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Refractive Surgery Options & Benefits

Since the late 1970s, ophthalmologists have routinely treated patients who were nearsighted, farsighted, or had astigmatism with a number of vision correction procedures known as “refractive surgery.” Although LASIK is the most popular procedure we perform today, some patients are better candidates for other vision correction procedures. The following are a number of technologically advanced refractive procedures available to our patients who want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

PRK

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) became popular worldwide in the early 1990s and in the USA in 1995 when the Excimer laser was first approved by the FDA for laser vision correction. The Excimer laser brought tremendous advancements to refractive surgery.

With PRK, Dr. Larry Patterson uses state-of-the-art computer technology in combination with the accuracy and precision of the Excimer laser to treat a wide range of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. PRK has proven to be extremely successful, with the vast majority of patients having visual results of 20/20 to 20/40, thereby reducing or eliminating their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

PRK is performed in the comfort and convenience of an outpatient, Excimer laser suite. First, very powerful eye drops completely numb the eye. Next, the clear, protective surface layer (epithelium) of the cornea is loosened from the underlying layers of the cornea and is either removed completely or moved to the side. Then, in a matter of seconds, the Excimer laser is applied to the cornea, reshaping it to the correct focusing power. After the procedure, a protective contact lens bandage is placed on the eye to make it more comfortable during the healing process. It usually takes three to five days for the epithelium to fully heal.

Most PRK patients notice an improvement in their vision soon after surgery. However, vision is usually somewhat blurred during the epithelial healing process.

CK

NearVision Conductive Keratoplasty

NearVision CK is a non-laser procedure that can reduce or eliminate farsightedness and presbyopia and offer those who have difficulty seeing small print the opportunity to read again without bifocals or reading glasses. It is best suited for patients over the age of 45 who had good vision until they reached their forties.

NearVision CK uses the controlled release of radio frequency energy to reshape the cornea. A small probe is applied to the inner corneal tissue in a circular pattern, which causes the tissue to shrink. This circular shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band, which steepens the curvature of the cornea and increases its focusing power.

Some people who can see well at distance elect to have “blended vision” and have only one eye treated to provide them with better near vision. NearVision CK may cause temporary swelling of the cornea, so it may take a few days for the swelling to subside to appreciate the results.

The goal of CK is to turn back the clock and restore your vision to where it was when you were in your thirties and thus reduce or eliminate your need for reading glasses. How far the clock turns back depends on how your eye responds and heals. As your eyes continue to age, you may require additional treatments in the future.

RLE

Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive Lens Exchange corrects nearsightedness and farsightedness using an intraocular lens implant. RLE may be the procedure of choice for patients who are too nearsighted, too farsighted, or have corneas that are too thin for laser vision correction. It is also a viable alternative for those over the age of 40 and for those individuals who may be showing signs of developing cataracts.

Millions of eyes have received intraocular lens implants when undergoing cataract surgery, using the same highly successful surgical techniques used in RLE. The primary difference between cataract surgery and RLE is that cataract surgery is performed to remove a patient’s cloudy lens, and Refractive Lens Exchange is performed to reduce one’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Performed as an outpatient procedure, the natural lens is removed using ultrasonic vibrations through a very small micro-incision and replaced through that same incision with an intraocular lens. You will remain comfortable as the eye is completely anesthetized. Everyone heals differently, but many patients report improvement in their vision almost immediately, and most resume their normal activities within a day or two. One eye is done at a time and the second eye is usually done in a week or two.

Which of these procedures is right for you?

It is likely that more than one of these procedures could reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts. Every eye is different, and everyone has different visual needs. Your first step is to have a thorough eye examination to determine the health of your eyes. Together, you and Dr. Patterson will determine which option is best suited for your eye condition and lifestyle.

Realistic Expectations

The goal of any refractive procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. Your doctor cannot guarantee your results. You will be given additional information about these procedures to help you make an informed decision. Be sure to have all of your questions answered to your satisfaction before proceeding.