Traditional LASIK in Northern California
Understanding Laser Vision Correction
How Laser Vision Correction Works
The most common laser vision correction procedures are done with an excimer laser. The excimer laser is a computer-guided cool laser that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea to improve the way light is focused or refracted by the eye. Two major procedure types are available for treating low to moderate levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism: Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and surface ablation, including Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) or LASEK (a variation on PRK). In all of these procedures, the laser sculpts the cornea in about 30 to 60 seconds and the entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes from start to finish.
The Excimer Laser
The excimer laser has been FDA approved for use in both surface ablation and LASIK. Because we contract with outside laser centers in Northern California, we have access to different lasers. This allows us to choose the laser best suited to treating your refractive error. Our lasers also employ an eye-tracking device, which provides an additional level of precision. This device allows the laser to continuously detect and compensate for eye movements, while guiding the laser beam to keep it centered over the treatment area.
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
After a drop of anesthetic is applied to the eye, an instrument called a microkeratome glides across the cornea and creates a corneal flap. The surgeon carefully lifts the flap, and in 30 to 60 seconds, ultraviolet high-energy pulses from the excimer laser reshape the internal cornea layers. By adjusting the pattern of the laser beam, the surgeon can treat high levels of nearsightedness and moderate amounts of farsightedness and astigmatism.
After the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is gently replaced in its original position. Because of the cornea's natural bonding qualities, healing is rapid and does not require stitches. Some patients report a slight postoperative discomfort that is usually alleviated with eye drops. Many patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision within a day. For others, vision may fluctuate and continue to improve for several weeks.
Monovision
Monovision describes a situation where one eye is slightly nearsighted (myopic) and one eye is corrected to provide good distance vision. For many people, the brain automatically adjusts to use the better eye for the appropriate visual task. The nearsighted eye focuses well on near objects and can be used for reading or similar activities. The corrected, distance-sighted eye can be used for driving, sports, or other activities requiring distance vision.
For someone who has presbyopia, monovision reduces your dependence on distance glasses and near glasses. While you may be able to read a dinner menu, labels and price tags, you may still need reading glasses for fine print and prolonged reading. Sometimes distance glasses may be required for night driving. People who have successfully simulated monovision through contact lenses may want to consider the option of monovision for laser refractive surgery.
Laser Vision Correction & Presbyopia
Once in our 40's and beyond, most of us need reading glasses or bifocals to read smaller print. This condition is called presbyopia, and it is caused by changes that occur in the lens inside the eye. Refractive surgery cannot correct presbyopia because refractive procedures alter the shape of the cornea, without changing the lens inside the eye. Symptoms of presbyopia can often be reduced with monovision.
