2019 Facts About LASIK and LASEK

Laser vision correction is more widely accessible today than ever before. Eyeglasses and contacts can be a thing of the past with just a few clicks, a consultation, and simple surgery. Vision correction with a laser is the most common surgery in the United States. Roughly over 600,000 laser eye procedures are done every year. Not only is it the most common surgical procedure, it is the most successful as well. Laser vision correction is performed in an attempt to cure Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism.

There are two main types of laser vision correction which include LASIK and LASEK (PRK). One is not better than the other. The right treatment to correct your vision will depend on your diagnosis, age, and lifestyle. In general, the differences include:

LASIK – This is a type of refractive surgery that is used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. A microscopic protective flap is created to allow access to the inner cornea. After this is done a laser light is used to reshape the cornea surface gently which alters focusing power and will improve your vision. The protective flap is then positioned to protect the eye and help in the healing process. Patients most often report an instant improvement in their vision after treatment.

LASEK (PRK) – This type of surgery is similar to LASIK however uses a different method to expose the cornea for treatment. Instead of a flap like in LASIK, LASEK is done directly to the surface of the eye and then the laser is applied. To protect the eye and provide protection after surgery a bandage contact lens is put over the eye. Vision improvements occur over time in a gradual process. The bandage contact lens is taken off about a week after surgery.

Both LASIK and LASEK are considered safe medical procedures. There are risks however they have significantly lower complications then other procedures. They have been proven to be safe procedures. 20+ million people since 1996 have had some type of laser vision treatment to correct vision impairments. As with all medical procedures as technology advances the risks involved lessen. Technological advancements make laser vision safer, less invasive, and quicker recovery times.

Many laser vision correction candidates want to know about the likelihood they will go blind after LASIK and LASEK. Although there are risks involved, there has never been a case where LASIK was the primary cause of blindness to a patient. That is not to say it can’t happen however there is a likelihood of 1 in 5 million that LASIK would be a primary cause of blindness. If you think about it in other terms there is a 1 in 1.2 million chance of becoming a movie star, 1 in 3.75 million chance of being bit by a shark, and 1 in 12,000 of lightning striking you.

Common side effects of laser vision surgery include:

Dry Eyes
Glare
Halos
Starbursts
Ghosting

Most of the side effects experienced will disappear as healing occurs. It is important to take care of yourself during the healing process in order to experience the best outcome.

As with anything, your odds of something going wrong decrease significantly when you choose a reputable facility such as Rohr Eye and Laser Center and top laser correction surgeons like Dr. Rohr. When you are looking for a local laser vision correction facility it is critical to look for experience, technology, and reviews.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

November 30, 2018

LASIK: A Popular Laser Eye Surgery Method

LASIK is a widely practiced method of laser eye surgery. Vision is improved using laser vision correction techniques like LASIK through a reshaping of the tissue underneath the top later of the eye.

It is often hard to really describe what LASIK is and what is involved without using a lot of technical mumbo jumbo. The jest of it boils down to the fact that when vision needs correcting and a surgical option is sought, whether we are correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatisms, a procedure using a refractive laser is performed to restore proper vision in the eye. LASIK is the most popular and most widely accepted surgical method used in treating refractive errors and is done by reshaping the cornea in a manner that allows light to focus properly.

LASIK surgeons create a flap near the front of the eye that exposes the inner layers of tissue on the cornea to allow the laser to shape the cornea. This is done by removing exposed tissue that is preventing the light to focus as need be. The surgery is completed when the surgeon seals up the eye by closing the flap. The eye is given time to heal and vision often returns to near perfect within a matter of twenty-four hours.

Benefits of LASIK

Experience: LASIK is a form of laser vision correction that has been in place form more than twenty years. Surgeons have been performing this procedure for many years and are very experienced correcting several defects within the cornea of the eye.
Recovery: The recovery process is unlike any other. Your vision starts to become clearer within just a couple hours of surgery. What other surgical procedure of this nature do you see drastic results like this?
Obtainability: LASIK is a very popular procedure and performed across the state of Michigan. Rohr Eye & Laser Center sees patients from all around the area. It is safe to say that almost every office offering laser vision correction offers LASIK as an available procedure.

