Benefits Of LASIK Innovations
More than 30 years ago, retinal surgeon Gholam Peyman, MD was granted a patent for modifying corneal curvature in a method now known as laser in-situ keratomileusis or LASIK eye surgery. This eye correction procedure launched a slew of research on refractive errors and accumulated knowledge of the human eye. Thanks to this history of innovation and technology, people now have the option to achieve their vision goals at a Los Angeles LASIK clinic such as Excel Laser Vision Institute.
Since the LASIK patent was granted, eye care practices and technology have significantly improved over the years. Now, eye care professionals are well-equipped to handle stronger, more complex prescriptions through laser eye surgery than they could in the past. Laser vision correction can achieve 20/20 vision for many patients and, for some, even better! There are countless inspiring testimonials from LASIK patients that have experienced the life-changing results of LASIK first-hand. In the video below, one man achieves his vision goals from Harvard-trained surgeon Dr. Moosa at the Excel Laser Vision Institute.
Patients, like the one above, are not uncommon in this day and age when LASIK eye surgery is widely accessible to people with different vision errors and needs. The concept of corneal alteration to treat refractive errors is over 100 years old, but technology has finally caught up with the science behind this method. In the ’80s, the excimer laser was invented which completely transformed the current field of refractive surgery. According to Excel Laser Vision Institute, a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, over 40 million laser eye surgeries have been performed on a global scale with a success rate of 99.5 percent. LASIK has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective procedure.
LASIK is the leading refractive error procedure in correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism to varying degrees. However, there is more than one version of LASIK (bladeless versus blade) and LASIK adjacent procedures (SMILE, PRK, etc.) When going in for a consultation, a LASIK eye care professional like Doctor Moosa will evaluate every aspect of a patient’s eye health and health history in order to determine which type of laser eye surgery will best suit their vision needs. The femtosecond laser, introduced in the early 2000’s further broadened the scope of the procedure by allowing for more precise flap creation and creating the bladeless method. Meanwhile, newer strategies like SMILE remove the necessity of a corneal flap for those with more sensitive eye conditions like dry eye.
Further innovation in laser technology has allowed LASIK surgeons to fully customize procedures to a patient’s individual eye surface. Now, with wavefront or topography-guided machines, the surgery is more precise and individual. Since its introduction into popular culture, LASIK has also become more affordable. Most clinics offer various financing options, allowing this life-changing investment to become a reality for more people.
Thanks to researchers and scientists all over the world, laser eye surgery has become safer, more efficient, and more effective than ever before. Not only does LASIK offer better visual acuity and convenience, but it also provides the stepping stone to a higher quality of life.
How LASIK Surgery Can Treat Even Severe Prescriptions
Los Angeles LASIK surgeons have helped many patients realize their vision goals, even when it seemed impossible. For people with very severe prescriptions and dependence on corrective lenses, there is hope! Many LASIK patients have achieved 20/20 vision or better with the procedure. So, before you assume that your prescription is unfixable by laser eye surgery, you need to first understand the advancements that LASIK has undergone over the years and how eligible candidates are now chosen for the procedure.
LASIK entered the ophthalmology field in the ’90s and, since then, has become the number one refractive surgery in the United States. With more precise technology, LASIK surgeons like Doctor Moosa can treat a broader range of prescriptions and vision problems. The American Refractive Surgery Council finds that LASIK has generated a 96% satisfaction rate among patients, which beats all other elective procedures.
One of the misconceptions that people have about LASIK is that it is only good for nearsighted patients. While this may have been true when it gained FDA approval in 1995, the procedure has gone through many advancements since then. Now, LASIK eye surgery is used for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
Another common assumption that people make about LASIK eye surgery is that their prescription is too strong or too complicated to be treated. The simple fact is that you will never know until you ask. The best way to find out if your vision can be corrected through laser eye surgery is to visit a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institute and get a consultation from a professional. Once you receive a full eye examination, your LASIK surgeon will have a better idea of whether or not you would benefit from the procedure.
While there are some cases in which someone may not be eligible for LASIK, it will not necessarily be because of their prescription. LASIK can treat a wide array of challenging vision problems; however, there are other factors to consider for the surgery. General health, family health history, cornea width, and pupil size are all elements that determine whether or not LASIK surgery can be performed effectively. In many cases where someone is not a proper LASIK candidate, they may qualify for another procedure that is more suited to their needs. PRK or SMILE are some of the laser vision correction alternatives that your LASIK clinic may offer.
