Visual performance following LASIK surgery for myopia
As part of our ongoing commitment to patient care we have been undertaking a study that looks at the quality of vision following LASIK surgery. To evaluate visual function we asked patients to answer a vision-related quality of life questionnaire before and after laser correction. This information has been shown to be a useful adjunct to traditional clinical measures and can greatly impact the perceived success of a procedure.
Looking at our interim data, a substantial number of patients reported improved quality of vision following LASIK. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, an increase in total score on our questionnaire was recorded. In addition patients showed improvements in subscales; concern, functioning, symptoms and trouble with corrective lenses after surgery.
Any questions can be directed to Dr. Kristen Fry, our clinical research director at kfry@vision-institute.com or by calling our office.
The Cornea and Laser Eye Institute is the first center in the state to introduce a new procedure, called HydroLASEK. Unlike traditional LASIK, HydroLASEK does not require the creation of a corneal stromal flap. Potential advantages over LASIK include: 1) Risks of making the corneal flap in are avoided as flap isn't necessary
2) Patients who have thin corneas may be more safely treated with HydroLASEK
3) HydroLASEK may allow for a larger treatment zone size which may give an improved optical outcome
In the "Hersh HydroLASEK" procedure, the surface epithelial cells of the cornea are first loosened with a solution of dilute alcohol. The epithelial cells are preserved as a sheet and slid to the side. The laser treatment then is performed (usually using the LADARVision flying spot laser). At the end of the procedure, the epithelial cells are slid back into position. A contact lens bandage is then placed for protection. You will then use eyedrops for the next several weeks.
Visual improvement after HydroLASEK improves around 3 days after treatment and continues to improve thereafter. This is somewhat longer than the time taken for improvement in vision after LASIK. In addition, the eyes may be scratchy or have a foreign body for a few days. Comfort usually is improved with eyedrops.
As with LASIK, there are two basic types of possible side effects with HydroLASEK. Because patients may respond and heal differently, it is possible that the entire refractive error may not be corrected or that there might be some overcorrection. In this case, vision will be clearer without glasses, but less powerful glasses may still be necessary to fine tune to your best vision. Patients who are undercorrected or overcorrected often can undergo a retreatment procedure to further improve their vision.
In addition, other optical side effects may include haloes around lights and glare, especially at night.
Introducing Intracorneal ring segments (also known
as ICRS) Intacs
This is non-laser procedure which
may be helpful for patients with keratoconus or corneal optical
irregularities after other surgeries. Intacs were originally FDA-approved
to correct low degrees of nearsightedness.
