Through recent developments in technology, people all around the world are now living lives free of the hassles of glasses and contact lenses. The advent of the excimer laser has made it possible for millions to experience their world in a new clarity.

Combining nearly three decades of experience with some of the most advanced computerized Laser Vision Correction technology available, we at the Maddox Laser Eye Center are committed to providing only the highest level of care to our patients.

Our excimer laser system has enabled us to expand our treatment parameters to most types of refractive error, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and mixed astigmatism. Read on to learn how Laser Vision Correction works and how it could help you.

Since you're reading up on Laser Vision Correction, chances are you have to wear glasses or contacts to get around. You know how frustrating it can be to do even simple things like driving to work without your glasses.

There may be many reasons why your eye cannot focus images correctly. For most people who wear glasses, their vision problems are caused by the shape of the cornea (and sometimes the shape of the entire eye). The difference in shape prevents the light from being focused directly on the retina. (Please see How the Eye Works for more information.) By altering the shape of the surface of the cornea with the excimer laser, the light can be made to focus on the retina, thereby compensating for the misshapen cornea (or eye).

While many options have been available throughout the years, two methods have stood out to become the most effective and accepted ways of correcting vision -- LASIK and PRK.

- LASIK - Laser treatment is applied to the bed of the cornea

LASIK is a relatively quick and painless procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism using the excimer laser. (Think of LASIK as PRK with a flap.)

First, a thin flap is made in the cornea using a device called a microkeratome. The flap is then carefully laid back and the excimer laser is applied to the corneal bed (flat surface of the cornea exposed after lifting the flap). The excimer laser gently ablates away a tiny amount of tissue from the bed of the cornea. (The amount of tissue removed can be less than the width of a human hair.) After the excimer laser ablation, the flap is laid back in place on the cornea. The flap will adhere to the bed of the cornea with a natural suction action. After about 24 hours the corneal flap edge will be sealed in place.

(To see LASIK in action, click on the image of the eye to the right - requires JavaScript)

Is LASIK painful?
The LASIK procedure itself is painless. There is also very little pain during recovery after LASIK in the majority of cases. LASIK patients are considered to be one of the most comfortable postop of all refractive surgery patients with most patients able to return to work the following day.

Can I have both eyes done at the same time?
More and more people are choosing to have both eyes done on the same day. Bilateral Laser Vision Correction has proven more convenient with less total recovery time than having each eye corrected weeks or months apart. Most people can have both eyes done on the same day.

How long will it take to notice a difference in my vision?
LASIK generally has much faster recovery time compared to PRK, with many patients receiving partial or full corrected vision within minutes to days after LASIK. Full stabilization of vision may take 6 weeks to 3 months or longer.

Are there any risks?
As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur; but serious complications are rare. Some possible risks and complications are addressed in our Laser Vision Correction Brochures.

Other questions?
If you have a question about LASIK or the Maddox Laser Eye Center that has not been addressed here, see our Frequently Asked Questions. For more in-depth information on Laser Vision Correction, we strongly suggest you read our informative Laser Vision Correction Brochures.

- Surface PRK - Laser treatment is applied to the surface of the cornea

Surface PRK is a relatively quick and painless procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism using the excimer laser. PRK reshapes the cornea by ablating away tissue from the surface of the cornea. (Think of PRK as LASIK without a flap.)

First, a thin skin covering the cornea, called the epithelium, is removed. The excimer laser treatment is then applied to the surface of the cornea. The laser ablates away a very tiny amount of corneal tissue, reshaping the surface of the cornea. (The amount of tissue removed can be less than the width of a human hair!) This new shape to the cornea's surface changes the way light is focused onto the retina and should result in clearer vision.

(To see PRK in action, click on the image of the eye to the left - requires JavaScript)

Is PRK painful?
During the Excimer Laser PRK procedure, there is absolutely no pain. The majority of our patients have no significant discomfort or pain during the reepithelialization period (the period in which the corneal skin, or epithelium, grows back over the cornea). Often the only discomfort one has is the feeling of an eyelash in the eye. The few who experience pain say it can be from moderate to severe, and may last 2 to 3 days. We have found that with the use of oral pain medications, topical drops and a well fit soft bandage lens, the pain can be alleviated to a tolerable level for most patients.

Can I have both eyes done at the same time?
More and more people are choosing to have both eyes done on the same day. Bilateral PRK has proven more convenient with less total recovery time than having each eye corrected weeks or months apart. Most people can have both eyes done on the same day. However, if you do have both eyes done on the same day, it is recommended that you do not drive or do detailed visual work for several days after bilateral PRK.

How long will it take to notice a difference in my vision?
Because the thin corneal skin (epithelium) removed before PRK must grow back, it will normally take 1-4 weeks before vision becomes clearer following PRK treatment. Stabilization of vision may take 3 to 6 months or longer. The PRK procedure generally has an overall longer recovery time than LASIK, requiring the use of eyedrops for a longer period of time.

Are there any risks?
As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur; but serious complications are rare. Some possible risks and complications are addressed in our Laser Vision Correction Brochures.

Other questions?
If you have a question about PRK or the Maddox Laser Eye Center that has not been addressed here, see our Frequently Asked Questions. For more in-depth information on Laser Vision Correction, we strongly suggest you read our informative Laser Vision Correction Brochures.

If you have decided that Laser Vision Correction might be right for you, or even if you just want to find out more about this revolutionary procedure, we'd be happy to help you along the way and answer any questions you have. We've compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions which may answer some of your concerns.

The decision to have Laser Vision Correction should never be made without careful consideration. We believe each person needs to understand fully both the benefits and risks before making any decision about Laser Vision Correction. Dr. Maddox has developed a series of informative Patient Education Brochures, detailing many aspects of Laser Vision Correction (both LASIK and PRK) often only briefly discussed on most websites. If you are interested in Laser Vision Correction, we recommend you read through this information.

The Maddox Laser Eye Center...
We would like to be your choice for Laser Vision Correction. When choosing a surgeon to perform Laser Vision Correction, experience is of key importance. With nearly three decades of surgical experience and nearly ten years of experience in Laser Vision Correction, including thousands of LASIK and PRK procedures, Dr. Bobby Maddox of the Maddox Laser Eye Center is recognized as one of the most highly trained and experienced Laser Vision Correction surgeons in the world.

If you would like to ask us a question about the services we offer, find out more about the Maddox Laser Eye Center, or schedule for an appointment, don't hesitate to give us a call.