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Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A.
1207 North Scott St.
Wilmington, DE 19806
Ph / (302) 652-3353
Fax / (302) 656-9979
Refractive Procedures to Serve Every Need
Refractive eye surgeries, such as PRK, LASEK, Epi-LASIK, LASIK, and Conductive Keratoplasty (CK), are procedures that are performed to correct refractive errors including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, as well as presbyopia (the loss of reading vision). The intent of these procedures is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. During each of these procedures, the cornea is reshaped to correct the vision problem. Our refractive surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Minkovitz is expertly trained and eperienced in each of these treatments. To schedule an appointment, we invite you to contact Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. in Wilmington, Delaware today.
PRK
PRK is an eye surgery treatment used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea. It was the original method used for laser vision correction, and it remains an ideal choice, especially among those with thin corneas or prior eye surgery.
During the PRK surgery process, Dr. Minkovitz uses anesthetic drops to numb the eyes. First, the cornea’s outermost layer - the epithelium – is gently removed so that the deeper surface can be accessed. He then uses the sophisticated excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Once the cornea has been reshaped, contact lenses will be placed over the eye to act as bandages until the epithelium has grown back. After the procedure has been completed, the eye's focusing error will be drastically improved, eliminating or greatly reducing the need for corrective lenses.
The results of PRK surgery are comparable to those achieved with LASIK, though healing takes a bit several days longer. The vast majority of patients experience exceptional improvements in their vision, with many achieving 20/20 vision or better.
LASEK
LASEK eye surgery is a variation on traditional LASIK treatment. The procedure differs from the LASIK in that an alcohol solution, rather than a microkeratome surgical blade, is used to create a thin epithelial flap on the cornea. Once Dr. Minkovitz has created this flap, an excimer laser is utilized to reshape the cornea so that the eye's focusing power can be improved. When the desired results have been achieved, the corneal flap is replaced. Since there is no incision made on the cornea, LASEK surgery may be ideal for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK; the results are comparable, if not identical, but can be achieved in a less invasive manner. To learn whether you are a good candidate for LASEK, please contact Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. in Wilmington, Delaware today to schedule a consultation.
Epi-LASIK
Often ideal for patients with thin corneas or dry eye syndrome, the Epi-LASIK procedure is similar to LASEK but does not entail the use of an alcohol solution. Instead, Dr. Minkovitz uses a device called an epi-keratome to create a thin, hinged sheet of epithelial cells in the surface layer of the cornea. After moving this sheet to one side he uses the excimer laser to reshape the cornea. At the close of the procedure, the epithelial sheet is replaced and a special contact lens is placed on the eye. Visual improvements begin to occur three or four days after treatment, with optimal results emerging over the weeks that follow.
LASIK
LASIK eye surgery is a safe, effective way to improve refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Patients who choose to undergo custom LASIK will also be able to improve higher-order aberrations, those minute flaws in the shape of the cornea that nevertheless affect visual acuity. The vast majority of patients who undergo LASIK emerge from the procedure with dramatically improved vision, with many being achieving 20/20 vision without the need for corrective lenses.
During the LASIK procedure at our Wilmington, Delaware eye surgery center, Dr. Minkovitz first numbs the eyes with anesthetic drops. He then creates a flap in the outermost layer of the cornea with a highly precise device called a microkeratome. This allows him to access the underlying corneal layers, flaws in the shape of which are responsible for visual errors. Using an excimer laser, he reshapes the cornea, a process that requires about a minute per eye. After Dr. Minkovitz has achieved the optimal corneal shape, he carefully replaces the flap, which self-heals without the need for stitches or bandages. Typically, improvements in vision are immediately noticeable, although vision will continue to improve over weeks and months. The final results will be clear, crisp vision and, in some cases, complete independence from glasses and contact lenses.
Conductive Keratoplasty
Conductive Keratoplasty (Near-Vision CK) is a treatment to improve mild to moderate hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia (the age-related farsightedness that occurs due to the loss of elasticity in the natural lens). Instead of using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, as with LASIK, Dr. Minkovitz uses a fine-needle tip that transmits radio waves. The heat from the radio waves creates an outline of spots that shrink as they heal. This shrinking process tightens the central area of the cornea, thereby making it steeper. Dr. Minkovitz adjusts the number, location, and pattern of the spots according to the level of correction appropriate to the individual patient. Near vision CK is potentially ideal for older patients who struggle to focus on nearby objects.
Radial Keratotomy
One of the earliest treatments used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), radial keratotomy (RK) flattens the cornea through the careful, strategic placement of several small incisions around its outer layer. It remains an excellent alternative for many patients who are not good candidates for LASIK.
Contact Us for Further Information about PRK, Epi-LASIK, LASEK, or LASIK
The eye care professionals at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. invite you to learn more about how you can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. You, too, can see the world through new eyes! Contact Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A., in Wilmington, Delaware for further information about Epi-LASIK, LASEK, PRK, near vision CK, or LASIK eye surgery or to schedule a consultation today.