Possible Side Effects

All surgeries have the potential for side effects and LASIK is no different, although highly rare. Possible side effects can include:

Flap Complications: In order to reach the cornea a flap is made in the outer layer of the eye. Side effects to the flap specifically can include infection, inflammation, and dislocation. The flap is intended to adhere back into location right after surgery however is it doesn’t seal back together with the corneal tissue, issues can arise. The flap rests on the eye so there is opportunity present for it to dislodge during healing. Therefore, it is recommended to lay low and avoid any contact sports or intense activities during the healing process.
Dry Eye: Dry eyes can occur after laser vision correction surgery. Nerves in the eye are cut during the procedure which can reduce the sensation to blink. When a person doesn’t blink often enough it will not stay as lubricated as it needs to. Although uncomfortable, dry eyes will often improve quickly.

LASIK is one of many laser vision correction methods performed at Rohr Eye and Laser Center. For a detailed, FREE consultation call the office to schedule a time to meet with our dedicated team.

April 5, 2018

Improving Eyesight One LASIK Surgery at a Time

There are many solutions when it comes to correcting vision problems. Some individuals choose to wear contacts and glasses to make their day to day sight better while others investigate more convenient vision correction methods such as laser vision correction including: LASIK, PRK, and LASEK. There are a number of benefits that come with choosing surgery to correct their vision on a more permanent basis. Although glasses and contacts have been the solution for vision problems since the 1300’s, laser eye surgery offers an innovative approach that allows users proper vision without the use of daily aides.

As with any surgery, the benefits must outweigh the drawbacks or people would not opt to participate as is the case when it comes to laser vision correction surgery. If patients have specific questions, detailed to their vision situation directly, they should meet with an eye surgeon for a consultation. Below we will focus on the benefits that most patients receive after correcting their vision with LASIK, LASEK, or PRK.

Improved Eyesight

In studies that have been performed LASIK has proven to be effective, meaning patients have improved vision after the procedure. For over eighty-five percent of patients 20/20 eyesight returns while over ninety-five percent achieve 20/40. Irrespective, the results received through laser vision correction surgery are quiet stunning. For most participants an impressive upgrade in vision is had.

Lasting Results

Perfect vision is not obtained instantaneously after LASIK, in fact it may take several months for your vision to adjust to its new normal. However, once your vision has settled into its new normal the change will be permanent. Eyesight deterioration from age is possible later down the road but is easily corrected with a follow up surgery.

Quick Recovery

Although you won’t be driving yourself home from the surgery most LASIK patients return to life as normal in as little as twenty-four hours. Unlike most types of surgery, eye surgery is relatively simple as far as the recovery process is concerned.

Barrier Free Vision

Although there is a cost associated with laser vision surgery, it is far less than the amount of money individuals will spend over a lifetime paying for eye exams, glasses, and contacts. Each year individuals need to replace glasses and contacts. This can add up over time not to mention can become quite a hassle if misplaced or broken. With LASIK you will never have to worry about losing a contact, breaking your glasses or what not.

People started to become aware of the benefits of LASIK around the 80’s with an increase in popularity in the mid 90’s. LASIK is a common procedure that gives patients the freedom of vision without eyewear. With this surgery there is no need to be concerned with glasses and contacts and how they will affect spur of the moment plans like swimming.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including LASEK, PRK, AK, CK, Cataract surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment.

March 13, 2018

Four Common Types of Laser Eye Surgery

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are not the only ways to correct vision issues. Laser eye surgery can correct vision problems, bring back 20/20 vision and reduce or in most cases eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses. Eye surgery is not for everyone, but you are considered a likely candidate for laser vision correction if you are over 21 years and your prescription hasn’t changed over the past three years. You are also a good candidate if you have astigmatism, which is an oddly shaped cornea, or you are short or long-sighted.

Thanks to modern technology, approaches to the different laser eye surgery range from reshaping the curvature of the eye’s clear front surface, known as the cornea in procedures such as LASIK and PRK to the surgical insertion of artificial lenses to refocus light rays to sharpen vision and correct a patient’s eyesight. You need a laser-specific eye exam to determine which of the following laser eye surgeries are ideal for your specific needs:

