Laser Vision Correction: LASIK and PRK

Refractive errors are optical imperfections that prevent the eye from properly focusing (refracting) light, causing blurred vision. Refractive surgery, also known as LASIK or PRK, is a laser procedure used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In the procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea—the clear, round dome at the front of the eye—to improve the way the eye focuses light rays onto the retina at the back of the eye.

During your refractive surgery consultation, your doctor will consider many options to help eliminate or reduce your need for glasses. There are many factors to consider and not everyone is a candidate for laser vision correction. Your doctor may recommend refractive lens exchange as an alternative vision correction treatment.

For patients who want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contacts, the iDESIGN® Refractive Studio is the next generation of personalized laser assisted vision correction. The iDESIGN® system takes over 1,200 measurements of the inside and outside of your eye and maps each data point to create an optical fingerprint unique to each patient’s eye. Using the personalized procedure plan, the laser corrects your vision to your exact needs.

iDESIGN® technology is approved for patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, making laser vision correction available for some patients who were previously not candidates for refractive surgery. iDESIGN® technology is also approved for monovision, a procedure designed for patients over 40 years old who are experiencing blurry near vision due to aging of their eyes, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision.

More than 90% of people who have refractive surgery perform most of their everyday tasks without glasses or contact lenses. Your doctor will consider your vision needs for work and leisure activities to determine if refractive surgery is right for you.

Some patients may need a second enhancement surgery or might need to wear glasses for certain activities, such as reading or driving at night. Refractive surgery cannot correct presbyopia, the age-related loss of closeup focusing power, so you may still need reading glasses after the procedure.

Schedule an appointment
We offer refractive surgery consultations at our Downtown Columbia clinic location. Contact us at (803) 779-3070 to schedule an examination to determine if you are a candidate for refractive surgery.

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