Thursday, April 26, 2018

Differences Between LASIK and PRK

If you’re considering eye surgery for better vision without the need for glasses or contacts, you might have already started researching your options and come across LASIK and PRK. Although you’ve probably heard of LASIK, not many know what PRK is and the major differences between the two. Here’s a breakdown of the two and how each of the procedure differ from another so that you can make an informed decision as to which one is best for your vision needs:

What is PRK?

PRK is short for Photo Refractive Keratectomy, which is a type of laser eye surgery that is supposed to help with vision problems, such as astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. It was created before the now popular Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis, aka LASIK, and is still a popular choice for many when it comes to eye surgery. LASIK does the same thing to correct eye vision problems, but the technique is different than the one used for PRK. However, the goal of both procedures is to change the shape of a person’s cornea.

The Differences Between the Two

Although both aim to correct vision problems, the methods and techniques during surgery is what differentiates them. For LASIK, an eye surgeon will make an incision in the person’s cornea in order to create a flap that’s lifted up so that the laser can reshape the insides of the cornea. The surgical laser is controlled by a computer that will carefully reshape and repair any imperfections in the cornea’s curvature that lead to the vision problems in the first place. Then the flap is placed back and will heal over the reshaped part of the cornea after a couple of days.
When a person undergoes PRK, there is no flap inside the corneal tissue. Instead of the flap, the eye surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea to expose a small area for a laser to reshape. Because of this, PRK is usually a better option for those who meet criteria like having chronically dry eyes.
But the biggest differences between the two types of vision surgeries are discomfort and how fast one’s vision recovers after the surgery. Those who underwent PRKs usually recover a bit longer than LASIK because the outer layer of their cornea needs more time to heal. After PRK eye surgery, patients are given prescription eye drops to reduce discomfort and promote healing.
The time it takes to heal from LASIK is much faster, with discomfort after surgery usually mild and short. Many can start to see normally after a few hours coming out of surgery, but it will take a few months before their vision reaches peak quality.

Contact Us

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. 

Thursday, April 19, 2018

The Do's and Don’ts of LASIK Eye Surgery

Getting the best result out of your laser eye surgery occurs when you take the necessary steps to prepare for before and after the procedure.   As with any surgery, there are certain risks involved.  This is just one of the reasons it is important that you do everything possible to prevent issues from arising.  Below you will find some basic tips that can help assure you get the best results possible from your LASIK procedure

Laser Vision Correction Precautionary Steps

Even before LASIK is scheduled there are certain things that you can do to adjust your routine in order to receive the best results from your laser eye surgery.
  • If you wear contact lenses, it is best to stop wearing them for a few weeks leading up to the surgery. Contact lenses distort the shape of the cornea which can cause the results from your LASIK procedure to be less than perfect. 
  • Do not use any type of eye drops for at least a week before your laser vision correction surgery.
  • Avoid scents and makeup for a few days leading up to the procedure as well including the day of. The day of it is important not to use creams, lotion, or any other chemical substance near your eyes.
  • Any and all eye conditions that you have previously suffered from are important details to mention to your eye surgeon.  
  • Arrange for transportation to and from the surgery. If at all possible, find someone who is willing to stay with you as well.  You will be under the influence of medication for awhile after the surgery and your sight will be off, so driving is not advised.

Post Surgery Recommendations

There are many ways in which to enhance your healing after LASIK.  For the best results post-surgery follow the advice of your eye surgeon and consider the tips below.
  • Hold off on bathing above your neck for the first few days post-op. The last thing that you want to do is to accidentally expose the area to any soaps or chemicals accidentally. 
  • Rely on friends and family to drive you until your eyes are fully healed
  • Do not use any types of creams, makeup, face products, or scents near your eyes. Also, wait to modify your hair color for a few weeks after surgery.  Your eyes will be incredibly sensitive, and the chemical scent can literally burn your eyes.
  • Avoid exercise as well. Skip strenuous workouts for at least a week.  Your body needs time to heal after surgery and something as important as your eye sight is not worth risking.
  • Throw out older makeup and start fresh. Makeup harbors bacteria and even though you won’t be wearing it for awhile it is important to not compromise the health of your eyes with an infection. 
  • Use protective eye wear especially sunglasses when leaving the house. The sun can damage even the healthiest of eyes.  Unhealed eyes are especially sensitive.  Sunglasses also help to eliminate debris such as sand and other dirt particles from entering your eye.

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. 

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Guidelines To Follow In Order To Qualify For LASIK

Laser eye surgery is performed to help improve a person’s eye sight.  Most LASIK patients are seeking freedom from wearing eye glasses and contact lenses.  If this describes what you are looking for, laser vision correction surgery may just be the best option for you.  While laser eye surgery is effective in correcting the visions issues many Michigan residents are facing, the procedure cannot be performed on everyone.  If you or a loved one are considering laser surgery, it is important to schedule an appointment with a LASIK surgeon to discuss your specific needs.

If you are just beginning to look into this treatment option as an effective method to correct your vision issues there are some general guidelines below to consider.

Considering Age

First it is important to note that laser eye surgery is not performed on candidates under eighteen years of age.  In fact, many eye surgeons prefer that clients be a bit older to undergo the procedure.  As you age your vision tends to change even more.  In order to avoid having to perform LASIK more than once it is best done on candidates whose vision is less likely to change drastically in the coming years.

Health Of Your Eyes

The health of your eyes is another element to consider.  Laser eye surgery is performed to correct eye sight.  To qualify, your eyes must me healthy and free from eye disease, infection, scars, and corneal abnormalities.

Physically Able to Withstand Surgery

As a LASIK patient you are required to lay down.  It is important that you are able to do so without experiencing pain or discomfort.  Vision correction using a laser will be an impossible surgery to undergo if you are unable to lay flat for a period of time without being in pain.

Ability To Focus Your Eyes

Patients undergoing laser vision correction must be able to keep their eyes focused on a single light point for a few minutes.  This helps to guarantee positive results.  With the technology that is used today, lasers have the capacity to keep up with a patient’s eye movement however, the results of those who are able to focus without eye movement often have better results.

Refrain From Using Contacts Before Surgery

Patients must not wear their contact for about a month before the laser eye correction procedure.  This is because, contact lenses affect the shape of the cornea and will in turn affect the results of the eye examination that is done.  For the most accurate eye exam and results, patients must rely solely on their eye glasses for a significant period of time before their surgery.

As with any type of procedure or surgery there is a fair share of risk involved.  With this in mind all patients must sign a consent waiver prior to surgery.  It offers hospitals and medical practitioners protection from legal ramifications if something goes wrong during the procedure.  This is most often NOT the case but is becoming more and more procedural before surgical events.

Call to schedule an appointment with a local eye surgeon today to see if you qualify to undergo LASIK.  Chances are if you are over eighteen, your eyes are healthy, you are able to lay flat for an extended period of time without discomfort, you can live without your contact lenses for a month, and can assume the risks involved you will be a perfect laser eye correction patient.

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.  

Thursday, 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.