REFRACTIVE SURGERY

WHAT IS REFRACTIVE SURGERY?
Any surgical treatment designed to change the refractive power of the eye. This would include the removal and replacement of the lens of the eye (clear lens exchange), reshaping the cornea with radial incisions (RK), reshaping the cornea with a laser (PRK or LASEK), reshaping the cornea with a laser after making a incision to crate a flap (LASIK), reshaping the cornea with prosthetic inserts, or implanting a contact lens within the eye.

WILL REFRACTIVE SURGERY HURT?
Most forms of refractive surgery are associated with little pain with the exception of PRK that is seldom utilized. Before the surgery, an anesthetic is applied to the eye. You are awake and aware of what is occurring, but you should feel nothing during the surgery.

After surgery the most common complaint is a scratchy feeling or the feeling that something is in the eye. Most people are fine with over-the counter pain medicine but occasionally prescription pain medication may be need for the first 24 hours.

HOW LONG AFTER REFRACTIVE SURGERY WILL I BE TO SEE CLEARLY?
Most people will notice an immediate improvement in vision following surgery. It is not unusual during the immediate post-operative period to notice the presence of ghost images, halos, or starburts around lights. Usually these symptoms dissipate during the healing process that can take several weeks or months.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR REFRACTIVE SURGERY?
Since everyone's vision is unique, we feel it is important to discuss this issue with your eye care provider.