Laser vision correction is one of the most exciting technological advances in the history of eye care. It is performed with an excimer laser, which combines argon and fluoride gases to produce a "cool", ultra-violet light. Your surgeon uses the computer-guided excimer laser to gently alter the shape of your cornea through a series of ultra precise pulses. It does not cut or burn. Each pulse removes a remarkable 39 millionths of an inch in 12 billionths of a second!

There are two ways of utilizing this extraordinary technology, PRK and LASIK. Both procedures are performed by an ophthalmologist specializing in laser vision correction.

LASIK

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.

PRK or SURFACE ABLATION

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is the same laser procedure as LASIK. It differs, however, in being performed on the surface of the cornea, after removing or lifting the corneal epithelium, instead of a corneal flap.

Today, PRK is more commonly referred to as “surface ablation,” meaning a laser procedure that is applied to the surface of the cornea. There are two other surface ablation techniques available which differ in the way the corneal epithelium is managed, LASEK and epi-LASIK. These procedures have not as yet proven to be more beneficial than PRK.

WHEN IS PRK OR SURFACE ABLATION TECHNIQUE 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.

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You want the best possible result from your treatment, so you need to be sure that you are being treated by the most experienced and skilled physicians using the most advanced technology available. With the Herzig Eye Institute, you have that assurance. We rigorously pursue an unsurpassed standard of quality for our people, our procedures, and our environment.

The excimer laser that the Herzig Eye Institute uses to treat patients has been fully approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Health Protection Branch in Canada. The Herzig Eye Institute is an ISO 9001:2000 registered company.

Herzig Eye Institute surgeons have performed over 50,000 excimer laser treatments and collectively bring over four decades of microsurgical experience to laser vision correction. All our medical professionals are required to stay current with leading edge technologies and techniques in excimer laser treatment. Our results are so exceptional that doctors around North America regularly refer their more difficult cases to us.

In addition to being confident in your surgeon, it is important that you be comfortable and relaxed during your procedure and throughout your recovery, so we bring a caring attitude to everything we do.

We are committed to keeping you fully informed. No question is too simple, no concern is too trivial. It is only through complete knowledge that you can be sure you're making the right decision. At the Herzig Eye Institute, we provide more than a treatment—we provide peace of mind.

This website was created to provide the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision about LASIK vision correction. Just think, in the time it will take to read about it, you could have your vision corrected.

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Consultation

All aspects of the procedure will be carefully explained. You will receive an extensive eye examination, including dilating drops to measure the degree of your refractive error. In addition, the size of your pupils and thickness of your cornea will be assessed. Most importantly, you will be encouraged to ask questions and voice concerns. You will be offered candid and detailed information, including an opportunity to view a LASIK procedure. You can rest assured that you will be given a professional and realistic opinion of the results you can expect. To be considered for laser vision correction, you must meet each of the following conditions:

  • be at least 18 years of age;
  • have stable vision in both eyes for at least one year prior to the procedure;
  • not be pregnant;
  • be free of medical or eye problems that increase the risk of complication.

Candidate

The first step is to determine whether you are a good candidate for laser vision correction through a comprehensive assessment by a Herzig Eye Institute eye doctor. The examination will ensure that your eyes are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. There is no fee for this consultation.

Before your LVC procedure

  • Contact lenses must be removed from the operative eye prior to the day of your procedure as follows:
    -Hard lenses · one month
    -Gas permeable rigid lenses · two to four weeks
    -Soft lenses · one to two weeks
  • You will need to arrange transportation for the day of your procedure. Private automobile or taxi is recommended.
  • You should allow yourself approximately two hours at the Herzig Eye Institute for preparation time, treatment, and post-treatment time.

The day of your LVC procedure

  • There are no restrictions on eating, drinking, or medications before the procedure.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • On the day of your procedure, all traces of make-up should be removed prior to your arrival at the Herzig Eye Institute.

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When you arrive at the Herzig Eye Institute

  • Please register with a patient services representative
  • You will be given a consent form to read and sign.
  • Should you have any further questions, the doctor will be happy to speak with you prior to your procedure.

In the pre-operative patient preparation area

  • Your eye will be measured with an automated corneal topography system. In seconds, the system will determine the curve of your cornea, its thickness, and the size of your pupils.
  • You will be given a mild sedative.
  • The laser is calibrated and programmed with your prescription before you enter the laser room.