All that being said, LASIK is an extremely valuable vision correction alternative that has changed the lives of many who thought that they would never be free of their glasses or contacts. We have the testimonials to prove it! In the video below, our Harvard-trained LASIK surgeon Dr. Moosa describes the life-changing results of LASIK for one patient with a particularly severe prescription.
Visit the Excel Laser Vision Institute to learn how you can achieve your vision goals with the help of our trained staff, state-of-the-art machines, and dedicated laser eye surgeon. With improved precision technology and increased customizability, LASIK has become better than ever.
How Does LASIK Surgery in Los Angeles Get You 20/20 Vision or Better?
If you are considering laser eye surgery from a LASIK clinic in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute, then you are not alone. LASIK is one of the most common refractive surgeries with a high patient satisfaction rate and precise, long-term results. Many patients are able to achieve 20/20 vision or better with LASIK eye surgery, making corrective lenses unnecessary.
In order to determine if you are a good candidate for laser eye surgery, you should visit a LASIK eye center and have a comprehensive eye examination. Eye care professionals can measure different aspects of your eyesight and determine the best course of action for your vision correction. Every year, LASIK treats thousands of patients with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism problems. See what Doctor Moosa does here:
Many professions require 20/20 vision without corrective lenses such as pilots, military personnel, firefighters, and police. However, only about 35% of adults in the world have this naturally. The value of LASIK surgery in helping individuals follow certain career paths is immeasurable.
LASIK experts can measure your visual acuity with a Snellen eye chart, with 20/20 as the golden standard. Dutch eye doctor, Herman Snellen, invented and standardized this process of measuring vision in the 1860s. While 20/20 is commonly referred to as the perfect vision, this is not necessarily the case. There are some individuals that can read lower on the eye chart after receiving corrective surgery like LASIK, with a measured visual acuity of 20/15 or even 20/10. This is achieved by reshaping the individual’s cornea with precise, customizable laser technology.
Other aspects of vision, besides clarity of images in relation to distance, include depth perception, focusing ability, color vision, side vision, and eye coordination. Eye care professionals can test each of these elements and look at the makeup of an individual’s eye to judge any eyesight problems. During a LASIK evaluation, specialists will walk through a person’s health history and family history as well as performing measurements of eye muscle movements, eye pressure, color vision, and pupil dilation. Other eye diagnostics will find the exact curvature and width of an individual’s cornea in order to better plan for the surgery.
Not everyone can be eligible for the procedure, however, there are many other vision correction alternatives that your LASIK clinic may offer in addition to LASIK. PRK and SMILE are successful refractive procedures that have been known to achieve the same results as LASIK in the case where candidates did not qualify for traditional laser vision correction methods. The best way to find a long-term solution for your vision problems is to visit an established LASIK eye clinic for an exam and consultation.
LASIK eye surgery is an investment that offers more than the convenience of never having to wash your contacts or replace your broken glasses again; although, these are not unimportant benefits. The money and time that you save from these micro expenses can add up over the years, making your laser eye surgery a cost-efficient alternative. Besides, the freedom and quality of life that you gain as a result of clear, independent vision is priceless. There are countless stories of LASIK patients who believe their lives were changed as a result of this procedure. Imagine, waking up and having crystal clear eyesight without having to do anything at all. This is what makes LASIK such a powerful vision correction option.
Why People are Seeking LASIK During These Troubling Times
Our eyesight is precious, which is why so many people with vision problems seek out LASIK clinics in Los Angeles. In recent months, the advantages of LASIK surgery have been further experienced by those who have received the procedure and further considered by people who have not. Dr. Moosa, a Harvard-trained surgeon at the Excel Laser Vision Institute, weighs in on this shift in perspective, in light of current events.
With LASIK, life-changing results are just a short procedure away. Here are some of the best ways to prepare for your LASIK surgery and maintain proper eye care afterward.
One of the first things you should keep in mind when preparing for LASIK is finding a dedicated surgeon and well-resourced clinic. Laser eye surgery requires advanced machinery and technical expertise in order to achieve successful results. You don’t want to rush into the elective procedure without first finding a doctor and a clinic that you are confident in.
