Lasik and Refractive Surgery

See Clearly, Live Confidently

Many people worldwide struggle with vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s daily activities and may require them to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision.

While wearing corrective eyewear is extremely helpful, it has some drawbacks for some people. They can be easily misplaced or damaged, and may also cause eye irritation and discomfort. Fortunately, a more efficient and effective solution is available: refractive surgery—and that is where Chesapeake Eye Center can help you.

Leaders in Refractive Surgery on Delmarva

At Chesapeake Eye Center, we understand that clear vision is critical to your quality of life. Dr. Todd Bescak and Dr. Jason Williams have been performing refractive surgery since 2003 and 2005, respectively. As certified VISX Refractive Surgeons, they offer expertise and experience that lead to superior surgical outcomes.

Dr. Bescak and Dr. Williams understand that the decision to undergo refractive surgery is an important one, and that is why they take the time to understand your needs, discuss your options, and create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.

LASIK vs PRK: Which One Suits You?

Refractive surgery involves reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK and PRK are two types of refractive procedures that have helped many individuals enjoy better vision without glasses or contacts. Now, what is the difference between the two?

LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, involves creating a thin flap on the cornea using a laser, and then reshaping the underlying tissue to correct vision. In contrast, RPK, or photorefractive keratectomy, involves removing the thin outer layer of the cornea and reshaping the exposed tissue.

LASIK is a safer and more precise procedure, typically offering a faster visual recovery and less discomfort. On the other hand, RPK may be more suitable for individuals with thin corneas or other factors that make them unsuitable for LASIK.

Chesapeake Eye Center provides both options in our Berlin and Salisbury locations. Our team will thoroughly assess your eligibility for the procedure, explain the options available, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Eligibility for a Refractive Surgery

Before undergoing refractive surgery, it is important to determine whether you are eligible for the procedure. Various factors play a role in determining eligibility, as each person’s eyes and vision are unique. Eligibility for refractive surgery depends on multiple factors, such as:

Age

Candidates for refractive surgery should be at least 18 years old because a…

person’s vision stabilizes during adulthood.

Stable Prescription

Candidates should have a stable prescription for at least one year. Significant changes in vision…

can affect the effectiveness of the procedure, so it is important to ensure that the prescription has remained relatively consistent over time.

Prescription Within the Scope of Correction

Each procedure has certain…

limitations in terms of the prescription that can be corrected. It is essential to assess whether the patient’s prescription falls within the suitable range for the chosen surgery.

No Eye Diseases

Candidates should be free of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, or other…

conditions that could interfere with the success of the surgery. Treating any existing eye disease or condition is typically necessary before considering refractive surgery.

Good Overall Health

Candidates should be in good general health. It is important to be free of autoimmune…

or collagen vascular diseases, as these conditions can affect the healing process after surgery.

Additionally, candidates should not be taking medications that may compromise the immune system, as it can impact the success of the procedure and the healing process.

Not Pregnant or Nursing

Women who are pregnant or currently…

nursing are generally not eligible for refractive surgery. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and nursing can cause fluctuations in vision. It is important to wait until hormonal levels have stabilized before considering refractive surgery.

Realistic Expectations

Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. It is important to understand that the goal of refractive surgery is to reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses, rather than guaranteeing perfect vision.

While the procedure can significantly improve vision, it may not eliminate the need for glasses or contacts in all situations. Having open and realistic expectations is crucial for a satisfactory outcome.

Keep in mind that every individual is different, and the final determination of candidacy for LASIK or refractive surgery is made during a comprehensive consultation with an experienced eye surgeon.