By far the most commonly done laser vision correction procedure done today is LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis). To be a good candidate for this, you must have a significant distance refractive error, and you must have been stable with your prescription power for at least two years.
"Ever since I had my eyes done in 1997 I've enjoyed the freedom of great vision!" - Dr. Steve Briggs
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
In order to make an educated decision on whether or not refractive surgery is for you, you should watch our other videos, visit these sites, and book a full eye exam and pre-op consultation with your optometrist. You should also consider silicone hydrogel continuous wear contacts as a lower cost alternative.
More information on this wonderful sight-restoring surgery. There are several types of refractive surgery possible today, but here we will concentrate on LASIK, and it's predecessor, PRK.
CLICK FOR REALVIDEO:
VIEW A LASIK PROCEDURE 1197K (STREAMING)
LASIK (LASER IN SITU KERATOMILEUSIS) is now the most commonly done and best procedure at this time. It is usually done bilaterally, and allows for very quick recovery. Read detailed LASIK info and watch the LASIK video.
The first step is research. Here's how!
CLICK FOR .AVI FILES: READY TO TAKE THE LEAP? 813K
PRK PREPARATION 566K (STREAMING)
PRK (PHOTO REFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY) has been replaced by LASIK as the procedure of choice, requires longer recovery time, but is still an option. I (Dr. Steve Briggs) had PRK on 2/10/97 to correct myopia and astigmatism. Watch my procedure online or in our office: preparation video
RESEARCH YOUR SURGEON 2234K
VIEW A PRK PROCEDURE 1572K (STREAMING)
In PRK, the laser reshaping of the cornea is done on the corneal surface, after removing the outer epithelium. In LASIK, a corneal flap is created in the top third of the cornea, and the re-shaping done internally. Otherwise, the two procedures are essentially identical. procedure video
With Your Optometrist: Pre-op Evaluation
SEE YOUR OPTOMETRIST 4151K
PRK POST-OP: BANDAGE CL 506K (STREAMING)
PRK requires longer recovery time, because the epithelium must grow back, whereas in LASIK, all that has to heal is the hemispherical flap incision. However, LASIK is contra-indicated in some people, such as some diabetics or people that have had retinal detachments. You can read my PRK recovery journal here. post-op video
Contra-indications, realistic expectations, and what are the different techniques used? Here is some background on less commonly performed procedures and alternatives to refractive surgery.
