What is the Excimer Laser?
The excimer laser was developed in 1976 by IBM. It is a computer controlled laser that emits a precisely focused beam of light that can shape the cornea 1/4000th of a millimeter at a time allowing patients to see more clearly without glasses or contact lenses. It is used for PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), and LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis). The laser is currently being performed in over 40 countries including Canada, the United States, Germany, Japan, Italy, France and Britain.
How Does it Work?
The excimer laser vaporizes the outer layers of the cornea in a precise and controlled fashion. Unlike other lasers, there is no burning or heat generation during the laser procedure. This means that the corneal healing response is minimal (particularly with LASIK) and corneal clarity is maintained.
Does it Hurt?
The laser takes only seconds to shape the cornea and it is entirely painless. Only freezing drops are used. With PRK there is usually minimal irritation in the first 24-48 hours. Drops and a contact lens are used to help alleviate this. With LASIK, irritation is even less and lasts just several hours. A contact lens is usually not required with LASIK
Is it Safe?
The laser has been in widespread use for the treatment of myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism over 15 years. Millions of successful procedures have been performed around the world. Although no procedure is without risks, these risks are minimal, since over 95% of patients are able to drive and work without glasses or contact lenses after the laser treatment.
What if I Move My Eye During Treatment?
In addition to surgeon control, an extremely advanced eye tracker on our laser monitors eye movements and compensates 50 times faster than the eye can move. This safety feature is not present on all lasers.
What are the Long Term Risks?
Over the first 15 years that this laser has been performed, there have been no progressive or long term changes that would lead one to believe that there would be any changes in the next 10 or 20 years. It is normal, though, for the eye to change in the healing phase immediately after the laser.
Will I Become Nearsighted Again?
The treatment changes the corneal shape. If your prescription is stable before the laser, it should remain so after the treatment. There may be some regression within the first 3 months after LASIK and within the first 6 months after PRK. This can be retreated and is included in the cost of the initial procedure.
Would an Eye Surgeon Ever Have This Performed?
In fact many already have! It is also a procedure that most would recommend to their spouses or friends. This is the best indication of what eye specialists feel about the procedure.
Will I Miss Work?
Although the procedure can be arranged almost any day, most people prefer a Thursday or Friday appointment and are able to return to work on the following Monday. LASIK treated eyes permit even faster recovery.
Can Both Eyes be Treated at Once?
Currently most patients elect to have both eyes treated on the same visit after considering the risks and benefits. It is possible to treat one eye at a time and on occasion, only one eye needs to be treated.If one eye is treated at a time, the second eye is usually treated once the first eye has healed. This may take from 1 day to 3 months
Where is the Procedure Performed?
The Sorgini Eye Institute is situated in the south end of Sudbury at 1351 Martindale Rd. The clinic has an extremely advanced excimer laser and state of the art LASIK equipment permanently installed in a specially constructed and controlled environment.
What About Follow-up Care?
Local follow-up care is provided to patients treated in Sudbury. For out-of-town patients, follow-up care can be arranged in their city. This is all included in the cost of the laser.
Who performs the procedure?
Dr Curtis Sorgini, a Sudbury ophthalmologist with fellowship training from Montreal in corneal surgeries, is an experienced PRK and LASIK surgeon. He is an active member of the Canadian Ophthalmologic Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the International Society or Refractive Surgeons. Dr Sorgini has treated patients from around the world and from all 5 continents.
How do I Receive More Information?
Further information regarding the PRK and LASIK procedures and your suitability is available from your eye care professional, or by visiting our contact section.or complete our brief questionaire.