What is laser corneal surgery?
A normal, healthy human cornea is typically a clear dome over the front part of the eye. It helps bend light rays so that they focus on the retina. Irregularities in the cornea, such as scarring from past trauma or corneal dystrophies, which are the build-up of foreign material in one or more of the layers of the cornea, can impair vision. For patients with corneal abnormalities, Clewner & Kelly Eye Center proudly offers laser corneal surgery in Boca Raton, FL, including phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). This advanced procedure helps to create a smoother cornea surface, allowing for greater visual acuity. If you have corneal scarring or corneal dystrophies in Deerfield Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Delray, Parkland, or Pompano, FL, contact our center in Boca Raton, FL. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified ophthalmologist to ask how PTK can help you see more clearly.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Corneal Surgery?
Laser corneal surgery is considered to be a safe and effective option for those with corneal abnormalities. Often, we perform PTK to address these issues, which has many benefits. Some benefits of this procedure include:
- High success rate (as high as 90%)
- Does not involve creating a flap
- Can be performed on those with thin corneas
- Vision can be improved
Who is an ideal candidate for laser corneal surgery?
Laser corneal surgery can improve your eye health and overall well-being. However, it's essential to understand whether or not you're a candidate for the procedure. In general, a few factors determine if you're a candidate. These factors include:
- Experience refractive errors
- Are in good overall health
- Have a damaged cornea
- Suffer from corneal disease
You may not be a good candidate if you have autoimmune or inflammatory disorders. For additional insight into PTK in Boca Raton, FL request a consultation with our team.
How is laser corneal surgery performed?
Patients who have certain autoimmune or inflammatory disorders may not be good candidates for laser corneal surgery. An ophthalmologist will evaluate your candidacy for the surgery by performing a comprehensive eye exam at our center in Boca Raton, FL. Should you be determined to be a good candidate, the surgery will be performed as an outpatient procedure and should take around 10 – 15 minutes to complete. To begin, our team will administer anesthetic eye drops to ensure you experience minimal discomfort. A speculum will be used to hold open the eyelids while one of our board-certified ophthalmologists uses the laser to remove diseased tissue and corneal irregularities. After surgery, you will be given a bandage contact lens and detailed aftercare instructions. Some patients will see a noticeable improvement in vision in as little as one day after surgery. Our team will schedule several post-op appointments with you to monitor your healing progress.
What Can I Expect After Laser Corneal Surgery
The recovery time for the surgery will vary based on the severity of the condition. When you meet with our eye specialists, we will evaluate the health of your eye and perform a comprehensive exam to determine what treatment is best and how long it will take to recover. In general, it could be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. You can expect to take between 2 – 5 days off work. There are certain things we advise you not to do as you recover. You should not:
- Drive for about one day or until cleared by your doctor
- Exercise (wait one week to exercise mildly, such as yoga, and two weeks for contact sports, heavy lifting, and water sports)
- Travel on an airplane for up to one week or until cleared by your doctor
- Get your eyes wet for one week (whether in the shower or swimming)
- Rub your eyes for up to two months or until cleared by your doctor
- Wear makeup for about two weeks
- Get a facial for two weeks after surgery or a chemical peel or laser facial for one month after surgery
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Laser Corneal Surgery FAQ
Does laser corneal surgery hurt?
Regardless of the type of corneal surgery performed, it should not hurt. We make sure to fully numb your eye so that you don't feel any sensation. Additionally, corneal surgery usually only takes around a few minutes to complete. This makes them a sought-after option for eye correction.
Will I need to wear glasses after laser corneal surgery?
Not everyone ends up with perfect vision after laser corneal surgery, so you may need glasses.
Can you get corrective eye surgery for keratoconus at any age?
Keratoconus is an eye disorder that happens over time. This condition makes it difficult to perform corrective eye surgery until the damage has slowed. The thinning of the cornea often stops around age 40, which would be an ideal time to undergo corrective eye surgery for the condition. Speak with our eye doctors for more information on when the right time for surgery is for you.
How many laser corneal surgeries will it take before the problem is fixed?
The amount of time you undergo a corneal laser surgery in Boca Raton, FL, will depend on what is being treated. For example, if you have a cornea transplant, you may have to undergo multiple surgeries. Whereas a LASIK procedure will only take one corrective surgery. To learn more about the different conditions we treat, schedule an appointment with our eye specialists.
How soon can I return to work or daily activities after laser corneal surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure, but many patients are able to resume normal activities within a day or two after laser corneal surgery. However, tasks that require sharp vision, like driving or reading, may take a few days to feel completely comfortable. Your eye doctor will provide personalized guidance based on your healing progress.
Are there risks or side effects associated with laser corneal surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, laser corneal surgery carries some risks. These may include dry eyes, glare or halos at night, light sensitivity, or under- or over-correction. Most side effects are temporary and resolve during the healing process, but your eye care team will monitor your recovery and address any concerns that arise.
Laser Corneal Surgery for Improved Vision
The experienced staff at Clewner & Kelly Eye Center is dedicated to enabling patients to see with their best vision and experience life to the fullest. If your vision is hindered by corneal irregularities, then laser corneal surgery in Boca Raton, FL, could be the advanced treatment option that will allow you to improve your vision. To learn more about PTK or other laser corneal surgery options like keratoconus laser surgery, contact our center in Boca Raton, FL, and consult with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists.
