At LASIK Eye Centers we perform both types of vision correction surgeries – LASIK and PRK. LASIK or PRK combined with the Wavefront – Guided Treatment improves your potential for vision correction of 20/20 vision or better.
What makes one person a candidate for one eye correction surgery over the other is primarily dependent on their corneal thickness or any irregularities on or near the surface of the cornea.
The basis for any eye correction surgery is to reshape the cornea so that it changes the focal point of the eye. Ideally, the focal point is changed so that it focuses perfectly on the retina. With LASIK eye surgery, patients can expect faster recovery than PRK and less down time. Although PRK patients need more time to heal, the result is identical to the LASIK eye surgery procedure in the long run.
LASIK
Lasik is the acronym for laser in situ keratomileusis and refers to the use of a laser to reshape the cornea without invading the adjacent cell layers.
This eye correction surgery begins with anesthetic drops applied to numb your eye and prevent pain during the procedure. A lid speculum is placed in the eye to hold the lids apart for the procedure, eliminating possibility of blinking. The cornea is marked with water-soluble ink to guide replacement of the flap. The suction ring is placed on the eye and your vision will go dark for about 20 seconds. A precise flap-making instrument, the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix XP microkeratome is used to to create a thin flap of the corneal tissue. The surgeon raises the epithelium layer of the cornea to expose the portion beneath and is lifted and reflected to the side.
The computer-controlled excimer laser removes the tissue under the flap and reshapes the cornea of the affected eye. In less than 20 seconds, ultraviolet light and high-energy pulses from the excimer laser to reshape the internal cornea (the stroma) with accuracy up to 0.25 microns, or 1/4000 of a millimeter. The flap is then put back into its original position. Because the cornea bonds quickly, healing is rapid, and the eye does not require stitches.
Vision Correction, Minimal Healing Time, Maximum Convenience
With LASIK eye surgery the healing process is significantly reduced, in comparison to PRK patients can typically return to routine work and leisure activities within a couple of days of treatment. In addition, vision correction is virtually instantaneous (the so-called “wow effect”) and both eyes can usually be treated on the same day.
PRK
PRK is the acronym for Photo Refractive Keratectomy, the precursor to LASIK eye surgery. Like LASIK eye surgery, PRK uses an Excimer laser to reshape the cornea. However, PRK works directly on the outer surface of the cornea.
The vision correction treatment begins with anesthetic drops applied to numb your eye and prevent pain during the procedure. A lid speculum is placed in the eye to hold the lids apart for the procedure, eliminating possibility of blinking. The surgeon will then gently remove the surface corneal cells (epithelium) and proceed with the laser aspect of the procedure. The laser is computer driven for accuracy and precision and it is programmed based on the patient’s refractive error such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
The eye correction surgery takes less than one minute for most patients. After the procedure a soft bandage contact lens is placed on the eye for three to five days until the epithelial layer regenerates.
Contact us to see if you are a suitable candidate for eye correction surgery. Our medical team will be happy to answer any questions and assist you in determining whether LASIK Eye Surgery can meet your goals, needs, and expectations. To find out more "Why PRK is best for me" click for the attachment.
This website is designed to inform you about LASIK eye surgery and the services offered by LASIK Eye Centers. Find out if you’re a LASIK eye surgery candidate now.
Contact us at 604-682-4900 or 1-866-682-4900.
LASIK EYE CENTERS
2788-1177 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
V6E 2K3