LASIK & PRK

LASIK and PRK

With LASIK and PRK eye surgery at OC Eye Associates, you can achieve your personal best vision. We believe in providing you with the most advanced technology and the highest quality of care. From your first LASIK consultation to the final day of recovery, we offer individualized care tailored to your needs.

Dr. Driver and Dr. Lang are corneal specialists, highly trained in LASIK, PRK, and other corneal procedures. Call now to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Driver and Dr. Lang at OC Eye Associates!

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASIK?

While LASIK is a fantastic option for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. This is why a LASIK consultation is essential. Dr. Driver and Dr. Lang take an individualized approach to each candidate. During your consultation, they will take multiple measurements of your eyes to assess your candidacy and recommend the best procedure for you.

Factors that contribute to LASIK candidacy include:

  • A stable prescription for at least 2 years
  • Being 21 years of age or older
  • Healthy, thick corneas
  • Not being pregnant or nursing
  • Good overall health without autoimmune conditions that could affect recovery

These are just some of the factors considered. The only way to know for sure if LASIK or PRK is right for you is to schedule a consultation at OC Eye Associates.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING LASIK?

Before undergoing LASIK, you must first qualify for the procedure. This involves a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Driver and Dr. Lang at OC Eye Associates. They will assess your eye health and medical history, including vision tests to determine your level of near- or farsightedness. They will also measure your corneal shape and thickness to ensure LASIK can be performed safely.

If you are a good candidate, the next step is scheduling your procedure. You’ll need to stop wearing contact lenses in preparation, as they temporarily change the shape of your eyes. Hard contact lenses should be discontinued at least four weeks before the procedure, and soft lenses at least three days prior.

The LASIK procedure itself takes about 10 minutes. You may receive a mild sedative to help you relax, and numbing eye drops to prevent any discomfort. Your eye will be gently cleaned and held open with a speculum. Dr. Driver and Dr. Lang will use state-of-the-art laser systems, including the VisuMax® laser and the WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser, to perform the treatment. These advanced lasers ensure precision and safety.

After reshaping the cornea, no bandages or stitches are needed as the flap heals on its own. Your surgeon will check your eyes to ensure proper healing, and you will spend about 30 minutes in our recovery room. During this time, your LASIK advisor will go over all postoperative instructions with you. Make sure you have someone to drive you home, as you won’t be able to drive immediately after the procedure.

Thanks to the numbing eye drops, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some discomfort may occur as the drops wear off, but this usually lasts only for the first night. You will be given eye drops to help during this time, and resting with your eyes closed is recommended.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT DURING RECOVERY?

One of the benefits of LASIK is the short recovery time. Plan to take it easy for a few days after the procedure. Resting with your eyes closed for the first several hours helps limit dry eyes and irritation. Most patients can return to work within a day or two and resume normal activities shortly after. Avoid contact sports for four weeks and eye makeup for two weeks or until your eye doctor gives the okay. While healing, you may experience dry, itchy eyes or slight pain, which can be managed with prescription eye drops and over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid submerging your eyes in water for a month to prevent infection.

You will need to return to the eye doctor the next day for an exam and attend several follow-up appointments over the next few months to ensure proper healing. Your vision may take three to six months to stabilize. Some patients experience light halos or glare in the dark during this period.

Although LASIK is permanent, it does not prevent natural aging of the eyes. Conditions like cataracts can still develop, causing vision changes over time. You may also need reading glasses as you age due to presbyopia. Regular eye exams will help ensure you have the correct prescription for your changing visual needs.

Wondering if LASIK is right for you? Schedule your LASIK consultation at OC Eye Associates today!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING LASIK?

In the days following LASIK, your vision will continue to improve. Most patients experience immediate results. If you’re active, you’ll love not worrying about breaking your glasses or misplacing contacts. LASIK can also save you money on contacts and glasses over time. Many people feel they look better without glasses, too.

LASIK Technology at OC Eye Associates

At OC Eye Associates, we pride ourselves on providing the latest technology in laser vision correction. We use blade-free LASIK technology with the VisuMax® Laser and the Alcon WaveLight EX500 excimer laser. These advanced lasers minimize issues like night vision reduction, glare, and halos.

 

VisuMax® Laser                                                                       WaveLight EX500 excimer laser

VisuMax® Laser | WaveLight EX500 excimer laser

The VisuMax® laser is a groundbreaking system known for its speed, gentle technique, and precision. It’s ideal for cutting-edge corrective eye surgery.

The WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser is the most advanced excimer laser approved by the FDA, capable of performing Custom Wavefront LASIK and Topography-guided Custom Ablation Treatment (T-CAT). It operates at a speed of 500 Hz, ensuring consistent outcomes.

The laser also features a high-speed eye tracking system with iris registration, ensuring alignment even if your eye moves. It creates a smooth corneal surface and treats a large area, resulting in better outcomes with less glare and fewer halos.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR MY CONSULTATION

On the day of your consultation, bring your completed new patient registration and medical history form. If you don’t have them completed, you can fill them out upon arrival.

During your consultation, you will receive a comprehensive eye examination to determine your suitability for refractive surgery. This includes a microscopic examination of your eye and detailed measurements of your cornea’s shape and thickness.

If you are a candidate for surgery, the doctor will determine the specific level of vision correction you need. You will also be informed about the likely outcomes and the risks and benefits of laser vision correction.

