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Laser
vision correction involves the use of laser energy
to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and
astigmatism of the eye. The most exciting advance
in this field is the development of the excimer
laser, which is used for laser in-situ keratomileusis
(LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
The excimer laser works like an exquisitely precise
scalpel, removing microscopic amounts of corneal
tissue under computerized control. The physicians
at Baylor Vision have been selected to participate
in several prior and current clinical trials to
investigate new and improved methods of correcting
vision with the excimer laser. Some of the vision
correction procedures available at Baylor Vision
include the following:
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LASIK
(Laser in situ Keratomileusis)
 LASIK
is an excimer laser surgical procedure that treats
the middle layers of the cornea to correct nearsightedness,
farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. LASIK
is performed using numbing drops to prevent pain
during the procedure. At Baylor Vision, we perform
bladeless LASIK. A vacuum ring secures the eye
while a thin corneal flap is created with the
IntraLase® laser. This flap is folded back,
and the excimer laser treatment is performed in
the bed of the corneal flap. The VISX laser reshapes
the cornea to treat the refractive error. This
portion of the procedure typically lasts 10 to
90 seconds. The flap is then folded back into
its original position and carefully positioned
to complete the procedure.
 Advantages
of LASIK eye surgery include: (1)
little or no discomfort following the surgery,
(2) recovery of vision often
within 1-2 days, (3) little risk
of developing haze following treatment, and (4)
relative ease of doing additional laser treatment
should this be necessary. As with any surgical
procedure, complications can occur, including
those that could result in loss of vision. Fortunately,
severe complications are extremely rare.K eye
surgery are extremely rare.
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PRK
(Photorefractive Keratectomy)
 PRK
uses the excimer laser to reshape the front surface
of the cornea to change its focusing power.
Surface cells of the cornea (the epithelium) are
gently removed from the central portion of the
cornea to expose the region of the cornea that
is treated with the laser. The actual laser time
is similar to that with LASIK. The surface cells
require three or more days to heal, and a soft
contact lens is placed over the eye during this
period to serve as a bandage. PRK is often an
excellent alternative for those patients who may
not be candidates for LASIK. Whereas most LASIK
patients achieve useful vision within a day or
two, it sometimes takes a few days for PRK patients
to regain useful vision. PRK patients usually
are required to use drops in the eye for up to
four months after surgery. Long-term results with
PRK are similar to those with LASIK, and for certain
individuals, PRK can offer important advantages
over LASIK.
Contact
our office today to schedule your laser eye surgery
consultation.
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