Refractive Surgery Continued . . .

The Laser is Safe

You can have confidence in your laser procedure for many reasons.

FDA Approval

Medical lasers have been used to treat eye diseases for more than 30 years. And after years of rigorous testing and patient follow-up, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the excimer laser to treat refractive errors.

Skill and Training

Most importantly, the ophthalmologists have met rigorous training and clinical requirements necessary to provide your laser surgery.

The Laser is Minimally-Invasive

The excimer laser sculpts an area only 6-9 millimeters in diameter on the surface of the eye. This means the strength of the eye is not weakened by the procedure.

The Laser Does Not Produce Heat

The light beam often is described as a cold laser; it breaks down molecular tissue bonds without producing heat that could cause harmful side effects.

Corneal Sculpting is Microscopic

Each pulse penetrates only three ten-thousandths of a millimeter of the cornea - less than 1/200th of a human hair per laser pulse.

The Procedure is Brief

Think of your laser procedure as an extended version of your typical eye exam. Preparation requires about 30 minutes and only 30 minutes or less is required by the ophthalmologist in the laser room.

How is LASIK Different from PRK ?

There are several differences between LASIK and the two procedures that compose it.

Although both LASIK and PRK (Excimer Laser Correction) use the light energy of the excimer laser to reshape the cornea, PRK ablates the surface of the cornea, where LASIK is performed under a protective flap. This allows for LASIK to have faster recovery, less or no pain, less scarring, and better visual results, especially for people with higher degrees of nearsightedness.

Also, LASIK can be performed on both eyes in a shorter amount of time and there is no need for long-term medicine after the procedure, as in PRK.

As with all surgical procedures, LASIK has risks and possible side effects. It is important for you to consult your doctor to weigh these risks and benefits of LASIK before scheduling your procedure.

Treatment for Farsightedness

We offer three surgical treatments for hyperopia. Refractive Lens Exchange, CK,  or LASIK. Your surgeon will discuss which option will be best for you.

What to Expect

During your evaluation, the doctors will perform several tests. Among them will be a refraction test to measure the amount of myopia and astigmatism present, and tests to measure the curve and thickness of the cornea as well as the density of its cells. A glaucoma test to determine fluid pressure within the eye will also be made.

Finally, we will need to know your medical history, including your age, sex, general health and known allergies.

No Hospital Stay

Refractive procedures may be performed under topical anesthesia.

Because local anesthesia is used to numb the eye, you will be awake for the entire operation, although you will experience no pain during the operation. It is the use of anesthetic drops - which does not require lengthy monitoring - that allows you to return home soon after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: After check-in and pre-operative preparations, LASIK takes about 30 minutes.

Q: Does LASIK hurt?
A: The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops, which usually allow LASIK to be performed without pain. The eye may be a bit scratchy after the procedure, but patients usually do not require any pain medication.

Q: When can I go back to work?
A: Most people can return to work the day after the procedure.

Q: What are the restrictions after LASIK?
A: In order for your eye to heal properly, we ask that you do not swim and that no eye make-up is used for one week. An eyeshield must be used for the first week at nighttime. Exercise and most other activities may be resumed as soon as the first day after your procedure.

Q: Will I have to wear glasses after LASIK?
A: This will depend on several factors including your degree of refractive error and your visual needs. However LASIK does not eliminate the need for reading glasses as you age.

LASIK may be the procedure that can treat your refractive error, and it is performed at the Abilene Cataract & Refractive Surgery Center.

You can feel confident that the doctors and staff of Abilene Cataract & Refractive Surgery Center will provide you with high quality care and expertise when you have your LASIK procedure.

The History of Refractive Surgery

Vision Correcting Procedures originated in Japan in the 1950s. In the 1970s, Dr. Fyodorov, from the Soviet Union, developed Radial Keratotomy (RK). With significant advances in technology and technique, pioneering doctors from the United States helped make RK a highly regarded alternative to glasses or contacts.

Later, Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK), developed by Colombian physicians Dr. Jose Barraquer and Dr. Louis Ruiz, emerged as a procedure that could correct nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Since then, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) was developed. The technique involves the state-of-the-art excimer laser to correct nearsightedness.

In 1991, a Greek doctor, Ionas Pallikaris, was the first person to combine ALK and PRK technology. Since then, this procedure, LASIK, has been refined and developed and is becoming increasingly popular around the world.

Thousands of people have had successful results with this procedure.