Herzig Eye Institute

Laser Vision Correction Procedures

Laser vision correction is one of the most exciting technological advances in the history of eye care. There are two ways of utilizing this extraordinary technology, PRK and LASIK. Both procedures are performed by an ophthalmologist specializing in laser vision correction.

Custom LASIK (with Intralase^®)

At the Herzig Eye Institute, LASIK is the most frequently used procedure for laser vision correction. LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. A wide range of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism can be corrected by the LASIK procedure. It is a delicate surgical procedure that allows for a very predictable healing response. Your vision stabilizes rapidly, and you can expect to have little or no discomfort following LASIK. Most patients have driving vision within 24 hours of treatment.

The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free approach to creating a corneal flap. The computer guided Intralase^® laser delivers rapid pulses of light, a quadrillionth of a second each, to a pre-programmed depth and position within your cornea. Each pulse forms a microscopic bubble. As the Intralase^® laser moves back and forth across the eye, the bubbles connect to form a corneal flap. The surgeon then lifts the flap where these bubbles have created a smooth surface.

After gently lifting the corneal flap, the surgeon uses the computer-guided excimer laser to precisely reshape the cornea for corrected vision.

Prior to the availability of the IntraLase Method, surgeons created the corneal flap with an instrument called a microkeratome, an oscillating, hand-held steel blade.

When other vision centres advertise “too good to be true” low prices, they are most likely using an outdated blade, instead of a state-of-the art laser like IntraLase^® for creation of the corneal flap. We retired our blades in 2005. You'll never even be offered such a choice at the Herzig Eye Institute.

A complimentary consultation will determine if LASIK is the right treatment for your eyes.

Custom PRK (Surface Ablation)

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is the same laser procedure as LASIK. It differs, however, in how the cornea is prepared for the laser treatment. With PRK, surface cells are removed and the laser is applied. With LASIK, a corneal flap is created by a femtosecond laser such as IntraLase^®.

Today, PRK is commonly referred to as "surface ablation," meaning a laser procedure that is applied to the surface of the cornea. There are two main surface ablation techniques available which differ in the way the corneal epithelium is managed, LASEK and epi-LASIK.

WHEN IS PRK THE TREATMENT OF CHOICE INSTEAD OF LASIK?

• When the cornea is too thin for LASIK.
• When a pre-existing problem is present on the cornea which can be eliminated with PRK and result in better vision than LASIK.
• When there is a structural abnormality in the cornea that makes LASIK unsafe.

What it means to you:

The IntraLase^® provides the surgeon with the capability of creating a thinner, smoother and more uniform corneal flap. Many patients who were deemed ineligible for LASIK surgery with a microkeratome (due to steep flat or thin corneas) may be considered candidates for the LASIK procedure using IntraLase^®. This means if you were turned down as a candidate for LASIK several years ago because of your corneas, you may be a candidate using IntraLase^®.

The Herzig Eye Institute’s world class surgeons are committed to providing you with the most proven, approved technology available today. Our goal is to helpyou to achieve your best possible vision in a safe, comfortable environment.

Other Options

Some people learn they are deemed ineligible for any kind of laser vision correction. Fortunately, there are other options such as Refractive Lens Exchanges and Intraocular Collamer Lenses (ICL). Other patients simply need vision correction to accomodate their aging eyes. After all, we all need some help with near vision as we age past 40 or so.