On the day of the surgery, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing and eat a good, balanced breakfast so that you will feel relaxed, positive, and strong. Refrain from wearing any makeup, lotions, or other face products for a few days before the surgery and bring any medications that you need to the LASIK eye center in Los Angeles like Excel laser Vision Institute. You also want to have a designated driver that will get you to and from your home safely.
LASIK eye surgery is perfect in a time when everyone is trying to avoid touching their mouth, nose, and eyes. Individuals that rely on glasses and contacts touch their face significantly more than those who do not. LASIK offers the freedom of 20/20 vision or better without prescription lenses and thus minimizes the risk of infection that comes with inserting contacts or adjusting glasses.
Many people are considering LASIK surgery in a time where their patience is tested on a daily basis. There is enough to worry about without having to think about replacing your contacts, buying more contact solution, or fixing your prescription lenses. LASIK not only frees you from this inconvenience but it also further mobilizes you to do the things you need to do. This makes LASIK an investment well worth making.
Many patients experience high functioning vision following a LASIK surgery and return to their normal routines within a day. Mild symptoms like reddened eyes or slight irritation may accompany the healing process. LASIK patients should not associate red eyes with bodily infection unless body aches, fever, or breathing problems are also affecting them.
Good eye hygiene includes properly washing your hands, not rubbing your eyes, applying the appropriate post-LASIK eye drops, and attending regular check-ups to monitor the progression of your vision.
LASIK clinics are taking the proper precautions to keep patients and staff safe from infection and promote a positive, healthy environment. Office traffic will be reduced along with increased cleaning of surfaces and equipment. Now is the time to consider LASIK eye surgery to improve your quality of life, everyday convenience, and long-term freedom.
How to Protect Your Eyes This Summer
The trend that Los Angeles LASIK clinics are noticing is that many people only wear sunglasses as an accessory or when it is an especially bright day. LASIK specialists say that, whether or not you have undergone laser eye surgery, sunlight can significantly damage your eyes, just like it can damage your skin.
In the summertime, people are outside more frequently and, with long daylight hours, have increased exposure to UV rays. So, in order to prevent eye health issues down the road, it is important to use appropriate eye protection.
Cloudy days or cold days are no excuse to leave your sunglasses at home. In fact, the temperature has no effect on the amount of light that is seeping through the clouds. Many LASIK eye specialists in Los Angeles say that UV light can still harm you even when you don’t notice it. So, don’t be deceived by the kind of day it is when you look outside. Always have a pair of sunglasses on hand and wear them when you are spending extended periods outside.
When you are purchasing sunglasses to protect your eyes, make sure to choose the ones that are labeled 100% UV protection or UV 400. This means that the lenses are successfully filtering out those harmful rays. Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise on style or budget with UV-blocking sunglasses. There are plenty of attractive shades on the market that will offer the right protection without reaching designer prices.
Sunglasses should be your main source of eye protection during the summer months; however, there’s nothing wrong with adding a hat! Broad-rimmed hats or baseball caps can add another layer of protection by shielding light from directly above.
Another thing to keep in mind for your summer eye protection is the activities that you will be doing. If you are going to be swimming a lot, then you may think about purchasing some UV-blocking swimming goggles. These will not only protect your eyes from the sun but they will also keep your eyes safe from pool chlorine.
If you have children, then you will definitely want to introduce eye protection into their summer routines. While children may not experience the effects of sunlight damage right away, it is still a very real risk to their eye health and it could manifest later in life. Make sunglasses and hats a normal, comfortable part of their outside activities and they will start to pick up the habit.
When you are planning your summer days, make sure to consider when the sun will be at its peak in the sky and try to limit your outdoor activities in direct sunlight. Before noon or after five o’clock are the best times to plan an activity in order to avoid the strongest UV rays.
Your eyes deserve protection all year round, but they especially deserve it during the summer months, when you are more likely to spend extended periods of time outside. Buying some quality glasses, a hat, and maybe some swimming goggles is a low investment that will offer great results. So, make sure to grab your sun protection gear before you hit the beach, the pool, or wherever your summer adventures take you.
