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Laser Refractive Surgery – aka, LASIK – Is a Safe Way to Fix Refractive Errors of the Eye

Refractive errors – myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism – are why a large percentage of the population wears corrective lenses. If you’re one of those people, wouldn’t it be nice to back to a life without lenses?

LASIK is the most popular version of laser refractive surgery, though it is one of several different corrective procedures available.

Laser Refractive Surgery Provides Long-Term Vision Correction

In many cases, the vision correction provided by laser refractive surgery is permanent. In equally as many cases, the surgery remains effective for 10+ years.

If you’re wanting to put your eyeglasses or contact lenses away forever, laser refractive surgery may be a good option for you.

Surgery Is Safe, Effective, & Mild

Millions of laser refractive surgeries take place in the United States every year. It is one of the safest procedures available today.

Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Dittman or Dr. Nock

If you’re considering laser refractive surgery we invite you to schedule an assessment to determine if you are a candidate and to learn more about the surgical process.

More Information About Laser Refractive Surgery

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How does laser surgery fix vision?

In most cases, people that wear corrective lenses (contacts or eyeglasses) do so because they have a refractive error – myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism – that requires correction.

Laser refractive surgery corrects the refractive error, restoring visual acuity, and eliminating the need for corrective lenses. In effect, it corrects the shape and curviture your eye’s lens.

What types of surgeries are available?

LASIK, the most commonly known version of laser refractive surgery, is one of several popular methods.

  • LASIK – laser assisted in situ keratomileusis – In this procedure, a microkeratome or laser keratome is used to cut open a small flap in the cornea. A powerful laser is then focused on the area requiring correction, and the laser then corrects the refractive error.

    LASIK has a relatively short recovery time post-surgery.

  • LASEK – laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy – This surgery is similar to LASIK, though instead of creating a flap in the corneal tissue (as LASIK does), a flap is made in the epithelial layer of cells. This version of surgery is better suited for people that have thin corneas.

    LASEK has a similar recovery period to LASIK.

PRK – photoreactive keratectomy – In this version of refractive surgery, the corneal layer is removed completely (and no flap is made). This version of the surgery has as longer recovery period, as the “skin flap” that is replaced in other versions of this surgery has to regrow completely (as it is removed in PRK). However, as there is no skin flap, it also eliminates the potential of skin-flap related complications.

Determining your surgical candidacy

Laser refractive surgery is a great solution for many people. However, while most people are successful candidates, not all people will be.

During the surgical assessment we evaluate the size, shape, and overall health of your eyes. We take detailed measurements of the eye (and of its surface in particular) to determine whether or not you are a surgical candidate.

How to get surgery

Once we have determined that you are a candidate, we will refer you to a preferred Ophthalmologist who will complete the surgery. We will walk you through the next steps, what to expect from surgery, and the follow-up appointment.

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