About Refractive Vision Correction

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Refractive Vision Correction and Laser Vision Correction (LVC) are terms used to describe surgical procedures that reshape the cornea.  By making a subtle change in the shape of the cornea, light is able to focus correctly on the back of the eye, allowing clearer vision.  LVC can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism creating less or no dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The cornea is the clear tissue that covers the front of the eye, and the shape of the cornea helps determine how light is focused on the retina. With LVC, the surgeon removes microscopic layers of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea and to improve the focusing ability of the eye. The Indiana Eye Clinic surgeons (ophthalmologists) use the excimer laser -- a cool, ultraviolet light that is programmed specifically to your exact prescription.

Our pre-testing and Wavefront technology provide detailed mapping of the eye for viewing your refractive error and for creating your personal surgical plan.

There are several surgical techniques available to correct refractive or vision errors:

• PRK
• LASIK
• LASEK
• Surface Ablation (SA)
• CLE (Clear Lens Exchange)

Finding out the health of your eyes and your refractive error is the first step towards refractive vision correction. Let us assist you in making an informed choice about refractive surgery by scheduling a complimentary surgical consultation. Please contact us now by email or phone.

PRK

PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy is one of the most time-tested laser vision correction procedures available. PRK is used mainly for patients with large pupils or thin corneas.

The first step in PRK is to remove the epithelium, a thin layer protecting the cornea. Then the surgeon uses an excimer laser to vaporize a small amount of tissue from the top of the cornea.

PRK avoids the risks of flap complications that may occur with a LASIK procedure.

LASIK

LASIK improves vision by reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.  With LASIK, a thin layer of the cornea is cut with the microkeratome blade and is lifted to create a flap.  Next the excimer laser sculpts the cornea with the cool, ultraviolet light.  The flap is returned to its original position for healing. Most patients require no corrective eyewear after surgery (although patients over 45 often need reading glasses).

LASEK

LASEK, or Laser Assisted Subepithelial Keratomileusis, is a modification of the LASIK procedure for patients with thin or steep corneas. First, the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is cut with a much finer blade than the microkeratome used in LASIK. Next, the eye is bathed in a special alcohol solution that loosens the epithelium. The tissue is displaced so the central cornea may be exposed and treated with an excimer laser. After treatment, the tissue is replaced and allowed to heal. A contact lens may be worn for a few days until recovery is complete.

More of the cornea is exposed for treatment with LASEK than with LASIK, making LASEK a better choice for patients who require greater vision correction. However, it also requires longer recovery time.

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