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Refractive Surgery

Laser Vision Correction reduces or eliminates dependency on contacts and glasses

The goal of refractive surgery, also called laser vision correction, is to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and other eye conditions. There are a few different procedures types. The most well-known are Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), which are both used to correct nearsightedness. A relatively new procedure, called Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is now available to correct farsightedness.

Download Phillips Eye Institute's Laser Vision Correction brochure.

LASIK and PRK

Refractive surgery to correct nearsightedness

These procedures take about 15 minutes and are relatively painless. Most patients are able to return to work the next day. LASIK and PRK both utilize the excimer laser and rely on advanced computer technology to program the equipment for each patient’s specific prescription to achieve the best results.

LASIK
To perform LASIK, the surgeon uses a special tool, called a microkeratome to cut and fold back a thin layer of the cornea. The excimer laser is then used to vaporize the some of the corneal tissue beneath to reshape the cornea. The time it takes the laser to remove tissue depends on the patient’s prescription. A higher prescription requires more time.

The cornea is then folded back into position to complete the procedure. Only the edge of the thin layer of corneal tissue needs to heal. The return of vision is rapid and patients do not experience very much post-operative discomfort or pain.

Phillips Eye Institute also offers laser-only, or bladeless, LASIK. Instead of using the microkeratome, or blade, the surgeon uses a high energy laser to cut the thin layer of cornea before folding it back. Both procedures, whether using a blade or using the laser only technique, are equally safe and effective.

PRK
Sometimes referred to as Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), PRK was the original vision correction procedure to use the excimer laser. Since its FDA approval in 1995, the laser has undergone several technological improvements. With PRK, the laser is applied directly to the cornea and removes the surface layer of corneal cells in order to reach the stromal layer of the cornea. A gentle brush-like instrument, chemicals, the laser or other tools are then used to remove the cells.

At the end of surgery, a soft contact lens, which works as a bandage, is placed on the eye and the patient is given eye drops. Over the next 3 to 7 days, the corneal surface cells regenerate, and the contact is removed. Vision improves soon after the contact is removed. It may take three to six months to achieve maximum vision. Patients should wait one to two weeks between having PRK done on the second eye.

Which surgery is right for you?

You will want to meet with a surgeon who can first determine whether you are a candidate for laser vision correction. Your surgeon will assess your needs, your prescription, his or her preference for procedure and give you a recommendation as to which procedure is best for you. At that time, the surgeon will provide you with comprehensive instructions for everything from preparing for the surgery to recovery.

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)

Refractive surgery to correct farsightedness or presbyopia

Patients who are farsighted or who have presbyopia, a condition in which the eye’s natural lens has lost the ability to focus at near, middle and far ranges at the same time can benefit from CK.

After numbing the eye, a surgeon uses radiofrequency heat to shrink the collagen in the periphery of the cornea to manipulate the shape of the cornea. There are no lasers or blades used. The cornea is not cut during the procedure. CK takes about 15 minutes.

Patients with presbyopia receive the CK treatment in only one eye. The treated eye is corrected to be able to focus on near ranges while the untreated eye sees the middle and distant ranges.

After the procedure, patients are comfortable, but may experience slight nearsightedness and sensitivity to bright light for about a week.

Finding a surgeon

To find a surgeon, call Phillips Eye Institute’s Refractive Surgery Information Line at 1-800-457-2332 or here is a list of credentialed ophthalmologists who perform refractive surgery at Phillips Eye Institute:

Mitchell Blatt, MD
Keith Carlson, MD
Emmett Carpel, MD
Jeffrey Christensen, MD
Daniel S. Conrad, MD
Dinesh Goyal. MD
Steven Grosser, MD
David A. Hendrickson, MD
David Johnson, MD
Michael Lins, MD
Polly McCormack, MD
Shobana Murali, MD
Aaron L. Nathenson, MD
Robert Ostrow, MD
Joann Reed, MD
William Rodman, MD
Neal Sher, MD
Trond Stockenstrom, MD
Robert S. Warshawsky, MD
Gregory Webster, MD
Charles Yancey, MD
 

Phillips Eye Institute
2215 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-775-8800
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First published: 08/15/2008
Last updated: 08/15/2008

Reviewed by: Emmett Carpel, MD