procedures reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina, helping to result in clearer vision–without needing glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK Eye Surgery
The most familiar name in the refractive surgery game is LASIK. It’s the most popular choice for refractive surgery.
Typically, it takes 10 minutes for each eye. During the procedure, an ophthalmologist creates a flap to access your cornea. Then, a laser reshapes your eye. Finally, the flap is gently folded back over your cornea.
In most cases, the quality of a patient’s vision is immediately improved. However, some changes can occur during the initial few weeks as the eyes heal.
Custom Wavefront LASIK takes traditional LASIK further by using detailed wavefront technology to create a personalized treatment plan. This customization can address higher-order aberrations–minor visual imperfections that standard LASIK might miss–helping to result in sharper, clearer vision and a lower risk of post-surgery visual disturbances.
Epi-LASIK is a variation of LASIK that gently separates the top layer of the cornea (the epithelium) without creating a traditional corneal flap. This technique can be ideal for patients with thin corneas or those seeking a safer option for specific activities or professions.
Epi-LASIK offers a blend of the benefits of PRK and LASIK, with a slightly longer recovery time but usually similar visual outcomes.
LAS (Las-Assisted Subepithelial Keratomileusis), similar to Epi-LASIK, is a surface ablation technique that reshapes the cornea without creating a deep flap. It can be a good alternative for patients with thinner corneas or those who prefer a flapless procedure.
LAS provides effective vision correction with a slightly longer recovery period than LASIK.
PRK Laser Surgery
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was the original laser surgery. The second-most common laser eye surgery procedure, PRK, can be an alternative for patients who aren’t a good match for LASIK.
During the procedure, an ophthalmologist removes the epithelium, an outer layer of cells on your cornea. Next, the patient concentrates on a target or light. Then, a laser reshapes your cornea.
Recovery can take slightly longer than LASIK, but the results can be comparable, helping to offer you clear, sharp vision post-surgery.
Custom Wavefront PRK is an innovative version of PRK that uses detailed, personalized measurements of your eye’s unique imperfections to guide the laser treatment. This customized approach can lead to more precise vision correction, reducing the likelihood of issues like halos or glare and often resulting in better-than-20/20 vision.
TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a no-touch version of PRK that removes the corneal epithelium (the outermost layer) using a laser without the need for alcohol or manual removal.
The TransPRK method can minimize discomfort, speed up recovery, and reduce the risk of complications, making it a gentle and effective option for vision correction.
Other Types of Laser Eye Surgery
There are other types of laser eye surgery other than variations of LASIK and PRK.
In addition to assessing your candidacy, a laser eye surgery consultation helps your eye care team develop a plan. Understanding your eye care needs and lifestyle habits will help you prioritize the best possible results.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE) or clear lens extraction (CLE) is an outpatient surgery for correcting vision or removing cataracts. It is more common for patients with presbyopia or astigmatism.
During the procedure, a laser removes a patient’s natural lens. Then, a replacement lens is implanted.
Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the eye’s lens. Laser cataract surgery removes the natural lens, and then an artificial replacement lens is implanted to help restore clear vision.
The procedure typically lasts around 20 minutes, similar to clear lens extraction. Procedure time can depend on your situation and that of your surgeon.
YAG laser treatment is commonly used after cataract surgery to treat posterior capsular opacification (PCO), a condition where the lens capsule becomes cloudy.
The YAG laser creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule, helping to restore clear vision without the need for additional surgery. It’s a quick, painless procedure with immediate visual improvement.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your laser eye surgery consultation at Daniel Island Eye Care is designed to assess your eye health and determine whether you’re a good candidate for surgery. During your consultation, you can expect:
- A comprehensive eye exam
- A review of your medical history
- Personalized recommendations
- Discussion of risks and benefits
If you’re a suitable candidate and decide to proceed with surgery, we’ll refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist specializing in laser eye surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
Not everyone is a candidate for laser eye surgery. Several factors determine eligibility, including:
- Age: Most candidates are over 18 and have had a stable vision prescription for at least a year.
- Corneal thickness: Sufficient corneal thickness is necessary to perform the procedure safely.
- Overall eye health: Conditions such as severe dry eye, keratoconus, or glaucoma may disqualify you from laser eye surgery.
- Vision prescription: Extremely high prescriptions may not be suitable for the procedure.
- General health: Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, may impact your ability to undergo laser eye surgery.
Have Your Eyes Changed Since Refractive Surgery?
Sometimes, patients who undergo refractive surgery (like LASIK or PRK) experience changes in their vision over time. These changes can sometimes lead to symptoms like:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Halos or glare
- Eye strain
These changes can often be related to conditions like irregular astigmatism, which can develop after refractive surgery. While there may not be a specific medical diagnosis, understanding the underlying cause can help us provide targeted solutions.
We use innovative technology, such as topographic mapping, to create a detailed map of your cornea. Mapping helps us identify any irregularities that may be contributing to your vision problems.
Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have experienced similar changes after refractive surgery. We are here to help you find the right solutions to help improve your vision and quality of life.
If you’re experiencing vision problems after refractive surgery, please schedule a consultation with our eye care professionals. We can assess your unique needs and recommend appropriate treatments.
Schedule Your Laser Eye Surgery Consultation
If you’re ready to explore the possibility of life with reduced reliance on glasses or contact lenses, schedule a laser eye surgery consultation at Daniel Island Eye Care today.
Our team is here to answer your questions, evaluate your candidacy, and guide you through the process with personalized care and attention.
Get Relief from Dry Eye
Living with dry, irritated eyes can make even simple tasks uncomfortable. Our dedicated team of optometrists offers tailored solutions to help you find relief from dry eye. During your eye exam, we use diagnostics to uncover the cause of your dry eye symptoms and provide treatments like prescription drops, heat therapy, or lifestyle recommendations. Trust us to deliver the care you need for refreshed, hydrated vision.
Your Partner in Managing Keratoconus
Keratoconus can make daily life challenging, but with the right care, we can help you manage it. At Daniel Island Eye Care, our optometrists specialize in diagnosing and managing this condition with solutions like scleral lenses and diagnostics like corneal topography.
These customized treatments can improve vision and protect long-term eye health. Book your eye exam today for the first step toward clearer vision and better eye health.
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- 297 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 101
- Daniel Island, SC 29492
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- Phone: 843-471-2733
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