LASIK or Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis for nearsightedness is the most common outpatient laser eye surgery that takes about 15 minutes per eye under local anesthesia. It involves creating a super-thin flap in the thin outer layer of the eye known as the epithelium then floating it away from the eye’s surface with alcohol so that the laser reshaping of the eye can occur. Recovery from this procedure is fast with only minor irritations such as dry eyes.
PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy laser vision correction surgery uses a laser to treat vision problems caused by refractive errors, which is when your eye does not refract or bend light properly. Over 21-year olds with the dry-eye syndrome, thin corneas, myopias, astigmatism, including those who are near and farsighted and can benefit from this laser eye surgery in which the ophthalmologist changes the shape of the cornea to improve how light rays are focused on the retina. Healing after this surgery takes about five days where a patient “may” end up with a 20/40 vision without glasses or contact lenses.
LASEK or Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis eye surgery is used to treat patients with thin corneas, including those with astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness. During surgery, a surgeon creates a thick flap using a mechanical device under which the cornea sculpting is done. The entire laser eye surgery process takes approximately two hours during which patients remain awake and made comfortable using anesthetic eye drops. Individuals who undergo this procedure notice a distinct improvement and regain a level of clarity and sharpness without the need for glasses or contacts.
Epi-LASIK or Epithelial Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis laser vision correction procedure is like LASIK surgery, except the flap created on the cornea is thinner than a LASIK flap and its created with surgical a tool that has a sharp blade known as an epithelial separator. Many patients do report a 20/40 or a 20/20 vision a few days after surgery.

If you are looking to reduce or even get rid of your eye glasses and/or contacts let us at Rohr Eye & Laser Center help you! We offer several types of LASIK eye surgery including PRK, AK, CK, Cataracts surgery and more. We perform all these eye laser treatments with state of the art equipment. We are a leader in laser vision correction, and our goal is to help you achieve superior vision. Contact us today or view our website http://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment.

November 2, 2017

A Guide to LASIK and Laser Eye Surgery

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is the most common type of laser eye surgery. As a relatively straight-forward procedure, LASIK eye surgery has helped to restore vision to those suffering from a range of eye conditions.

Anyone with eyeglasses or contact lenses will no longer need to rely on eyecare to see properly after undergoing LASIK eye surgery

How Does It Work?

This form of laser eye surgery works by using a laser to correct the irregular shape of the patient’s cornea (the surface of the eye). To do this, a surgical tool known as a microkeratome is used to create a small flap on the cornea, after which the laser is used to reshape the corneal surface.

As an irregular cornea causes light to enter the eye incorrectly, the surface must be reshaped during surgery to help make it more even, allowing light to enter properly. This restores vision and removes the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Other Types of Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK eye surgery is the most common form of laser eye surgery, although there are several other options available too. This includes:

LASEK – Similar to LASIK surgery but designed for patients with thin cornea. While the corneal surface is still corrected, it requires a thin layer of tissue covering the cornea (the epithelium) to be temporarily removed to one side before correcting the cornea. A microkeratome isn’t used either, with a tool known as a trephine used to create the flap instead.

PRK – One of the first forms of laser eye surgery, it is not unlike LASEK surgery, with the main difference being the epithelium is completely removed rather than partially removed. This epithelium grows back naturally over time, although the procedure is now less commonly used in favour of LASEK eye surgery.

IntraLASIK – Almost identical to LASIK surgery, with the main difference being a laser is used to create the flap rather than a microkeratome.

Eye Conditions Treated by LASIK Eye Surgery

There are a host of eye conditions that can be effectively treated with LASIK and other forms of laser eye surgery. This includes:

Myopia – Commonly known as short-sightedness, the condition makes it difficult to focus on objects from longer distances. It can make tasks that require distance vision difficult, such as driving.

Hyperopia – Commonly known as long-sightedness, this condition results in nearby objects being out of focus. This makes things like reading small text quite difficult, and many sufferers strain their eyes trying to read, leading to headaches.

Astigmatism – A common condition where blurry vision is caused by an irregular shaped cornea. Quite common for those that requires eyeglasses, and the condition is caused at birth so can only be permanently removed through laser eye surgery.

Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery

Most people will get LASIK surgery as it offers the quickest recovery period of all other treatments, minimising any disruption from the surgery.

Of course, the most obvious benefit is you no longer require eyeglasses and/or contract lenses. This is very relieving for many people, especially those with several types of eye conditions. You can do many things that were once impossible to do due to poor vision.

LASIK eye surgery – and all laser eye surgery – is one of the safest surgical procedures available. It requires no anaesthetic and is virtually pain-free, meaning you don’t have to spend hours recovering from surgery.

Michigan Lasik also known as Rohr eye and laser center offers 3 different types of LASIK eye surgeries. To find out which option works best for you, give us a call at 977-579-0202. We are an eye treatment center located in Grand Blanc, Michigan. You can also visit our website at michiganLasik.com