If you are tired of being limited by your glasses or contacts during the summer, then you can also visit a LASIK eye center in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institute to discuss laser eye surgery. LASIK may be able to help you achieve your vision goals so that you are free to spend the summer how you choose, without worrying about your vision.
How To Recover From ReLEx SMILE Surgery
If you haven’t been living under a rock, then you have probably heard of the innovative form of laser vision correction called ReLEx SMILE. It is a popular laser eye surgery at at LASIK centers in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute because it combines many of the advantages of other types of laser eye surgery all into one. Patients love SMILE and LASIK eye surgery because of their ability to correct refractive errors. SMILE, in particular, is considered to be one of the most advanced laser vision procedures in the world.
What Is A ReLEx SMILE Procedure?
A ReLEx SMILE procedure is a minimally invasive treatment to correct short-sightedness. Besides using ReLEx SMILE to treat short-sighted patients, LASIK surgeons in Los Angeles use this procedure to treat individuals that have high prescriptions, drier eyes, contact intolerance, and/or thinner corneas. In a nutshell, the revolutionary technology that is involved in a ReLEx SMILE procedure transforms Laser Eye Surgery into a keyhole procedure.
ReLEx SMILE, or sometimes just referred to as SMILE at LASIK eye center in Los Angeles, stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. It is a less invasive method of correcting vision issues such as severe myopic that was previously only treatable with standard LASIK Laser Eye Surgery.
The procedure involves the eye surgeon to place eye anesthetic drops into the patient’s eyes to completely numb them. At the LASIK Los Angeles clinic like Excel Laser Vision Institute, a state-of-the-art Carl Zeiss VisuMax laser distributes a series of precise pulses in the center of the cornea with exceptional 3D placement accuracy. These pulses create bubbles that are less than 1/100th of the width of a human hair. Also, it outlines the tissue that has to be removed to efficiently alter the shape of the cornea. Then the laser creates a tiny connecting tunnel in which the LASIK surgeon in Los Angeles extracts this tissue.
What Are The Side Effects Of ReLEx SMILE?
Right after a ReLEx SMILE or LASIK procedure, the patient’s eye might feel a bit different than normal. The eyes may seem itchy, watery, and uncomfortable when you try to open them. However, this sensation only lasts about 24 hours until your eyes completely heal.
What Medications Will The Eye Surgeon Prescribe?
After a ReLEx SMILE procedure, the surgeon will prescribe antibiotic eye drops which will help to prevent infection. These eye drops should be administered as directed for the entire course of recovery, which is normally about 10 days.
How Fast Is The Recovery Process?
The great thing about a ReLEx SMILE or LASIK surgery recovery is that the physical healing process happens a lot faster than you might think. The advantage of this swift healing time means that you can get back to your normal activities such as swimming and outdoor sports after a few days of your ReLEx SMILE or LASIK eye surgery.
Also, you can get back to binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows, using your computer or laptop, and reading as you usually do within a day or two. However, your doctor will probably advise you to take regular screen breaks to prevent eye fatigue and to stop the eyes from drying out.
What About Driving After A ReLEx SMILE Procedure?
This is a major concern for many patients after any laser vision correction. In regards to a ReLEx SMILE procedure, many patients can get back to driving within 72 hours of their procedure. However, our competent staff at LASIK Los Angeles will be able to provide you with more specific advice relating to driving after a ReLEx SMILE procedure and this should be followed meticulously.
Is ReLEx Suitable For Everbody?
A surgeon will usually recommend the ReLEx SMILE procedure for short-sighted patients, especially those who have been informed that they were not suitable candidates for Laser Eye Surgery because of thin corneas, dry eyes, or contact lens intolerance.
What’s The Difference Between ReLEx And LASIK?
ReLEx is the start of a new era in refractive surgery, based on its significant benefits in the patient’s comfort. Since there is no requirement to pass from one instrument to another, as is the case in a LASIK procedure, the patient does not have to change their position. This is the fundamental reason why the procedure only takes a few minutes.
What Are The Benefits Of SMILE?
Studies have shown that patients who receive SMILE or LASIK in Orange County can achieve the exact same correction of nearsightedness and visual acuity. This means that SMILE offers the same benefits as LASIK without having to create a LASIK-style corneal flap.
In one study of 328 participants who underwent the SMILE procedure, all but only one had uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/40 or better following surgery, and eighty-eight had CVA of 20/20 or better.
