LASIK Vision Correction

Over 20 years ago, doctors in Russia performed the first successful refractive surgery, RK (radial keratotomy) by placing peripheral radial incisions in the cornea (the clear dome-like structure overlying the colored part of the eye). By doing this they flattened the cornea which moved the focal point of the nearsighted eye back to the retina (the innermost lining of the back of the eye) where it needed to be focused for distance vision to be clear without eyeglasses. Although the results were generally satisfactory, especially for mildly nearsighted patients, the desire for more precise results and the ability to treat higher degrees of nearsightedness and astigmatism as well as farsightedness kept researchers busy looking for alternatives.

The first breakthrough came in the mid 1980’s with the development of the excimer laser. This laser was able to vaporize layers of the cornea only a few microns thick without leaving behind any scarring. In this way, doctors could flatten the cornea in a much more precise and predictable manner than they were ever able to achieve with RK. The top layer of corneal cells was scraped off and then the laser applied in a procedure called PRK (photorefractive keratotomy). Visual results with PRK were excellent but patient satisfaction was sub-optimal. Due to the top layer of cells being removed, these patients experienced quite a bit of pain for the first few days after the treatment until the cells regrew. Also, due to swelling of these new cells, maximal improvement in vision often took several weeks.

LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) has virtually eliminated these two problems and therefore most ophthalmologists believe the 20 year quest for a way to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism has reached it’s conclusion. With LASIK, rather than scrape off the top layer of cells, a thin, hinged protective flap of cornea is produced and then retracted while the laser beam is applied to the underlying corneal bed. The flap is then gently replaced and within hours, the patient can see reasonably well with a minimum of discomfort.

If you are interested in learning more about LASIK, want to know if you are a good candidate or would like to attend a free, informational seminar given by one of our LASIK surgeons, please call us at 678-784-0230. While unfortunately this procedure is not covered by most insurance plans, we have a number of payment options and discounts available. If you currently wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, think about how it would change your life if suddenly you weren’t totally dependent on them in order to see clearly. What a sense of freedom. Give us a call now and find out more about this wonderful procedure.