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Frequently Asked Questions
What is laser vision correction?
It is an outpatient treatment that uses a cool beam of light to gently reshape the surface of the eye - the cornea - thereby improving vision. The light gently pulses to remove a microscopic amount of tissue, changing the curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina.
The VISX System is FDA approved for use in treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This approval means that the FDA has recognized that laser vision correction with VISX is a safe and effective procedure.
What are the benefits of laser vision correction?
Laser vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism is designed to be a treatment that should reduce the condition overall, while also reducing your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
What is the difference between PRK, LASIK and RK?
You may have heard about PRK, which stands for Photorefractive Keratectomy, the medical name for the laser procedure. PRK and LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis) both utilize the VISX Laser System to remove corneal tissue in order to flatten the cornea. In the PRK procedure, the laser works on the surface of the cornea.
With LASIK, the surgeon first creates a flap on the cornea and then uses the laser for treatment under the flap.
RK (Radial Keratotomy) is a non-laser procedure where the surgeon uses a knife to make a series of radial cuts into the cornea. These cuts are intended to produce a bulging effect in order to flatten the corneal surface.
While PRK has been approved by the FDA, physicians can also perform LASIK when they believe it is beneficial to the patient.
Is laser vision correction safe?
Yes. Over one million patients worldwide have had this treatment performed on them successfully. The FDA has recognized laser vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and found the treatment effective for eligible patients.
Do I have to wait for my regular eye exam?
No. You can have laser vision correction as soon as you're ready and eligible to do it. You can ask your eye care professional about laser vision correction any time.
How well will I see after my laser correction?
Results vary with each individual. In a recent study, 98% of patients treated for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism with the VISX STAR3 Excimer Laser Systemª saw well enough to pass a driver's test without glasses. Your vision should be improved immediately after treatment. Some patients may experience small vision changes during the first several months, which is a normal occurrence.
How soon can I return to work?
Some people go back the day after treatment. We suggest you also take the day off after your surgery.
How do I know if I can have laser vision correction?
Your eye care professional can tell you if laser vision correction is right for you. Some guidelines are:
- You must have healthy eyes, and be at least 18 years old for nearsightedness or farsightedness and 21 years old for astigmatism. Your vision must be stable for at least one year before the laser procedure. You are not a good candidate if you have degenerative or autoimmune diseases, or if you're pregnant or nursing, or if you have a condition that makes healing difficult.
Are there any risks?
There are risks with any procedure. However, because laser vision correction uses a cool beam of light that is computer controlled, there is little room for error. In the recent study, all patients experienced better uncorrected vision following laser vision correction.
Where will the surgery be performed?
Dr. Repine generally utilizes the excellent laser facilities of Clarity Vision at Porter Hospital.
What is nearsightedness?
The normal eye is a perfect sphere, where the cornea and lens focus light to form an image on the back inside surface of the eye, known as the retina. With nearsightedness, the cornea's curvature is too steep, or the eye is too long. The light is focused in front of the retina, causing images of distant objects to appear blurry.
What is farsightedness?
In farsightedness the image focuses beyond the retina because the cornea is too flat or the eye is too short. In our youth, the innate accommodating (focusing) power of the eyes often compensates for farsightedness. But as we age, our eyes become less able to accommodate.
For this reason, farsightedness most commonly becomes a problem later in life. Many farsighted eyes do not need correction until the individuals reach their forties or fifties.
Farsightedness can be corrected by any method that increases the total refractive power of the eye. Eyeglasses and contact lenses do this by putting in front of the eye "positive" lenses that are thicker in the center than at the edge. PRK and LASIK does it by making the central part of the cornea more steeply curved.
What is astigmatism?
The front of the astigmatic eye has an irregular shape, more oval, like a football. Incoming light focuses at multiple points instead of one. Astigmatism can make wearing contact lenses difficult or even impossible. Laser vision correction with VISX is now an option for people with astigmatism who want clear, comfortable vision.
How does laser vision correction improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism?
The cool beam of light gently reshapes the surface of the cornea, making it more like a normal eye. Light can then focus at the back of the eye, on the retina, making images on the retina clear, thereby improving your vision.
What should I do before having laser vision correction?
Have a complete eye exam and discuss the benefits and risks of laser vision correction with Dr. Repine. Have Dr. Repine answer any and all questions you may have.
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