Laser Vision Correction
Are you tired of relying on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly?
LASIK and PRK are two common refractive surgeries that can help correct common vision problems.
At Helix Eye Care, our refractive surgeons are proud to offer LASIK and PRK and utilize some of the most advanced technology to help you gain greater visual freedom.
What is LASIK?
LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a type of refractive eye surgery that can correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During LASIK, your LASIK surgeon will use a specialized laser to reshape the cornea, which is the transparent dome-like structure at the front of the eye.
This process helps focus the light that enters your eye appropriately and corrects your natural refractive error. First, your LASIK surgeon will numb your eye using anesthetic eye drops. Then, they will create a thin flap on the cornea’s surface using a laser.
After the flap has been created, your LASIK surgeon will use an excimer laser to reshape the middle layers of your cornea. This laser is guided by a computerized mapping system that provides precise and customized treatment.
After the laser has reshaped the cornea, the flap is carefully repositioned. This flap acts like a natural bandage to help the eye heal.
LASIK has a high success rate and can significantly improve vision, often significantly reducing your need for corrective lenses. At Helix Eye Care, our refractive surgeons are proud to offer all-laser LASIK, which is performed using advanced technologies, such as the IntraLase femtosecond laser and Alcon Wavelight excimer laser.
This technology can provide patients with a more accurate and less invasive procedure, resulting in faster healing times, less discomfort, and better outcomes.
What is PRK?
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is another type of laser eye surgery that is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Although PRK can provide you with similar visual results, there are some differences between the two procedures.
The primary difference between LASIK and PRK is how the procedures correct your vision. During PRK, your eye surgeon will use a laser to remove a thin layer on the surface of your cornea instead of creating a flap.
The process begins with your eye surgeon administering anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye. Then, they will remove the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium.
Once the epithelium is removed, your eye surgeon will use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea by removing small amounts of tissue. The excimer laser works by emitting pulses of cool ultraviolet light, which are carefully controlled by a computer program to remove tissue from the cornea in a precise manner.
The laser reshapes the cornea to improve how light is focused onto the retina at the back of the eye, which can correct vision problems, similar to LASIK. After the laser has reshaped the cornea, the surgeon will apply a contact lens or a special bandage over the eye to protect it while the epithelium heals.
The recovery period after PRK can take several days to a few weeks, during which time you may experience some discomfort, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. Overall, PRK is a safe and effective procedure for correcting vision problems, just like LASIK, and it is available at Helix Eye Care as well as other reputable eye clinics.
Also, like LASIK, before you can schedule the PRK procedure, you must first ensure that you qualify as a good candidate for the procedure.
How Do I Determine if I Am a Candidate for LASIK or PRK?
To determine if you may be a candidate for LASIK or PRK, you must first schedule an evaluation with your eye doctor at Helix Eye Care in Schererville, Indiana. During this evaluation, your eye doctor will thoroughly examine your eye health.
They will also measure your refractive error and corneal thickness. You will be asked about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking.
This will help them determine if you have any underlying conditions that may affect your ability to safely and smoothly recover from refractive surgery. After a thorough evaluation and discussion of your vision goals, your eye doctor at Helix Eye Care will be able to recommend a permanent vision correction procedure that will be able to provide you with greater visual freedom.
Why Choose Helix Eye Care For Refractive Surgery?
The refractive surgeons at Helix Eye Care are dedicated to providing patients with a comfortable and safe procedure as well as excellent visual results. This is accomplished partly by utilizing some of the most advanced refractive technology available.
The Intralase Femtosecond laser is used during LASIK surgery to create a flap in the cornea. By using ultra-fast laser energy, the laser produces a precise and uniform flap, resulting in a less invasive and more accurate procedure than traditional blade methods.
Consequently, patients benefit from faster healing times, less discomfort, and better overall outcomes. The Alcon Wavelight excimer laser is another advanced technology used at Helix Eye Care for LASIK surgery.
With the ability to track eye movement in real time, the laser provides more precise and accurate treatments. Furthermore, the laser is designed to deliver treatment in the shortest possible time, reducing the risk of tissue damage and the overall length of the procedure.
Thanks to the combination of these advanced technologies, Helix Eye Care stands out as one of the most respected eye care centers in the region. The refractive team at Helix Eye Care is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest surgical advancements, ensuring that their patients receive the best possible care.
Do you want to learn more about refractive surgery or determine if you may be a candidate for all-laser LASIK or PRK? Schedule a consultation at Helix Eye Care in Schererville, IN, today!