Additionally, it seems there may be less risk of dry eye symptoms following a SMILE procedure, compared with LASIK. There could be various reasons for this, including the fact that the SMILE procedure occurs within the cornea without a large corneal flap, fewer corneal nerves are disturbed by the procedure.
The very tiny SMILE incision can give the cornea more biomechanical stability after SMILE, compared with its capability to keep shape after LASIK.
Ultimately, for the correction of immense amounts of nearsightedness, with LASIK there is more of a possibility of a patient requiring an enhancement procedure to achieve the clarity of vision wanted without glasses.
There seems to be less of a risk of requiring an extra procedure after SMILE for correction of high amounts of myopia, which could be because there is less dehydration of the cornea that happens during the SMILE procedure.
In summary, SMILE is an innovative eye correction surgery that provides these advantages:
- There is no risk of corneal displacement since a corneal flap does not form.
- A patient can improve their optics without touching the central part of the cornea, which plays a vital role in vision.
- A small incision that is only a few millimeters in length is more than 80% smaller than the incision needed for LASIK methods.
- The nerves that control the formation of tears are completely preserved, so the risk of developing dryness in the eye is minimal.
- Both the laser procedure and recovery are painless.
If you want more information about getting ReLEx SMILE or LASIK in Los Angeles, do not hesitate to give Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at (818) 907-8606, or fill out our contact form today!
The High Success Rate of LASIK
Surgeons performing LASIK in Los Angeles always say the number one question that patients have is about the success rate. That is completely understandable. Nobody wants to go through the hassle and financial burden of eye surgery if it does not give them the results they are expecting.
Recent research claims that ninety-nine percent of patients achieve better than 20/40 vision and more than ninety percent of patients achieve 20/20 or better. Furthermore, LASIK has an extraordinary 96 percent satisfaction rate at the LASIK eye center in Los Angeles such as Excel Laser Vision Institute, which is the highest of any elective procedure.
If you are considering a vision correction procedure, understanding the LASIK and PRK eye surgery success rate is a critical component of your research as well as getting to know what these standards signify for your own vision goals.
Figuring Out The LASIK Success Rate
So, let us answer the most common question asked about LASIK in Los Angeles: What is the LASIK and PRK eye surgery success rate? LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and other refractive surgery results depend on several factors, such as visual acuity, and the patient’s general satisfaction.
What Is Visual Acuity?
This refers to the sharpness of your vision. It is a fixed measurement that is normally taken in a doctor’s office while you are sitting motionless. Many consider 20/20 vision, which is the ability to read the eye chart at 20 feet, to be “normal”. Nevertheless, if you managed to score 20/20 vision on your visual acuity exam, it does not necessarily mean a high quality of vision for everyone.
There have been instances where some people define the quality of vision to be levels of clarity, contrast sensitivity, reaction time and other factors.
Researchers have examined LASIK patient satisfaction including how pleased patients are with their vision and how it has affected their quality of life. When mentioning the LASIK success rate, it is also vital to understand possible risks and complications.
When we refer to the LASIK success rate at the LASIK eye center in Los Angeles like Excel Laser Vision Institute, these are the only measurements that count: Does it achieve your vision goals? Does the LASIK surgery give you what you want? Do you find that your lifestyle and career have improved because of it?
Understand What Matters
Research on patient satisfaction after surgery reveals that the most important factors are whether the surgery meets the patient’s expectations. To find your personal LASIK success rate, you have to honestly ask yourself what you anticipate out of your laser vision correction surgery. So, ask yourself the following questions:
- Why are you expecting to achieve after LASIK?
- How do you think LASIK surgery will improve your life?
If you are feeling overwhelmed, just sit yourself down and jot down a few of your expectations. This will come in handy for you and your surgeon performing LASIK in Los Angeles to figure out the best course of action for you.
Many people have heard a lot of positive things about LASIK and PRK in Los Angeles and expect it to improve their lives. However, they usually don’t take a long, comprehensive look at what that signifies – what LASIK can help them do, or do better, or enjoy more. Understanding your personal vision goals helps to define your LASIK success. Additionally, it helps out your eye surgeon immensely since he or she can understand why you want LASIK, and how to guide you through your LASIK experience and set the proper expectations.
Do You Know Why You Want LASIK?