Inside the Laser Room

  • It will take a few minutes to position you properly under the laser microscope.
  • Your fellow eye will be covered and eye drops will be placed in the operative eye. These include anesthetic drops to numb the eye, antibiotic drops to prevent infection, and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce post-operative discomfort.
  • A simple device known as an eyelid speculum will prevent you from blinking. It is painless.
  • You will be instructed to look at a flashing red target light. Your surgeon will monitor your eye through the microscope at all times.
  • During the first part, you will feel a slight sensation of pressure and your vision will go quite dark as your surgeon creates the protective corneal flap. In the second part, you will hear a "clicking" sound as the laser alters the refractive curvature of your eye. The actual laser time is usually less than 60 seconds.
  • You will not experience any discomfort during your LASIK procedure.

Once your LASIK Procedure is Completed

  • Immediately after the laser treatment, a soft bandage contact lens is placed on your eye. Your surgeon will remove the contact lens for you at the appropriate time, usually before you leave the centre.
  • You will be given a post-operative kit containing drops and medication to use for the next few days. Follow your surgeon's instructions.
  • Your driver will then be able to take you home to rest.

A Few "Do's" and "Don't"

  • Please go directly home after your LASIK treatment. You will probably feel best if you rest for a few hours.
  • Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and gardening for one week.
  • Do not wear make-up for the first four to five days following your LASIK procedure.
  • It is important not to rub your eye at all, just dab gently underneath the eye.
  • Showers and baths are fine, but avoid getting water into your eye.
  • You may go back to work and return to your usual exercise routine the day after your treatment.
  • At your first post-op visit, your eye doctor will tell you when you may resume driving. Most patients are able to see well enough to drive 24 hours after their procedure.

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Medical science has been studying corneal healing for more than a century. Since 1987, several million laser vision correction treatments have been performed. It has been proven over time that laser vision correction is both safe and effective.

Though extremely rare, as in any medical procedure, there may be some side effects associated with excimer laser treatment. These will be explained fully by your eye doctor.

Symptoms During Your Recovery Process:

Irritation

It is not unusual to feel as if there is an eyelash in your eye. You will be given medication to take if you experience any discomfort.

Blurry Vision

Your vision will be blurry for the first few hours after your LASIK treatment. Within several hours you will notice significant improvement. Vision after PRK will remain blurry for several days. You must be prepared for this if PRK is the treatment of choice for you.

Night Glare

This symptom is most apparent during the first several weeks of your recovery. Night glare usually resolves and returns to pre-procedure levels once both eyes have healed. Studies recently done at several North American laser centres have shown excellent results in WaveFront's ability to improve night vision. Many patients treated with the VISX® WavePrint System™ had better night vision after treatment than they experienced with their glasses or contact lenses.

Reading Vision

You may be slightly farsighted immediately following your LASIK procedure. This will temporarily affect your reading vision, especially if you are over 40.

Light Sensitivity

You may experience increased sensitivity to light for the first few hours after your LASIK procedure. A good pair of sunglasses will help.

Infection

There is a very slight risk of infection during the first one to two weeks after your procedure. As part of your treatment, you will receive antibiotic drops before and after your session. To minimize the risk of infection, we recommend that you avoid activities such as gardening or swimming for the first week.

Overcorrection

You may experience some overcorrection during the healing process. Again, this is a normal part of your eye's healing. You'll find that your vision will stabilize within one to four weeks, depending on your initial level of myopia. In rare cases, the overcorrection may persist. After a three to four month period, an enhancement procedure can be performed to remedy this problem at no charge to you.

Regression

Fifteen years of investigative trials with laser vision correction have demonstrated that vision almost always remains stable. Some individuals may experience a degree of regression or undercorrection, although this is usually minimal. It can be corrected with an additional procedure, or you can opt for a thin pair of glasses, or contact lenses. The overwhelming majority of individuals require only one procedure.

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An extremely thin flap of the cornea is lifted, and the laser treatment is applied under the flap to gently reshape the cornea. The flap is then lowered back into place. Because the laser is applied to the cornea below the surface, the healing response is minimal and the results of the treatment are more predictable. This remarkable procedure can help reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Step 1
The corneal flap is created by the surgeon using an IntraLase laser. The corneal flap stays attached to the rest of the cornea on one side.

Step 2
The laser treatment is applied below the flap.

Step 3
The flap is repositioned smoothly and easily. Pressure holds the flap in place as it heals.

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