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What is LASIK and PRK Surgery?
Are you tired of struggling with uncomfortable contact lenses or fumbling with glasses? LASIK and PRK are options that you can consider. Dr. Haverly combines iFS Intralase (Blade-Free) and Wavefront guided Technology for exceptional LASIK and Custom PRK outcomes. Over the years, Dr. Haverly has helped thousands of patients achieve outstanding results.
LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) are laser eye surgeries that reshape the cornea so that images focus correctly on the retina to improve your vision. The procedures are effective for many patients with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Laser Eye Surgery of Erie follows the 3 steps detailed below to give you the best vision possible. 1) Consultation 2) Evaluation and 3) Surgery Day
LASIK and PRK surgery
3 steps to better vision
Consultation
Evaluation
Surgery Day
step 01
Consultation
Your first step is a Consultation. This appointment will take 30-45 minutes depending on how many questions you have. We will perform two baseline tests to determine if your eyes meet the general criteria. You will need to remove your contact lenses for these tests.
There is no fee for this appointment. Potential patients should be at least 18 years old, not pregnant or nursing.
step 02
Evaluation (Pre-op testing)
Your second step is a Pre-Surgical Evaluation (EVAL). This appointment will take approximately 2-2.5 hours and your eyes will be dilated. A series of tests and screenings will be performed. If you wear contact lenses you will have to stop wearing them prior to this appointment. The doctor will determine when you should stop wearing contacts. The general guidelines are 14 days for standard and Toric soft lenses and 28 days for hard or gas permeable lenses. The fee for this appointment is $100.
step 03
Surgery day
For your convenience, the surgery suite is within our office. Please arrange transportation as you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the office. Expect to spend approximately one hour here.
You’ll receive numbing eye drops and a mild sedative to help you relax. Betadine will be applied in and around your eyes. During LASIK, the iFS laser interface is placed on your eye, causing temporary vision blurring or darkness due to suction. Dr. Haverly will then gently lift the created corneal flap, and the Visx STAR 4 excimer laser will reshape the inner corneal tissue to enhance your vision. You might notice a peculiar odor from the laser plume and see bright lights.
After the procedure, the corneal flap is repositioned and seals naturally without sutures, taking about 10-15 minutes per eye. Most patients can leave shortly after the treatment. Your vision will noticeably improve, with the maximum benefit appearing in 3-5 weeks. You’ll be prescribed steroid, antibiotic, and lubricating eye drops for proper healing.
It is very important not to rub your eyes after the procedure. Most videos tell patients to go to sleep when you arrive home from your procedure, but when you are sleeping you are most likely to rub your eyes. We recommend resting and not going into a deep sleep right away. When you do go to sleep be sure to wear protective goggles. The first night we recommend taping the goggles “down” with medical tape.
What does LASIK and PRK surgery correct?
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Commonly known as nearsightedness, myopia occurs when the curvature of the cornea is too steep. As light enters the eye, this causes the visual image to focus in front of the retina, resulting in a blurred or distorted view.
Astigmatism
A common imperfection in the eye caused by a deviation from spherical curvature. Which results in distorted images, as light rays are prevented from meeting at a common focus point.
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Also known as farsightedness, hyperopia occurs when the cornea is too flat or the length of the eyeball is too short. As light enters the eye, the visual image focuses behind the retina, resulting in a blurred or distorted view.
