Refractive Surgery: Overview of RK, PRK and LASIK

Today, refractive surgery is becoming the most commonly performed procedure in eye surgery. More people are finding that the time-honored methods of dealing with imperfect vision, such as glasses or contact lenses, are no longer desirable or adequate for today's demanding lifestyles.

Refractive procedures have become more precise, and offer a broader range of correction to include nearsightedness, astigmatism and hyperopia. Yet, each procedure has it's advantages and disadvantages. Limited glasses wear may still be needed.

The information on this site is presented to help your understanding of refractive surgery and it's various options. By having such information, you can make a good decision about having refractive surgery based on your own needs and realistic expectations. Your doctors staff are pleased to offer types of refractive surgery, so that we can meet the needs of virtually all our patients.

Click in the what is column to see a description of the procedures in detail.

No Stitch Cataract Surgery

To determine if your cataract should be removed, your ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye examination. Before surgery, your eye will be measured to determine the proper power of the intra ocular lens that will be placed in your eye. Ask your ophthalmologist if you should continue taking your usual medications before surgery. You should be make arrangements to have someone drive you home after surgery.

Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. You may be asked to skip breakfast, depending on the time of your surgery.

When you arrive for surgery, you will be given eye drops and perhaps a mild sedative to help make you comfortable. A local anesthetic will numb your eye. The skin around your eye will be thoroughly cleansed, and sterile coverings will be placed around your head. you may see light and movement, but you will not be able to see the surgery while it is happening.

Under an operating microscope, a small incision is made in the eye. In most cataract surgeries, tiny surgical instruments are used to break apart and remove the cloudy lens from the eye. The back membrane of the lens is left in place.

A plastic, acrylic, or silicone intra ocular lens is implanted in the eye to replace the natural lens that was removed.

After surgery is completed, your doctor may place a shield over your eye. After a short stay in the outpatient recovery area, you will be ready to go home.