What is Refractive Surgery?

The term “refractive surgery” refers to any surgery – laser or non-laser – that permanently changes the way the eye focuses light internally. Refractive surgeries reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

What is Laser Vision Correction?

Laser Vision Correction is a precise, computerized procedure that uses a cool laser beam to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This cool laser, used in short pulses, removes a small amount of tissue, allowing images to focus more clearly on the retina.

What is the success rate for Refractive Surgery?

National studies have shown that more than 98% refractive surgery patients have had “driving vision” restored to them, meaning they no longer had to wear glasses or contacts to pass a driving test.

How soon can I return to work after Refractive Surgery?

Most patients are able to return to virtually all of their daily activities the next day after having received LASIK. PRK patients usually return to work in one to two days.

Does Refractive Surgery hurt?

There is little to no pain either during or after either LASIK or PRK. Anesthetic eye drops ensure the procedure is painless. Some patients experience a temporary “gritty” sensation and sensitivity to light. If needed, medication is provided to make the healing more comfortable.

Can both eyes be done at the same time?

Most often, both eyes are treated at the same time, due to the advanced technology used to perform the procedure.

Do the results last?

Laser Vision Correction is considered to be a permanent procedure, but, of course, cannot prevent any age-related conditions, such as cataracts.

What is the difference between Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism?

In a normal eye, the cornea and the lens of the eye focus light to form an image on the back surface of the eye – the retina.

Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness occurs when the focal point falls short of the retina, causing distant images to appear blurry.

Farsightedness
Farsightedness occurs when the focal point falls past the retina, causing closer images – such as words in a book – to appear blurry.

Astigmatism
Astigmatism refers to an irregular curvature of the cornea and occurs when there are multiple focal points on the retina, causing blurred or double vision at all distances.