The ABCs of LASIK: Exploring the Prerequisites for Perfect Vision
At Nittany Eye Associates, in partnership with the Laser Center of Central Pennsylvania, we offer advanced laser eye procedures to improve your vision and provide the visual freedom you desire.
Explore the range of laser eye surgeries we offer and benefit from a complimentary consultation with our team.
What to Expect During Your LASIK Procedure
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis, is one of North America's most popular elective procedures. This quick outpatient procedure takes just 5-15 minutes per eye and is designed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea.
Here’s what you can expect during your LASIK procedure:
Step 1 - Creating a Protective Flap: We start by numbing your eye with gentle drops. Then, one of our experienced eye surgeons will create a protective corneal flap, minimizing post-procedure discomfort by preserving the surface layer of the cornea.
Step 2 - Precision Reshaping with the Laser: Computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light are precisely applied to reshape the inner layers of your cornea, replicating your contact lens or glasses prescription with exceptional accuracy.
Step 3 - Safely Replacing the Flap: After the laser treatment, our surgeon gently repositions the corneal flap, allowing it to heal naturally and securely. Discomfort is minimal, and you'll likely notice dramatic visual improvements within days.
Customized LASIK with Wavefront Technology
This innovative LASIK approach customizes the procedure to your individual eyes using advanced wavefront technology known as a Wavefront Analyzer. The analyzer measures how light reflects onto your retina, enabling your eye surgeon to compare it to an image of an eye with perfect vision.
This information is then used to create a 3-D wavefront map that’s unique to you, enhancing your chances of achieving 20/20 vision. This also reduces your chances of experiencing glare and halos, potentially offering better overall vision, even at night.
PRK: An Alternative to LASIK for Vision Correction
PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy, is a refractive eye surgery used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. As the first laser eye surgery for vision correction, PRK is the predecessor to LASIK.
Unlike LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea without creating a flap, making it ideal for individuals with larger pupils, thin corneas, dry eyes, or other corneal concerns.
What Can You Expect During A PRK Procedure
Step 1 - Preparing the Cornea: To start, we gently remove the protective surface layer (epithelium) from the cornea, a process that regenerates within a few days.
Step 2 - Precision Reshaping with the Laser: Our skilled eye surgeon will apply computer-controlled laser light to reshape the inner corneal layers, aligning them with your prescription for clear vision.
Step 3 - Aiding the Healing Process: A clear "bandage" contact lens is placed on your cornea to protect it, and additional eye drops are applied. This lens is usually worn for three days and then removed by our expert team.
While you may experience minor discomfort or irritation for a few days, our team will provide effective medications to manage any discomfort. Prescription eye drops will also be part of your routine for several weeks to months after the procedure.