There is a reason why so many people are opting for refractive laser eye surgery: it really can improve eyesight, and in many cases drastically. Refractive laser eye surgery is a comfortable, safe and effective outpatient procedure that corrects a wide range of vision problems, including;

  • nearsightedness
  • farsightedness
  • astigmatism

Refractive surgery provides a number of very important advantages. There is typically little or no post-operative discomfort. Recovery is fast and complications are extremely rare. Vision returns quickly, usually without the need for glasses or contacts. LASIK is the acronym for “laser assisted situ keratomileusis.” During LASIK surgery a laser is used to reshape the cornea of your eye to correct your vision. There are two ways the eye can be prepared for LASIK surgery.

EPI-LASIK

EPI-LASIK is a newer laser eye procedure that takes characteristics from both LASIK and LASEK procedures. Epi- Lasik, is flapless LASIK surgery.

  • EPI-LASIK Step 1: The cornea’s outer layer, the epithelium, is made up of many cells. A special instrument is used to create a very thin layer of the outermost cells. This layer is pushed off the cornea surface.
  • EPI-LASIK Step 2: Using Wavefront technology, a cool beam of light gently reshapes the cornea to correct vision.
  • EPI-LASIK Step 3: The thin layer of cells created in Step 1 is gently placed back in its original position. In some cases the thin layer of cells is removed. A protective contact lens is placed over the cornea and healing begins immediately.

IntraLase

IntraLase LASIK, also known as IntraLase or all-laser LASIK differs from other LASIK surgeries because the flap is created using a laser as opposed to a manual blade. With IntraLase, people with thin corneas who once were unsuitable for LASIK may now be candidates due its precision, and its ability to consistently producing corneal flaps thin enough to treat those patients who were previously not candidates.

The choice of which LASIK procedure is best for you is a decision that Dr. Kwiat will help you make based upon the results of your LASIK evaluation. Regardless of the LASIK surgery procedure, the results will renew your vision, and may give you freedom from glasses or contact lenses!