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Vision Correction Options in Columbus
If you are interested in reducing (or even eliminating) your need for glasses or contact lenses, you may be a candidate for refractive surgery that can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia. The best way to learn which vision correction options may be right for you is to schedule a free consultation with our easy and flexible online booking.
Custom LASIK
LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is a popular form of vision correction surgery that reshapes the cornea to reduce refractive errors making you less dependent on glasses or contact lenses.
During Custom LASIK, a laser is used to create the incisions so this is essentially a bladeless procedure. Surgery begins by using the FDA-approved femtosecond laser instead of a microkeratome blade to create a flap with laser energy, allowing exacting customization of the incision. The femtosecond laser is capable of creating extremely precise flaps of uniform thickness by producing tiny bubbles inside the cornea that are 1/10,000 of an inch in diameter. The laser beam cannot penetrate into the eye beyond the cornea, and therefore is extremely safe. After the flap is created, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to reduce farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism. The flap is returned to its original position, and seals itself without sutures.1
Custom LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure and takes approximately 10-15 minutes. With the advanced technology that the femtosecond laser provides, some patients who were once considered poor candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas may now be able to undergo this procedure. Furthermore, research has shown that more patients achieve vision that is 20/20 or better with femtosecond custom LASIK as compared to other methods. Therefore, Columbus Ophthalmology only offers their patients the best: bladeless, custom/optimized LASIK with a femtosecond and excimer laser.
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PRK
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser correction surgery very similar to LASIK that is commonly used for patients with less corneal tissue. While LASIK procedures cut a flap in the cornea, PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium), and then the same excimer laser used in LASIK sculpts the cornea to correct refractive error.
PRK is considered a safer procedure for patients with thin corneas since more of the cornea is left untouched during surgery. In addition, patients experience less dryness following PRK. However, there is a longer healing period compared to LASIK as the corneal epithelium will take 3-5 days to recover. During that time our patients will wear a soft contact lens that acts as a bandage to minimize pain, promote healing, and protect the cornea. PRK patients usually experience mild to moderate discomfort during the healing process. Blurry vision is common and it may be several weeks before vision is clear and stable.2 However, the long term results are excellent and now allow even more patients to benefit from refractive surgery. Your surgeon will take several in office measurements to choose the right procedure for each individual.
Monovision
Monovision is a refractive surgery technique used for patients with presbyopia. Presbyopia is the loss of ability to focus on objects close up due to the normal aging process, and it will affect most people as they enter their 40s. Many patients are familiar with this technique by using one contact lens for distance and the other for near.
A more permanent method uses refractive surgery to enable one eye to focus for close vision, and the other eye is left untreated, or, if needed, treated to focus for distance vision. While monovision will reduce a patient’s need for glasses or contacts, glasses may still be necessary for fine print.
It is important to discuss your lifestyle with your surgeon prior to making a decision about monovision. It can be difficult for some patients to adjust to monovision. The brain will eventually adjust after six to eight weeks, but that may not be acceptable for some patients. In addition, active individuals who play golf or tennis or drive a great deal at night may not be good candidates for monovision.3
Which Vision Correction Option is Right for Me?
If you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism and want the freedom to live your life without glasses or contacts, you may be a good candidate for refractive surgery. The first step is to schedule an appointment with us. During your consultation, we will discuss your current lifestyle, health history, medications, and post-surgery expectations. After a thorough eye exam and testing, we will confirm whether you are a candidate for refractive surgery and explain the procedure that best fits your needs. We will answer any questions you may have to ensure you are able to make an informed decision.
Don’t wait another day to see how life can look with better vision. Use our easy and flexible online scheduling to book your free consultation with a vision correction expert at Columbus Ophthalmology Associates.
Real Patient Reviews
4.9 Star Average on Google & Facebook
I worked with Dr. Burns for the last 5 months so I could see out of my right eye due to scar tissue. He was very positive from the beginning and tried many types of contacts and with his persistence we found one. I can now see 20/25 and back to work. I can’t say enough great things about the staff and all that work there.
Dr. Hickey is one of the best doctors! He is helping me with my macular degeneration. The staff is very friendly, especially Cindy at the front desk. The place is very clean also.
The doctors and staff treat me like gold! Dr. McHale has been treating my somewhat challenging eye issues for quite some time and I’m in the office a lot! The staff even helped while I was out of state with an issue. I am seen in the East office, they’re just great!
1 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Lasik. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik. Accessed February 17, 2021.
2 American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk. Accessed February 17, 2021.
3 American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is monovision (or blended vision)? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/what-is-monovision-blended-vision. Accessed February 17, 2021.
4 Staar Surgical. Visian ICL Patient Information Booklet. Available: https://staar.com/file/Patient-Information-Booklet-MKT-0125-Rev-2-9.7.17.pdf. Accessed February 17, 2021.
