Lasek/prk ("No Cut, No Flap" Laser Vision Correction Surgery)
Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) are laser vision correction procedures that reshape the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Using targeted cool beam excimer laser energy, the LASEK and PRK procedures reshape corneal tissue to correct refractive errors so that light rays are focused more precisely on the retina to produce clearer, sharper vision.
A key advantage of LASEK and PRK is that they do not involve the creation of a corneal flap. This is different than LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), which requires a surgical “cut” into the cornea to create a corneal flap. LASEK and PRK afford the same highly successful visual results of LASIK, while avoiding both short and long term LASIK Flap complications such as traumatic flap dislocations or flap related dry eye. PRK, the original technique of “no cut, no flap” laser vision correction has even been around longer with a longer follow up period than LASIK (flap based). This has allowed surgeons greater time to analyze long term results. In order to allow the cornea to heal back more naturally (without a flap), LASEK or PRK typically take a longer time to heal and may be associated with more discomfort in the very early post-operative period compared to LASIK.
As a corneal specialist, Dr. Meskin prefers to perform “no cut, no flap” laser vision correction utilizing the techniques of LASEK and PRK. Due to the high success and safety of these techniques, they can be performed in patients who are otherwise not candidates for LASIK, such as in patients with thinner corneas. Over the last 10 years, Dr. Meskin’s compassionate care and expertise in laser vision correction surgery have been sought out by many patients including several other physicians and surgeons. Please see some of our testimonials.
Candidates Eligible for Lasek or PRK
LASEK and PRK are considered safe procedures, yet they are not ideal for everyone. A thorough medical evaluation of the patients eyes will be performed in order to determine if the procedure is appropriate, or if the patient would benefit from another type of refractive procedure. The procedure will be explained in detail. Risks, benefits, and alternatives of laser vision correction will be discussed during your consultation and as always ample time will be allowed for questions.
Candidates eligible for the LASEK or PRK include patients who meet the following requirements:
- Are over 18 years old
- Not pregnant or nursing
- In general good health
- Has had stable vision for at least 12 months
- Has a healthy cornea
- Has refractive errors that fall within the treatable range
WaveLight® Allegretto EX500 Excimer Laser
The WaveLight® Allegretto EX500 Excimer Laser uses a series of technical innovations to optimize laser vision correction, providing excellent clinical results in Wavefront Optimized® treatments.
The WaveLight EX 500 Excimer Laser System by Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (Fort Worth, TX) is Wavefront Optimized®. With a repetition rate of 500 pulses per second, the EX500 is the fastest on the US market today. It delivers average treatment time of approximately 1.4 seconds per diopter. This rapid treatment speed translates into less dehydration of the corneal bed and improved refractive predictability due to fewer hydration changes. The laser is very reliable, extremely quick, and highly accurate. It has the fastest-responding infrared eye tracker in the world at 1050 hz offering safety and exceptional precision. It also has a response time of less than 8 milliseconds to assure a quality treatment.
Typical treatment parameters are:
- Myopia - up to -10.0 diopters, with or without astigmatism, up to -3.0 diopters
- Hyperopia - up to 3.00 diopters, with or without astigmatism, up to 2.0 diopters
- Mixed astigmatism - up to 5.0 diopters
Please contact us to learn more about your options for laser vision correction or to schedule an evaluation with one of our physicians.
