Dr. Hunter performs many different procedures to help patients become less dependent on glasses or contacts. The two most common procedures are LASIK and Clear Lens Exchange.
Understanding the Options:
First, it helps to understand a little bit about how the eye works. There are two main parts of the eye that focus the outside world onto the back of the eye. The first is the cornea and that is where LASIK or PRK is performed. The second part is the lens inside the eye that is about the size and shape of an M&M candy. Early in life, the “M&M” is crystal clear and is able to change shape to shift the focus of our vision from distant to near. Over time, the lens stiffens, can’t change shape as well, and we start to hold things out farther until we need reading glasses. This normal process that leads us to become dependent on reading glasses is called Presbyopia.
LASIK
If you’re tired of the hassle of glasses and contact lenses, it may be time to get LASIK Laser Vision Correction, a chance to improve your quality of life. Laser vision correction is now in its second decade of helping patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Schedule a free LASIK consultation at 843-842-2020 to learn how this surgery can help you see life as it should be seen.
LASIK is a form of outpatient corneal surgery in which a surgeon uses a specialized and precise flap-making instrument, called a femtosecond laser, to create a thin flap of corneal tissue. This flap is raised and laid back while still attached to the cornea. The surgeon then uses a state-of-the-art excimer laser to remove a pre-determined amount of corneal tissue from the exposed bed of the cornea. The amount of tissue to be removed is calculated based on the pre-operative determination of the power of your eye; these measurements are usually in agreement with recent prescriptions for your glasses and/or contact lenses. The flap is replaced and within minutes natural forces hold the flap down on the cornea. Usually, within a few hours, the surface epithelium of the cornea begins to grow over the cut edge of the flap to seat it into position. LASIK can be used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Benefits of LASIK:
There are many benefits to LASIK, some of which include fast visual recovery, limited, if any, discomfort, and a lowered risk of glare and halos. Most patients are very happy with the results. It’s no wonder that LASIK Laser Vision Correction has quickly emerged as one of the true medical breakthroughs of modern history. LASIK, the most accepted form of laser vision correction, is the fastest-growing type of refractive surgery. It is very versatile and can treat both nearsightedness and farsightedness with or without astigmatism. Over 98% of people who have LASIK achieve somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Your LASIK Consultation:
If you have not already done so at a screening evaluation, a complete medical and eye history will be taken. This is typically referred to as the pre-operative LASIK evaluation. This will include a review of your health and medical conditions, medications you are taking, allergies, as well as a discussion of your ocular health and status including your vision correction history. It will be necessary for you to communicate any medical or eye conditions or diseases that have been diagnosed or treated among your family members.
A technician will begin taking a number of measurements. These will include your visual acuity with and without your current method of vision correction, whether that is glasses or contacts. A digital map of your corneal shape–called corneal topography–will be taken. A measurement of your pupils will be performed as detailed later. In order to get final measurements of the prescription, it will be measured both in its natural state and after having drops placed in your eyes. A test will be performed to see which eye is your dominant eye, and most important, the thickness of your cornea will be measured to make sure you are indeed ready for LASIK. Additional testing, including your intraocular pressure, will be conducted and observations will be made of the health of your cornea, lens, and tear film using an instrument called a slit lamp. This is actually a microscope through which living tissue can be carefully examined. After the drops have had their full effect, the doctor will examine the health of your retina and optic nerves in order to give your eyes a “clean bill of health” for LASIK surgery.
Clear Lens Exchange
Dr. Hunter performs clear lens exchanges to help patients regain a full range of vision by taking advantage of the technology made available for cataract surgery. The procedure is very similar to cataract surgery, in which Dr. Hunter removes the natural lens that has stiffened and replaces it with a new intraocular lens. Not only can the new lens regain a full range of vision for patients, but they also will never have to worry about getting cataracts later in life since the natural lens is already removed and won’t become cloudy for them.
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