Are you looking for a permanent way to correct your vision so that you no longer have to wear glasses or contact lenses? LASIK, LASIK and PRK are a few of the surgical options that can correct your vision so that you see clearly without the use of corrective lenses.
While we do not perform surgery at Forest Creek Eye Center, we have a close working relationship with some of the best ophthalmology surgeons in the Round Rock and Austin area. We are more than happy to refer you to one of our partner practices for surgery, but we are able to offer your pre- and post-operative care here at our office for your convenience.
Good Candidates for Surgical Correction
- 18 years of age or older
- Have a desire for permanent vision correction
- No eye health issues, such as AMD, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy
- No significant changes in vision for the last 12 months
LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis)
LASIK eye surgery is an extremely popular way to correct vision. It involves using a special laser to reshape the cornea in order to help light focus correctly on the macula and retina, which quickly improves visual acuity. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) reshapes your cornea. If you have LASIK, your surgeon makes a thicker incision into the corneal tissue using a microkeratome blade.
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)
The acronym LASEK stands for laser epithelial keratomileusis. Just like LASIK, we use it to correct vision problems like farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia. If you have LASEK, your eye surgeon only needs to cut into the outer layer of the cornea. This region of your eye is known as the epithelium. With LASEK, your eye surgeon makes a shallow cut into the cornea.
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy)
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) involves the use of a laser to reshape the cornea. During this surgery, the outer surface of the cornea is removed, and the computer-controlled laser reshapes the cornea by removing tiny sections of tissue. Once the procedure is complete, the light that enters the eye is focused correctly on the back of the eye, which dramatically improves visual clarity. At the end of the eye surgery, clear contact lenses are placed into the eyes to prevent contamination of the surgical site. These lenses are typically removed between three and five days after the procedure. During that time the surface layer of the cornea regrows.
PRK is very similar to LASIK eye surgery with one exception. A corneal flap is not created at the beginning of the procedure. This eliminates a surgical step and eliminates corneal flap problems after surgery. However, it also means that the individual must wear a set of clear contact lenses after the surgery while the cornea heals. Both surgeries have similar success rates, and afterward, the need for corrective lenses on a daily basis is dramatically reduced or completely eliminate