Please bring the following to your initial visit:

  • Eyeglasses: Bring the eyeglasses you wear most often and/or your contact lens prescription, even if they no longer help your vision. Old eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions are also helpful as they provide important information about your eyes’ past condition.

Special Preparation for Contact Lens Users:

Remove your soft contact lenses at least 3 days before your visit and keep them out until the appointment is over. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) and other hard contact lenses should be kept out for 4 weeks.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LASER EYE SURGERY

At OC Eye Associates, we want you to have all your questions answered before proceeding with any type of surgery. If you have a LASIK question, please feel free to ask your doctor during your consultation.

How good will my vision be after LASIK?

Most of our patients can expect to have 20/20 vision after LASIK surgery. Each patient’s results depend on multiple factors, including the level of vision prior to surgery. Dr. Driver and Dr. Lang use the best technology available to achieve optimal results. They will discuss what you can expect at your consultation.

Is LASIK affordable?

At OC Eye Associates, we believe every patient should have access to the best technology. We charge one fee for all patients and do not choose the laser based on cost or your prescription. Our fee includes all pre-op and post-op care. We also offer financing options and accept CareCredit.

Which lasers does OC Eye Associates use?

The doctors at OC Eye Associates use the VisuMax® Laser to create the flap and the WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser to perform the treatment. Dr. Driver and Dr. Lang are committed to providing the best technology for their patients and take pride in having the most advanced lasers available.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for LASIK?

The first step is to schedule your free consultation. During your consultation, several measurements will be taken to determine if you qualify for LASIK or another refractive procedure. You will meet with one of our doctors to discuss your options and expected results. If you decide to proceed, all pre-op testing can usually be performed the same day as the consultation.

Do I need to stop wearing my contact lenses before my LASIK consultation and LASIK surgery?

Yes, contact lenses change the shape of your eyes and can interfere with crucial measurements. You will need to be out of your soft contact lenses for 2 weeks or hard contact lenses for at least 1 month before your consultation and LASIK surgery. If you do not stop wearing contacts, you will need to return after being out of them for the required time. Please bring your contact lens information to your consultation, as this is important for our doctors.

What can I expect on the day of LASIK surgery?

Most patients are given a mild sedative and then rest in the waiting room. You will be brought into the surgery suite when it’s time for your procedure, where our team will prepare your eyes with anesthetic drops. Your surgeon will talk you through the entire procedure, which takes less than 20 minutes. Before you leave, we will go over all post-operative instructions with you and ensure all your questions are answered. You can expect to be at the office for about one to two hours.

How soon will my vision recover after LASIK?

You can expect your vision to be blurred the day of the procedure. Although every patient heals at a different rate, most patients see about as well as they did with glasses or contacts the very next day and feel comfortable enough to drive to their 1-day post-op appointment. Most patients also return to work within one day.

Complications or Side Effects of LASIK Surgery

While LASIK is generally safe and effective, there are potential side effects and complications. Most patients experience some dryness immediately following surgery, which usually resolves within a few months. If you have dry eye syndrome, it can be treated before LASIK to minimize this side effect. Glare and halos are less common with newer lasers but can still occur. Loss of vision from LASIK is extremely rare, especially with proper patient screening. At OC Eye Associates, we perform thorough testing to ensure you are a suitable candidate. For more information on LASIK risks and side effects, visit FDA or the American Academy of Ophthalmology https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/facts-about-lasik-complications.

Surgical Vision Correction Options

During your consultation, your doctor will discuss LASIK and PRK, recommending the procedure that will provide the best and safest results for you.

Options for Bifocal or Progressive Lens Wearers

For those who wear bifocals, LASIK can correct either distance or near vision, but not both simultaneously. Younger patients typically don’t face this issue due to their eyes’ focusing ability. For bifocal wearers, there are two options:

  1. Correct only distance vision and use reading glasses for close vision.
  2. Opt for monovision, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision.

Your doctor will discuss these options with you during your consultation.

Why Choose OC Eye Associates for LASIK Surgery?

At OC Eye Associates, we prioritize providing the best care possible. Each patient is important to us, and we help you make the safest decision for your eyes, even if it means advising against LASIK.

Other Refractive Procedures

While LASIK is the most popular refractive procedure, some patients are better suited for other vision correction methods, such as PRK. During your consultation, Dr. Driver or Dr. Lang will discuss your individual needs and the best procedure for your eyes.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is a safe and popular alternative to LASIK, especially for those who may not be ideal LASIK candidates. PRK involves gently removing the top layer of the cornea (epithelium) and using the same laser as in LASIK to reshape the cornea, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. Since no flap is created, PRK can be a better option for some patients.

Main Differences Between LASIK and PRK

  • LASIK: Involves creating a flap, reshaping the cornea underneath, and replacing the flap.
  • PRK: Involves removing the epithelial cells on the cornea’s surface and reshaping the cornea without creating a flap. A bandage lens is placed over the eye while the epithelial cells regenerate.

PRK has a longer recovery time than LASIK, but the final visual outcome is the same.

Who Should Get LASIK or PRK?

  • LASIK: Best for those seeking a quick recovery time.
  • PRK: Better for those with dry eyes or those who play sports with a risk of eye trauma.

LASIK Surgery Financing

At OC Eye Associates, we believe financial considerations should not be a barrier to laser vision correction. We offer financing options and accept CareCredit. Our staff will discuss all your financing options during your consultation.