Below, is a list of procedures which are commonly performed at our institute:
Background:
Surface ablation was the first FDA approved laser treatment on the cornea for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Today, surface ablation has distinct advantages, but it is less popular than LASIK due to a slower recovery period (up to 6 weeks).
Historically, numerous techniques have been employed for surface ablation, including PRK, Epi-LASIK, and LASEK. These techniques differ in the way the surface epithelium is removed and whether or not a suction ring is employed. Here at the Eye Institute of Southern Arizona, we have chosen the best of each of these procedures to offer a safe, precise, and comfortable form of laser vision correction.
Surface Ablation at the Eye Institute:
Dr. Goldman performs a modified LASEK technique, which involves removing the surface epithelium in a well circumscribed sheet with an alcohol solution. This epithelial sheet is discarded and a bandage contact lens is placed, which is later removed around day 5 or 7.
“The advantage of our modified LASEK procedure is that it avoids flap related complications and does not require a suction ring, which may be dangerous for older patients or patients with early glaucoma,” says
Dr. Goldman. In addition, “if patients are not good LASIK candidates due to an abnormal corneal shape or insufficient thickness, LASEK may still be an excellent option.”
For enhanced quality of vision, our CustomCornea® platform can be combined with modified LASEK to provide a wavefront tailored treatment known as Advanced Surface Ablation
Who is a good candidate for modified LASEK?
Age > 20
Mild to moderate nearsightedness (myopia)
Mild farsightedness (hyperopia)
Astigmatism up to 3 diopters
Absence of corneal scarring
Patients with dry eyes
Patients whose corneas are too thin for LASIK |
Frequently asked questions about modified LASEK?
1) Is there anything else I need to know?
If your ablation requires removal of a moderately high amount of tissue (> 75 microns), we may utilize a substance called Mitomycin C, which is a naturally derived anti-scarring agent. This is because individuals with large ablations are at risk for visually significant corneal haze. Mitomycin, when applied topically in dilute form, will reduce the likelihood of this complication significantly. This is an off label use of this medication, but it is standard of care amongst leading laser vision specialists.
2) How uncomfortable is it?
Patients with LASEK experience mild to moderate discomfort for up to seven days following the procedure. The use of a bandage contact lens keeps people comfortable enough to resume normal activity that does not require detailed vision. Additionally, topical steroids, dilute topical anesthetic, and oral ibuprofen/Tylenol are highly effective in controlling post-operative discomfort.
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Any surgical procedure comes with risk. Although very uncommon, risks associated with modified LASEK include, but are not limited to, infection, corneal scarring, over or under correction, and persistent epithelial defect. During your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Goldman will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure for you.
Dr. Goldman and his refractive coordinator, Nader Shami, look forward to answering any questions that you may have. |
Please call for your complementary screening to see if you are a candidate |
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