LASIK is the most common type of Laser Eye Surgery performed at Doctor & Associates to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. As a Corneal Specialist and LASIK Surgeon Leslie Doctor, M.D. has been performing LASIK since 1994-more than 20 years! Our experiences and outcomes are consistent with the LASIK Quality of Life Collaboration Project between the FDA, National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense and data from PROWL studies reported by the FDA, in that with thorough screening and preoperative testing, careful patient selection and realistic patient expectations, in the hands of experienced surgeons, there is little negative effect and LASIK is safe, effective, predictable and beneficial over long time horizons. During your LASIK consultation we will be taking all the measurements necessary to help you determine if LASIK surgery or some other type of laser vision correction such as PRK is going to give you the best possible results. We will take the time necessary to review our examination results with you and answer your questions so that you can make informed decisions about Laser Vision Correction.
LASIK Surgery is a type of Laser Eye Surgery called “lamellar eye surgery” because it is performed between the layers of corneal tissue. This is accomplished by creating a very thin flap of corneal tissue that can be lifted.
Then the laser energy applied.
The laser energy application is then followed by returning of the flap to its original position without the need for sutures or stitches.
LASIK offers patients a Laser Vision Correction procedure with minimal discomfort and a quick visual recovery. As a Corneal Specialist, Dr. Leslie Doctor’s training, experience and expertise in performing Corneal Surgery such as LASIK offers our patients an added sense of confidence in the safety, efficacy and predictability of having LASIK in Connecticut at Doctor & Associates.
PRK has been performed in the United States since 1995 and as such has withstood the test of time in terms of safety, efficacy and predictability. The PRK procedure is somewhat similar to LASIK in that the laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to correct your vision. The key difference between PRK and LASIK is that no “flap” is created during PRK. Instead, the laser is used to produce your optical correction by reshaping the outermost surface of the cornea, rather than under a flap, as in LASIK. PRK requires the removal of a thin layer of the corneal epithelium, which may produce varying degrees of temporary discomfort for up to a few days after your treatment. In general PRK provides a slower visual recovery than LASIK.
With PRK, Dr. Doctor will often prescribe additional medications and a thin, soft bandage contact lens to make you more comfortable for a few days after your treatment. PRK has a distinct place for some patients. PRK is recommended for those patients: a) whose corneas are too thin to have LASIK safely, b) whose corneas display evidence of scarring from infection or trauma, or c) who are active or reserve military personnel.
You should feel free to discuss any fears, concerns, questions or thoughts about LASIK or any corneal laser eye surgery with Dr. Doctor or the staff. Our staff is available to answer any questions or to address any needs you may have regarding Laser Vision Correction at Doctor & Associates. We will be pleased to spend whatever time is necessary to review any information about the PRK or LASIK procedure, what to expect on PRK or LASIK surgery day, follow-up care, fees and affordable “no money down” easy monthly payment plans that will fit into your budget.