Different people have different reasons for wanting good or even excellent vision. If you have vision problems, there are several reasons to think about LASIK.
For some, LASIK success might mean getting rid of their glasses. Perfect vision could also be important for your current job, or the one you are dreaming of.
When you initially think about success, you think about your career. Therefore, it is not a surprise that people turn to LASIK to do better at their jobs, or land their dream jobs.
For instance, if you are a police officer, firefighter, EMT or another first responder, you will need excellent eyesight. Also, those jobs mean working in the toughest of conditions, and often times it is impossible to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Police who are in pursuit might enter dangerous circumstances and requiring your vision to be at the highest level. You could be putting yourself at great risk. What about a firefighter that has to endure the smoke, water, and steam? If that sounds like you, LASIK success could mean being able to do your job in tough conditions such as fires and arrests, without the hassle of eyeglasses or contact lenses getting in the way.
Pilots who are in military combat and supporting roles, in airlines and overall aviation, need the best eyesight possible since it is a matter of life and death.
As a matter of fact, the Navy and Air Force were the first adaptors of LASIK to make certain the pilots with the best overall qualifications were not excluded because of their vision issues. How would you measure your LASIK success as a pilot? By the ability to do your job and make your passion for flying a reality.
You don’t have to have a heroic profession to consider LASIK. Even photographers are interested in sharpening their vision since it will make it easier for them to use their cameras, and produce better images.
If you have a major life event happening such as graduating from college, getting married, starting a family (running after small children with glasses on isn’t easy) or you are going on a new adventure, LASIK is for you! Laser eye surgery can help you achieve your vision goals, start a new career or hobby, and enhance your overall quality of life.
Get in touch with one of our eye surgeons for more information on our LASIK and PRK treatments in Orange County. Call Excel Laser Vision Institute at (818) 907-8606 today to change the way you see life!
LASIK OR PRK Surgery?
Patients undergo PRK and LASIK in Los Angeles for many reasons! Most want to throw their glasses and contact lenses away for good, because they are sick of them, are constantly misplacing them, or just hate having to wear them daily and are looking into getting laser eye surgery.
Our ophthalmologists performing LASIK in Los Angeles will guide you through the most popular procedures which are LASIK and PRK eye surgery. However, you should know the differences between these two laser eye surgery methods and their benefits.
What Is PRK Eye Surgery?
PRK, or otherwise known as photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of refractive surgery at the LASIK eye center in Los Angeles. It is commonly used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
Did you know that PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction and came before the well-known LASIK procedure? Although PRK recovery takes a tad longer than LASIK eye surgery, PRK is offered at Orange County clinics and provides advantages that LASIK cannot offer to some patients.
Similar to LASIK and other types of laser eye surgery, PRK works by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, which lets light enter the eye to be correctly focused onto the retina for clear vision.
What Is The Difference Between LASIK And PRK?
The primary difference between PRK and LASIK is the first part of the procedures.
During a LASIK procedure, a thin flap is created on the cornea using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. Then, the eye surgeon lifts the flap to reveal the underlying corneal tissue and fixes the flap back over the cornea once he or she reshapes it with an excimer laser.
On the other hand, during a PRK procedure, the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed and disposed of before the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped with an excimer laser. The epithelium has the ability to repair itself by growing back over the corneal surface within a couple of days after surgery.
LASEK is a variation of PRK and is also available at the LASIK clinic in Los Angeles.
Rather than discarding the outer epithelial layer of the cornea as is the case with PRK, LASEK consists of lifting the epithelial layer. The eye surgeon uses a surgical instrument called a trephine, he or she lifts the epithelial layer and preserves it during surgery and then replaces it on the eye’s surface at the end of the procedure.
What Is The Difference Between PRK And LASIK Results?
The outcome of PRK surgery in Los Angeles is similar to LASIK results, but PRK recovery is slower since it takes a few days longer for new epithelial cells to reproduce and cover the surface of the eye.
Also, there is a small possibility of an increased risk of eye infection and fuzzy vision in the first few days after surgery. Furthermore, LASIK patients usually have less discomfort, and their vision improves more quickly, whereas vision recovery with PRK is slow and the final result can take several weeks.
Although PRK is a gradual recovery, it does provide some apparent benefits.
