Refractive Surgery (LASIK)

LASIK is the most advanced of the refractive surgery techniques. Years ago there was radial keratotomy (or RK). This was followed several years later by PRK, or the first laser technique. We were not comfortable with RK and never recommended the procedure. We became more interested in refractive surgery with the advent of PRK, but still had some questions and again, never recommended it to our patients. With both techniques we had concerns about long-term safety and accuracy.

With the advent of the LASIK technique we believe that the safety and accuracy questions have been largely resolved. The new procedure has an excellent safety record and the after-surgery side effects are minimal.  Since 1999, we have worked with Dr. Larry Womack at Valley Laser now called TLC in Fargo. Dr. Womack has successfully treated over 15,000 eyes and we are very comfortable with his work. We have also recommended a refractive surgery practice in the Twin Cities: Dr. Richard Lindstrom and Dr. David Hardten. These two doctors have done more refractive surgery procedures than any other doctor in the North Central United States (and more than 99% of all doctors in the entire US). They do an excellent job and have the background to deal with more difficult cases and any complication that might arise. In addition, they specialize in the newest procedures.

The LASIK procedure involves cutting a "flap" of corneal tissue from the front surface of your eye and folding that flap back. After the flap is out of the way a computer controlled laser treats your eye for 10 to 90 seconds, depending on the type of correction you need. The flap is then unfolded back to its original position on your eye and you are sent home! The actual procedure happens very quickly. The primary advantage of LASIK is the quick healing. Since the flap is returned back in place, your eye has a natural "bandage" that enhances comfort and faster healing.  Our patients who have had this procedure typically drive themselves to our office the day after surgery! They are comfortable enough to do nearly every activity and see well enough to drive without glasses. A remarkable recovery!

LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

AM I A CANDIDATE?
A complete vision examination at InVision Eye Care, P.A. can determine whether a patient is an ideal candidate. We work in conjunction with the surgeons during the complete procedure to ensure the best results possible.

Everyone’s eyes are different, and not everyone is suited for refractive surgery. Experience helps an optometrist determine whether or not you are a candidate. Here are some of the general guidelines for choosing LASIK candidates:

Your eyes must be healthy. Health conditions such as chronic dry eyes, conjunctivitis, injury, cataracts, keratoconus, or glaucoma may disqualify you.

You must be an adult.

You must have stable vision for at least one year.

If you are pregnant or nursing, certain hormonal changes will affect your eyes.

Degenerative or autoimmune diseases are disqualifiers as well.

What is the schedule for LASIK? Typically you would need to schedule your surgery about 1 - 3 months ahead. One week before the procedure you will be seen at our office for a final eye health evaluation, a corneal topography (contour map of the front surface of your eye) and a cycloplegic refraction. A cycloplegic refraction simply means the optometrist will check your spectacle prescription after instilling eye drops that dilate your eyes. On the day of surgery the surgeon’s office will do a couple of final measurements and perform the LASIK procedure. Depending on where the procedure is done you may be seen the next day at their office or our office. We will do all the post-op care for six months: one week, one month, three months, and six months.

PRK
Laser treatment without cutting the flap. Although initially there were some safety concerns this technique has improved significantly.

LASEK
LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) is a relatively new procedure that is technically a variation of PRK. Also called epithelial LASIK or E-LASIK, LASEK is used mostly for people with corneas that are too thin or too flat for LASIK. It was developed to reduce the chance of complications that occur when the flap created during LASIK is not the ideal thickness or diameter.

INTRALASE
The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free technique used to perform the critical first step in the LASIK procedure: creating the corneal flap. The creation of the corneal flap prepares the eye for the second step of the LASIK procedure, where an excimer laser is used on the inner cornea to correct vision.

ORBSCAN
The Orbscan is a very special test that helps the doctors at ICON determine if you are a candidate for LASIK. It is the only test that can show us the shape of the posterior surface of your cornea.