LASER REFRACTIVE SURGERY

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LASIK and PRK are types of ‘refractive surgery’ intended to reduce a person’s reliance on contact lenses or spectacles. Both procedures can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

 

Both LASIK and PRK apply the excimer laser to reshape the cornea. They are done as an outpatient and require only topical (drops) anesthesia.

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Am I eligible for refractive surgery?

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To be eligible, you must be

• over 18 years old

• have a stable spectacle correction

• have adequately thick corneas

• have no ophthalmic disease

• have no medical diseases that contradict refractive surgery

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Is there risk to Laser Refractive Surgery?

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Refractive surgery is a low-risk procedure, but no procedure is without risk. Risks may include infection, halos or glare, dryness, less that precise mathematical correction.

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Will I need reading glasses after refractive surgery?

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Refractive surgery cannot take away the need for reading glasses (presbyopia), but, when deemed appropriate, the two eyes can be corrected differently so as to allow one eye to see far and the other to read. This approach requires discussion with your ophthalmologist.

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