What is Laser Vision Correction?
Laser vision correction refers to several types of laser eye surgery that can dramatically improve your life and the way you see - making you less dependent on glasses or contact lenses permanently.
During surgery, a state-of-the-art Excimer laser is used by an expert ophthamologist (eye surgeon) to reshape the cornea, the front part of the eye. This lets you focus better. After the procedure, most patients can drive without needing glasses or contact lenses.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK surgery?
With LASIK, one laser is used to create a thin superficial flap that is raised up temporarily, before another laser is used to reshape the surface of the cornea. In PRK, after wiping away the most superficial layer of the surface of the cornea, the Excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. Your ophthalmologist can help you decide which is best for you.
Is Laser Vision Correction Right for You?
Laser Vision Correction, including LASIK and PRK, work by reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. People who are nearsighted have more trouble seeing far away.
People who are farsighted have more trouble seeing things close to the eyes, like reading a book. When you have astigmatism, the surface of the cornea is shaped more like a football than a baseball, which makes it difficult to see both near and far.
Your CHA ophthalmologist will tell you if your vision problems can be helped by laser vision correction. They will do an eye exam and special testing (refractions, corneal topography and corneal pachymetry).
You must be 18 years old or older to have laser vision correction.