Name: Luminance Vision Optometry
Address: 3444 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA, 94549
Telephone: 925-900-8977

Switch Up Your Look

Glasses can be a fashion statement for some and an annoyance for others. The same goes for contact lenses. If glasses and contact lenses have become a hassle for you, a laser eye surgery consultation is an opportunity to learn more about other vision correction options.

Find Out if Laser Eye Surgery is Right for You

It’s important to make sure your goals and laser surgery are a good match. During your laser surgery consultation, we’ll discuss your expectations and lifestyle to see if laser eye surgery is right for you.

We’ll also do a comprehensive eye exam to rule out factors that might prevent you from being able to get laser eye surgery. You may not be a candidate for laser vision correction if you have:

An unstable prescription
Severe dry eyes
Corneal abrasions or diseases
Keratoconus (cone-shaped cornea)
Advanced glaucoma
A history of eye infections
Unmanaged diabetes

Certain eye conditions may also influence which type of laser eye surgery we recommend for you. For example, patients with thin corneas may be better candidates for PRK laser eye surgery rather than LASIK.

Types of Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK

Many people use LASIK as a blanket term to describe all types of laser eye surgery. This isn’t surprising considering LASIK is the most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery. LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and can be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

During the surgery, your surgeon will create a small flap in your cornea with a blade or laser. Then, a computer-controlled laser will reshape your cornea. Once complete, the flap is folded back into place for healing. Certain side effects are possible during the healing process, although many are temporary. These side effects can include:

Pain
Blurry vision
Glare
Halos
Light sensitivity
Dry eyes

PRK

PRK was the first type of laser surgery introduced, although it has largely been replaced by LASIK. Typically, PRK is recommended for patients who aren’t good candidates for LASIK, like those with thin corneas or severely dry eyes. PRK may also be a better fit for you if you’re extremely active, as there is no risk of flap-related complications with PRK.

The main difference between PRK and LASIK is that instead of making a corneal flap during your surgery, your surgeon will remove the epithelium (the outer layer of your cornea) with a special brush, blade, laser or alcohol solution. Then, a computer-programmed laser is used to reshape your cornea, similar to LASIK. The potential complications are also similar to LASIK for the most part, although PRK is generally considered more painful initially as the epithelium heals. However, there is no risk of flap loss.