[Click for Printer-Friendly Version (PDF)]

Laser Vision Correction

Laser Vision Correction is the generic term for a group of procedures that use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea in order to change the way light is focused on to the back of the eye, reducing the need for corrective eyeglasses.

The Excimer Laser is capable of removing very small amounts of tissue at a time. The laser permanently changes the corneal curvature so that light comes into focus on the retina. The photo below demonstrates the precision of the laser on a human hair.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was the first procedure performed with the excimer laser. In PRK, the cells that cover the cornea are mechanically removed creating a treatment bed for the laser. The excimer laser is applied to reshape the cornea and a bandage contact lens is placed. The covering cells (epithelium) then grow back over a period of 4-5 days. During this time there is some mild discomfort and vision is blurry. Epi-LASIK and LASEK are hybrid procedures that combine features of PRK and LASIK.

Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) came about several years later. In LASIK, a protective flap is cut into the cornea, moved out of position, and then the laser is applied. Afterwards, the flap is repositioned, greatly reducing the post-operative recovery time and discomfort. While LASIK is the preferred procedure for most patients, there are certain reasons (high level of correction, thin cornea) why PRK may be the preferred treatment.

Laser vision correction does not correct for presbyopia, a condition that everyone develops between the age of 40 and 50 where they need reading glasses to see up close. This is a normal aging process of the human lens. If you have both eyes corrected for distance, you will need reading glasses at some point. If you are over 40 and do not want to wear reading glasses, monovision may be an option. This is where one eye is corrected for distance and the other is corrected for reading vision. We can simulate this for you with contact lenses if you desire.

Patients who are pregnant, nursing, or expect to be pregnant within the next three months are not candidates for laser vision correction due to the fact that hormonal fluctuations change the shape of the cornea.

Patients with collagen vascular diseases (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis) and diabetes may not be good candidates unless their diseases are under good control. Certain medications may also affect your ability to have successful laser vision correction.

Patients with high levels of nearsightedness, who previously were not candidates for laser vision correction, may be candidates for Verisyse Phakic Intraocular Lens implantation.

Older presbyopic patients may be a candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange with Restor Lens Implantation, a procedure similar to cataract surgery.

Dr. Goldsberry is a fellowship-trained cornea & refractive surgeon.

To see if you are a candidate for Laser Vision Correction or Verisyse lens implantation,
please call (972) 690-1922 to schedule an exam.