LASIK surgery is performed by creating a small flap of corneal tissue that is elevated. The eximer laser treatment is applied and the flap is repositioned. Although there is slightly more risk of complications associated with LASIK compared to PRK, it is associated with less pain, quicker visual recovery and more convenience since both eyes can be operated on at the same time. For many, the benefits of quicker recovery from LASIK outweigh the slight increase in surgical risk.

PRK, a similar procedure to LASIK, is performed by removing the top layer of the cornea (the skin), the eximer laser treatment is applied and the "skin" is left to heal back in on its own. Normally, a contact lens is worn for 3-5 days to promote healing and minimize pain. There is slightly less surgical risk associated with this procedure as there is no flap created, thus there is no risk of flap complications. It is, however, a more inconvenient procedure as there is delayed visual recovery and there can be more pain during the healing process. For most, the risk of experiencing these temporary inconvenient post op symptoms is outweighed by the benefits of faster, less painful visual recovery associated with LASIK.

Both of the these procedures produce the same visual results. Some patients may qualify for one or the other procedure whereas most patients will qualify for either. Please discuss all of your options with your ophthalmologist.

CustomVue TREATMENTS and IRIS REGISTRATION (for better centration) are also available for all LASIK and PRK procedures. These enhancements have greatly improved the accuracy of refractive laser eye surgery. Call today for more information on this exciting new advance in refractive surgery.

Multifocal Lens Implant

Currently approved by the FDA for implantation only at the time of cataract surgery, this exciting new lens implant provides correction of both distance and near vision without the need for glasses. Although some people notice glare and halos around lights at night, the greatly reduced dependence on eyeglasses more than offsets this sometimes annoying side effect. Occasionally, some patients receiving this lens implant will require weak reading glasses while working at the computer and very rarely, eyeglasses may be required for some tasks at near. Some patients may choose to receive the MULTIFOCAL lens implant to reduce their dependence on glasses before they develop cataracts. The patient must, however, understand that this is an "off-label" use of this product (not FDA approved for this purpose) and must sign an informed consent that states that they understand this fact as well as all of the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Acrysof Toric Implant

The Acrysof Toric Implant is a special premium implant that is placed in the eye at the time of cataract surgery. The implant helps to greatly reduce naturally occurring astigmatism. Like the MULTIFOCAL lens implant, it can only be implanted in patients with visually significant cataracts.