Since PRK surgery does not require the eye surgeon to create a corneal flap, which consists of both epithelial and the deeper stromal tissues, the whole thickness of the underlying stroma is possible for treatment.
This is really important if the cornea is too thin for LASIK or if you have done LASIK in the past and that is the reason for their thinner residual cornea. Also, there is no risk of flap complications, and the risk of taking too much cornea with the excimer laser is lowered.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of PRK?
To put everything is perspective, below is a list of all the pros and cons of PRK.
Advantages
- This laser treatment doesn’t go as deep as LASIK
- Very good for patients who have a thin cornea
- No risk of corneal flap complications
- Lower risk of weakening corneal thickness
Disadvantages
- Recovery is slower than LASIK
- Optimal vision takes longer to achieve
- A higher risk of post-surgery infection, inflammation, and cloudiness
- PRK recovery is more uncomfortable than the recovery that is necessary after LASIK surgery
How Does A Surgeon Perform PRK Surgery?
The eye surgeon will first remove a central area of corneal epithelium using one of three methods: an alcohol solution, a “buffing” device or a blunt surgical instrument.
Afterward, an excimer laser is used to accurately reshape the curvature of the cornea’s surface. An excimer laser is a computer-controlled and highly specialized laser that distributes pulses of cool ultraviolet light that removes microscopic quantities of tissue in an accurate pattern.
The surgeon places a “bandage”, which is a soft contact lens on the patient’s cornea to help protect the eye. New epithelial cells regenerate in around four or five days. After that time, the eye doctor removes the bandage contact lens from the patient’s eye.
What Are The Long term Results Of PRK?
As mentioned before, PRK and LASIK outcomes are very similar. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision after the procedure, and almost all patients receive 20/40 visual acuity or better.
If you are not happy with your vision after your eyes have completely healed, you may want to have a follow-up or “enhancement” procedure to further improve your eyesight.
Alternatively, you can wear eyeglasses for specific tasks as required.
If you experience sensitivity to light after PRK, eyeglasses with photochromic lenses can offer relief.
Furthermore, if you have a slight residual refractive error after surgery, low power prescription lenses with anti-reflective coating can usually sharpen your vision for activities such as driving at night.
Post-operative PRK and LASIK complications are unusual and can comprise of infection and starbursts or halos around lights or at night.
You may find that you still require reading glasses after PRK surgery when you reach your 40s, because of age-related vision loss, which is known as presbyopia.
Although LASIK is the most popular laser vision correction surgery, you should follow your eye doctor’s advice and guidance on whether PRK or LASIK is the most suitable procedure for your requirements. If you want further information about LASIK or PRK, give Excel Laser Vision Institute a call at + (818) 907-8606 today.
Last-Minute Tips Before Going to Your Lasik Eye Center in Los Angeles for Surgery
Everything is almost ready for your upcoming surgery at your Lasik eye center in Los Angeles. You’ve done your research, chosen an experienced Lasik surgeon, and made financing arrangements. As you wait for the big day, there are some things you should cross off your preparation checklist to make the operation as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
6 Last-Minute Tips for Lasik Surgery
Lasik surgery typically takes just a few minutes of precise, computer-controlled laser surgery to reshape the cornea and restore clear eyesight. With over a 95% success rate, it’s one of the safest and most effective ways to correct myopia, astigmatism, farsightedness, and other refractive errors.
Complications from the procedure are extremely rare, and recovery is usually fast and painless. Here are several steps you can take to make the process easier before and after your surgery:
- Stop wearing your contact lenses around two weeks before the procedure.
Contacts tend to reshape corneas, so Lasik surgeons recommend that patients stop wearing them to allow the eyes to return to their normal state.
- Apply your prescription eye drops.
Your eye surgeon may recommend prescription eye drops for dry eyes before your surgery. Make sure you follow the application routine. This will help prevent discomfort after the procedure and assist the healing process.
- Have someone pick you up from the clinic.
Your eyes will be extra sensitive after the surgery. Avoid exposing your eyes to road glare, harsh lights, and strain by arranging for someone to drive or accompany you home from the Lasik eye center in Los Angeles.
- Take a bath and wash your hair the day of your procedure.
To protect your sensitive eyes from water and soap, avoid taking direct showers for at least a week after the procedure. Take a thorough bath and wash your hair right before your surgery.
