Laser Vision Correction
What is laser vision correction?
Laser vision correction (LVC) is the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism using a state of art computer controlled excimer cold laser. There are currently two procedures that utilize the excimer cold laser, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK).
The cold laser carefully and without any pain reshapes the cornea, which allows light to be redirected on the retina inside of the eye. This allows the patient the ability to perceive clear visual images and the need for glasses or contact lenses are eliminated. Laser vision correction is entirely different from Radial Keratotomy (RK). RK is a surgical procedure that involves a series of freehand incisions on the cornea.
Am I a candidate?
The following are the guidelines for becoming a LVC candidate. Through care consultation and screening, come patients outside of these parameters may also be candidates.
-1.00 to 14.00 diopters of nearsightedness
+1.00 to +6.00 diopters of farsightedness
0.75 to 5.00 diopters of astigmatism
at least 18 years of age for nearsightedness
at least 21 years of age for farsightedness
at least 21 years of age for astigmatism
stable prescription
Soft contacts out for two weeks
hard contacts out for one month
no abnormalities that will affect healing
+1.00 to +6.00 diopters of farsightedness
0.75 to 5.00 diopters of astigmatism
at least 18 years of age for nearsightedness
at least 21 years of age for farsightedness
at least 21 years of age for astigmatism
stable prescription
Soft contacts out for two weeks
hard contacts out for one month
no abnormalities that will affect healing
What are the risks?
Infection
Haze
Under or Overcorrection
Regression
Fluctuation
Haze
Under or Overcorrection
Regression
Fluctuation
Why is a Pre-Procedure Consultation Important?
Before you proceed with laser vision correction, Dr. Anderson strongly suggests you have a pre-procedure consultation. The primary objective of the consultation is to determine whether you are a candidate for laser vision correction, and if so, which procedure would be most appropriate for you. If you schedule a consultation, there is no obligation to move forward with the procedure.
ActiveTrakis the only system that allows the doctor to track your eye movement in all three dimensions during the treatment, for greater control. Seven variable sized beams give the doctor greater flexibility and allow for faster, smoother treatment with precise corneal shaping. ActiveTrak is made by VISX, the name that doctors have trusted in over 2 million procedures.Unlike other systems, with ActiveTrak the doctor does not have to dilate your pupils. This means an even quicker recovery time.
The responsibility of Dr. Anderson is to:
Educate you about the laser and your other vision correction alternatives
Perform your pre-procedure testing and evaluation
Provide your post-procedure follow-up care
Prescribe glasses or contact lenses for any visual problems like reading glasses for presbyopia
Monitor the health of your eyes.It is important for you to realize that even if it is determined that you are not a candidate today, it does not mean that you will not be a candidate in the future. However, laser vision correction is not for everyone, and some patients (for example, those with certain diseases of the eye involving the cornea or retina), will never be candidates. The best way for you to find this out is by having a thorough examination with Dr. Anderson.
Perform your pre-procedure testing and evaluation
Provide your post-procedure follow-up care
Prescribe glasses or contact lenses for any visual problems like reading glasses for presbyopia
Monitor the health of your eyes.It is important for you to realize that even if it is determined that you are not a candidate today, it does not mean that you will not be a candidate in the future. However, laser vision correction is not for everyone, and some patients (for example, those with certain diseases of the eye involving the cornea or retina), will never be candidates. The best way for you to find this out is by having a thorough examination with Dr. Anderson.
While laser vision correction has proven to be overwhelmingly successful in reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses, the degree of improvement may vary from individual to individual. Results cannot always be predicted and can never be guaranteed, however, Dr. Anderson works with only laser centers that offer a Lifetime Commitment with no-charge enhancements.
Monovision options:
If you are a nearsighted laser candidate, then monovision may be for you. Monovision is a technique when we fully treat one of your eyes, usually your dominant eye, for distance vision. We then undercorrect your non-dominant eye, or not treat it at all (if it is only mildly nearsighted), leaving this eye slightly myopic for improved reading vision. Monovision lets you maintain your reading vision in one eye, which may help you to avoid reading glasses once you develop presbyopia. As always, you must give up a little distance sharpness to gain this near vision. During your consultation, you can discuss this option with Dr. Anderson, and together we will decide what the best choice is for you.
What Happens on the Day of the Procedure?
On the day of your procedure, you should arrive at the Laser Center as rested and relaxed as possible, and should arrive at your scheduled appointment time. You will first go through a pre-operative procedure, which will include basic vital signs, corneal topography, pachymetry, refraction and orb-scan. The administration of mild eye drops and sanitizing of the area around the eyes is performed in the pre-op area. After this, you will enter the surgical room where the surgeon will verify all of the information and and view the surgical area for any missed abnormalities. Once you are cleared by the surgeon, you will move to the VISX cold laser for treatment, which will last only a few minutes.
On the day of your procedure, you should arrive at the Laser Center as rested and relaxed as possible, and should arrive at your scheduled appointment time. You will first go through a pre-operative procedure, which will include basic vital signs, corneal topography, pachymetry, refraction and orb-scan. The administration of mild eye drops and sanitizing of the area around the eyes is performed in the pre-op area. After this, you will enter the surgical room where the surgeon will verify all of the information and and view the surgical area for any missed abnormalities. Once you are cleared by the surgeon, you will move to the VISX cold laser for treatment, which will last only a few minutes.
The most natural response prior to your procedure is a mixture of both eager anticipation and nervousness. Most laser patients describe similar feelings before their procedure, so be reassured this is extremely normal.
If you are considering a LASIK or PRK procedure in the near future, we invite you to our office for a FREE CONSULTATION.
