Having realistic expectations is critical. Laser vision correction is used to significantly reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts but there is no guarantee that you will not have to use some form of eye wear for such tasks as night driving or to obtain your best possible vision after the procedure. Most or all patients will eventually need glasses or contacts for reading when they develop the natural aging process of the eye known as presbyopia.

Laser surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear window in front of the eye, which provides two-thirds of the focusing or refractive power of the eye (the lens located behind the iris and pupil provides one third).

Near-sightedness is corrected by making the cornea flatter. Far-sightedness is corrected by making the corneal curve steeper while astigmatism is corrected by returning the cornea to a spherical shape. excimer lasers were first developed by the computer industry for precisely etching microchips. The same cold ultraviolet beam with the assistance of computer technology accurately removes corneal tissue, altering its shape.

To correct most vision problems the amount of corneal tissue removed is less than a third of the thickness of a human hair! The excimer laser is a unique type of laser that does not burn or cut tissue. Instead it breaks the molecular bonds between cells so that controlled amounts of tissue are literally vaporized, one microscopic layer at a time (photoablation). Being a cold laser beam, there is no chance of thermal (heat) damage to any remaining tissue, and as a result the cornea heals extremely well.

(Near-Sightedness) - In near-sightedness (myopia), the focusing power of the eyes is far stronger, relative to the length of the eye. Light rays are bent to meet at a point in front of the retina, making distance vision blurred.

(Far-Sightedness) - In far-sighted (hyperopic) eyes the focusing power is too weak relative to the length of the eye. Light rays are bent to meet at a point beyond the retina, making close-up vision blurred.

Astigmatism can cause vision to be blurred or distorted at any distance. This is due to the cornea being non-spherical in shape, (oval like a rugby ball as opposed to round like a soccer ball) resulting in light rays being focused at multiple points instead of at one precise point on the retina.

Presbyopia is often referred to as "vision after forty". It results from the natural aging process that makes the lens of the eye less elastic resulting in blurred near vision, particularly blurred reading vision. Presbyopia can be treated by a process known as monovision.

Monovision is where the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. This removes the need for bifocal or progressive lenses but can take a few weeks of adjustment for a patient.

(Photorefractive Keratectomy) - PRK treats lower degrees of myopia and astigmatism problems. PRK involves the removal of the surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) before the laser correction begins.

It is well documented that patients can experience one to two days of discomfort after PRK, while the epithelium cells of the cornea grow back. This discomfort is easily managed with medication. Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida will provide all the necessary medication as a part of their normal patient care.

(Laser in-situ Keratomileusis) - LASIK treats myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The technique falls into two distinct steps; the creation of a corneal flap with specialized instruments and the subsequent lasering of the corneal bed.

The first step uses an instrument called a microkeratome, which cuts a very thin layer of corneal tissue to create a flap. The laser is then applied to reshape the corneal bed to meet the patient's refractive requirements. After the laser is applied the flap is replaced in its original position. This heals quickly, adhering within 24 hours without the need for stitches.

Surgery is usually performed at the University Eye Surgery Center and the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.

With either procedure an eyelid retainer is used to prevent blinking. Anesthetic drops are used to numb the eyes. No i.v. is needed and patients need not change from their street clothes. Mild sedation is given if necessary. The patient is asked to focus on a blinking red light throughout the procedure in order to center the treatment. It is not uncommon for patients to move their eyes during the procedure. If this should occur the surgeon will halt the treatment temporarily until the eye stops moving. We encourage patients to remain as still as possible for the short while the procedure takes. The laser can be precisely activated or deactivated in a fraction of a second by the doctor.

We require that individuals using gas-permeable or hard contact lenses completely discontinue their use for 3 weeks prior to the consultation and procedure. For typical soft lens users, 7 days of complete discontinuance is required prior to the consultation and procedure. This is imperative to obtaining accurate information for pre-operative planning.

With LASIK surgery usually both eyes are done together.

Everyone heals in an individual manner, which is independent of surgeon, laser and technique. Some patients discover their best vision after surgery not equal to the level prior to surgery with their glasses/contacts, some find it better, and the majority find it the same. The final result depends upon not only the procedure but also the individual's healing process. Healing determines the speed of recovery, the sharpness of vision, and the likelihood of the need for an enhancement. With either procedure functional visual recovery usually occurs in one to a few days although final visual results may take weeks to realize. We never assure 20/20 vision after the procedure but are delighted to report that approximately 98% of typically nearsighted patients ultimately end up with vision within 2 lines of 20/20.