- Ask a friend or relative to take care of your pets while you recover.
You will have to take it slow and rest as much as you can the first few days after getting corrective eye surgery. If you have pets, consider asking a friend or relative to take them in for a while. This ensures that your pets get walked and fed while you recover from the operation. This also minimizes the risk of exposing your eyes to the sun and pet hair.
- Shop ahead for groceries and prepare food.
Preparing several meals that will last a few days after your surgery ensures that you’re eating healthy meals to aid your recovery. It will also help you avoid standing over a hot stove or oven right after getting Lasik.
Begin Your Journey to Crystal Clear Vision
Now that you’re done with your preparations, the only thing left is to go in for your Lasik surgery appointment. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying perfect vision without the need for glasses or contacts for many years to come!
Still researching your options? Our representatives here at Excel Laser Vision Institute would be happy to help. Call us at +1 866 923 9235 to discuss laser eye surgery cost, benefits, and other factors that will affect your procedure.
The Advantages of Corrective Eye Surgery vs. Eyeglasses for Drivers
Many drivers who struggle with eye problems try to compensate by wearing eyeglasses behind the wheel. However, this presents its own problems since visual issues can change over time, and eyeglasses don’t always address such developments, among other things. Stay safe when driving by choosing the permanent, proven benefits of corrective eye surgery instead.
Signs of Eyesight Problems while Driving
Eyesight issues typically develop over time, which means it can sneak up on drivers who don’t immediately notice the effects of their deteriorating eyesight. These questions can help you determine whether your vision needs intervention:
- Do you find it difficult to drive at night?
- Do you get agitated, anxious, or confused while on the road?
- Do you struggle to read traffic lights, street signs, and highway signs?
- Do lights, especially at night, appear with halos or glares?
- Do you find it hard to drive at the speed limit?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you might be a great candidate for corrective eye surgery. Eyeglasses might offer a quick fix, but the long-term advantages of Lasik surgery make it the best option for drivers.
Advantages of Lasik Surgery over Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses may clarify your vision while you’re wearing them, but the unique visual challenges of driving can make them an unsuitable choice. Corrective eye surgery from an excellent Lasik eye center in Los Angeles offers a better alternative for drivers for these reasons:
- It does not add another layer of glass to your line of sight.
Car windshields, especially when it’s raining, are already hard to look through if you’re suffering from visual issues. It becomes doubly difficult to see the road clearly when you’ve got another layer of glass adding to the challenge.
Lasik surgery removes the need for eyeglasses or contacts by restoring your perfect vision, allowing you to focus on the road ahead without additional obstructions.
- It reduces the risk of glare.
Glasses easily catch glare, especially when you’re driving under direct sunlight or looking at street lights and car headlights at night, making it hard to see objects and other vehicles.
Since its results aren’t reliant on eyeglasses, laser eye surgery dramatically reduces the incidence of glare. The procedure also diminishes similar issues such as halos and blurriness when driving at night.
- It treats vision problems correctly.
It can still be difficult to identify road signs while wearing glasses, especially if you have the wrong prescription or your current one does not properly address your specific visual conditions. Eye problems like astigmatism or myopia often require prescription changes once every two years.
Before undergoing corrective eye surgery, your Lasik surgeon will first diagnose the exact eye issue you have. Coupled with a stable prescription for at least one year, laser eye surgery brings back your clear eyesight by correcting the vision problem itself. It doesn’t just address the symptoms of your visual issues the way eyeglasses do.
- It improves your visual skills.
Since visual issues tend to worsen over time, regular eyeglasses prescription updates are a must. Otherwise, your eyeglasses can contribute to the deterioration of your general vision, especially those that are critical for driving such as field of vision, color vision, night vision, depth perception, and more.
This problem is removed when you choose laser surgery —you get to practice your visualization skills to the fullest without worrying about a worsening prescription.
Improve Driving and Road Safety with Lasik Surgery
Stay safe when driving by restoring clear eyesight! If you’re struggling with driving due to your vision, visit a Lasik eye center instead of reaching for your eyeglasses. Consult the best Lasik surgeons in Los Angeles here at Excel Laser Vision Institute to determine the best treatment for your vision problem. Call us today at + (818) 907-8606 to set an appointment!