Laser vision correction procedure
If you are a long-time wearer of prescription eyeglasses, or have struggled with visual impairment issues your whole life, you can likely value the importance of vision for your quality of life.
The goals of laser vision correction surgery
The goals for your laser vision correction surgery are likely to improve uncorrected vision, by gently altering the shape of the cornea so it focuses light differently, flattening slightly in a nearsighted individual, and steeping in a farsighted individual.
The laser vision surgery procedure
At Laser Vision Delaware, we recommend PRK surgery for reasons of proven safety and precision.
PRK which stands for photorefractive keratectomy. PRK was the very first method of laser vision correction surgery, and many patients still choose it because of the advantages that it offers over LASIK. New advances in advanced surface ablation have improved comfort, recovery time, and accuracy since PRK was first developed.
The first stage of laser vision correction
Your eye will be positioned under the laser, and a tool called a lid speculum is used to help keep your eyelids open.
After years successfully performing LASIK, Dr Minkovitz strongly believes, and studies show, that surface treatment (PRK) is safer and just as accurate as LASIK, without any of the risks associated with the cutting of a LASIK flap, and maintaining the original strength and integrity of the eye. Due to safety issues, Dr. Minkovitz does not perform LASIK surgery.
In PRK surgery, the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium, is completely removed and discarded instead of creating an access flap. The epithelium then grows back in the days after your procedure.
The second stage of laser vision correction
Once the corneal tissue is exposed, our specialized laser is used to reshape the cornea. The laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam which is able to remove small amounts of the cornea with exceptional precision.
Different reshaping techniques allow the cornea to focus light on the retina with greater accuracy for improved vision.
The third stage of laser vision correction
Once we are satisfied that the cornea has been sufficiently reshaped, the procedure draws to a close. If you have opted for LASIK surgery, the corneal flap will be put back into place and then allowed to heal naturally. If you are having PRK surgery, there is no flap to replace and avoid dislocation. Instead, the epithelial surface grows back over the surface within a few days, A protective contact lens is typically placed to facilitate comfort and faster healing.
Will I need a general anesthetic or stitches?
One of the biggest advantages of laser vision correction is the simplicity of the surgery. Topical anesthetic drops are used to numb your eyes for the procedure, and there is no need for sutures or bandages.
If you are particularly anxious about the procedure, we may be able to give you medication that will help you relax and make the experience less stressful.
How long does the procedure take?
You can expect to be in our surgery suite for around 30 minutes, but the majority of this time is spent doing preparation and aftercare. The procedure itself takes just a few painless minutes.
