R E F R A C T I V E    S U R G E R Y

There are many refractive surgical procedures that can be done to change the eye's refractive state. Several of the more common and efficacious procedures are shown below.

RK - Radial Keratotomy is a surgical procedure where several radial cuts are made in the cornea. These cuts allow the cornea shape to flatten, thereby reducing the degree of myopia or nearsightedness. RK can also correct astigmatism, but is most often used to correct low to moderate amounts of myopia. RK is not used to correct hyperopia or farsightedness. The cornea is cut with a diamond blade instrument after the eye is anesthetized with a local anesthetic.

Eight Cut RK

Excimer Laser Ablation     Cornea with Central Tissue Ablated

PRK - With Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, the eye is reshaped using an Excimer laser beam. This surgery is done using a local anesthetic eye drop. The thin skin or epithelium, which covers the front of the cornea, is removed; the laser then removes the right amount of tissue in less than a minute. PRK is approved in the United States to treat low to moderate amounts of myopia.

LASIK or Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis uses the best of two refractive surgery procedures: PRK and LK or Lamellar Keratoplasty. LK has been performed for almost fifty (50) years to correct higher amounts of myopia and moderate amounts of hyperopia. With the improvement of the microkeratome, an instrument that cuts a thin layer of corneal tissue, LK became more widespread and popular. Instead of making multiple passes over the cornea as in LK, LASIK makes a single cut or pass to generate a flap of corneal tissue. Then, the excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea to the proper curvature. The thin flap of corneal tissue is then placed back into its proper position and allowed to adhere to the cornea. LASIK is suitable for correcting low to very high levels of refractive errors. Functional vision recovery is much quicker with LASIK, and postoperative pain is minimal. Patients are able to return to work in one day. However, LASIK results are more dependent upon the skills and experience of the surgeon than PRK.

Microkeratome on Cornea Cornea Flap Eximer Beam Ablating Cornea Flap in Place with Flatten Cornea

Should you have an interest in changing your eyes' refractive error, Dr. Harger will be happy to evaluate you, and discuss in detail which procedure is best suited for your needs. Dr. Harger co-manages his refractive surgery patients with the Refractive Surgeon.

M.L. Harger, O.D.

Jerrad Mills, O.D.
2009 Center Street
Deer Park, Texas 77536
Ph 281-479-4570
Pg 281-661-9037
Fx 281-479-7895

Email dpvc@sbcglobal.net

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