How The Eye Works

The human eye functions much like a camera, with a lens in front and a light-sensitive screen, the retina, in the rear. Images enter the eye through the cornea, a transparent domed window at the front of the eye. In a normal eye, the cornea bends (refracts) incoming images, causing the images to focus on the retina.

Nearsightedness

The inability of the cornea to refract incoming images properly causes blurred vision and is called a refractive disorder. Myopia (nearsightedness) is one of the most common refractive disorders. In a nearsighted eye the cornea is too steep, causing an image to be focused in front of the retina, and distant objects to appear blurred. To correct nearsightedness, laser vision correction makes the cornea less steep by removing a microscopic layer of the cornea through a gentle reshaping technique. This allows distant objects to be focused properly on the retina.

Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction is a remarkable medical development which can eliminate or reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. Using highly advanced excimer laser technology, the cornea is reshaped with extreme precision in a matter of only seconds.

Laser vision correction should not be confused with the surgical procedure called radial keratotomy (RK) which is also used to correct nearsightedness. RK involves surgical incisions deep into the cornea and relies on the manual skill of the surgeon. In contrast, laser vision correction utilizes the micro-precision of a computer controlled excimer laser to reshape the outer surface layers of the cornea.

The laser is specifically programmed for your prescription. The correction itself is painless. There are no incisions or injections and the actual laser application takes only about 30 seconds. Discomfort after correction lasts approximately 24-36 hours and is generally relieved by pain medication.

International research conducted since 1983 has resulted in the widespread acceptance and use of the excimer laser for laser vision correction around the world. The excimer laser is already in use in 45 countries and has been deemed safe and effective for laser vision correction in the United States. Several hundred thousand people worldwide have already had their sight made normal by laser vision correction.

After laser vision correction, the vast majority of the cornea is left unaffected

The Technology

The excimer laser produces an invisible beam of ultraviolet light which can remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue without causing damage to surrounding cells. This elegant surgical tool is so precise that it can etch microscopic layers off a human hair. To achieve most corrections, a microscopic amount of corneal tissue - approximately a third the thickness of a human hair - is sculpted from the surface of the cornea. The beam is directed on to the surface of the eye in a series of 10 pulses per second. Each pulse removes a quarter of a micron of tissue (one hundred thousandths of an inch). This precision assures total control of the correction process.

Assessment Examination

At The RK Center, Dr. Bernstein will give you a full eye examination and assess your suitability for laser vision correction. Based on that examination, Dr. Bernstein will determine the specific level of correction you require. You will be advised of your likely outcome and made fully aware of the implications of laser vision correction.

During the examination, Dr. Bernstein will determine which eye will be treated first (as only one eye will be treated at a time).

If you wear contact lenses, the only thing you need to do to prepare for your examination is to remove your contact lenses for a specific period prior to the examination, as advised by Dr. Bernstein

Although Dr. Bernstein determines your suitability for correction, the choice to go ahead is yours.

The Day Of Your Laser Vision Correction

On the day of the correction, you should arrive at the laser center approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the correction. Dr. Bernstein, a specialist in laser vision correction, will give you a pre-procedure eye examination to verify your refraction and your general eye health. He will also answer any questions you may have. Dr. Bernstein will then explain each step of the correction process to you.

You will be given anesthetic eye drops just prior to the correction. Preparation for the correction takes just a few minutes and the actual laser application itself takes only about 30 seconds. Once the treatment is completed, Dr. Bernstein will take a few minutes to patch your eye and provide instructions on what you should do over the next few days. The whole procedure takes less time than having your teeth cleaned.

Following Laser Vision Correction

The correction itself is pain free, but some discomfort may be felt during the first 24-36 hours after the correction. Dr. Bernstein can prescribe pain medication.

After the correction, we recommend that you take it easy. You should probably plan on taking one or two days off work and avoid driving for a while. Dr. Bernstein will advise you more specifically based on your individual case.

Vision can be blurred or fluctuate for a period of time after the correction as the eye begins the healing process. Your progress will be closely monitored by Dr. Bernstein and the RK Center team is always available to answer any questions you may have.

After a few days, your vision will start to improve steadily. There may be some variability in your vision on a weekly basis as your eye settles to its corrected level. This is perfectly normal and will vary depending on your age and the amount of correction needed. Typically, patients have their second eye treated within three months after the first eye is treated.

Follow-up Care

Regular follow-up visits to the RK Center are essential to monitor your progress and ensure that you achieve the best results. A series of follow-up examinations will be scheduled to monitor your progress for up to a year. Normally you will be seen a few days after correction, then for a series of follow-up visits scheduled by Dr. Bernstein over the next twelve months. At the two month follow up, a decision to proceed with the correction of your other eye will be made. All charges for these scheduled follow-up visits are included in the cost of the correction.

These follow-up visits will be scheduled at the office of Dr. Bernstein. Dr. Bernstein will be readily available to answer any of your questions and you are welcome to call anytime.

Results

Laser vision correction has achieved excellent results, with the majority of patients no longer dependent on corrective lenses after the treatment. Since the final result depends on your own healing process, the end result cannot be guaranteed. However, the lower the degree of correction required, the better the probability of totally eliminating your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you do not achieve full correction, a second treatment may be necessary to produce the best result. Some patients will not be able to eliminate their need for corrective lenses but may be able to use a lower strength prescription - this often means more comfortable eyewear.

Who Can Benefit From Laser Vision Correction

To meet the basic qualifications for laser vision correction you must: be at least 21 years old; have a stable refraction; have a refraction of no greater than -7 diopters of nearsightedness and astigmatism of no greater than -1.5 diopter. Everyone is unique. Dr. Bernstein can determine whether you fall within the treatment parameters.

The Cost

There is no puzzle for you to solve; the cost of each correction procedure includes the initial treatment for each eye, all medications administered during treatment and all of the scheduled first year follow-up examinations. Compared to the lifestyle restrictions and monetary costs associated with a lifetime of contact lenses or eyeglasses, laser vision correction can be an excellent investment in your future

The Laser Vision Correction Team

The Laser Vision Correction Team is made up of specialist ophthalmologists, optometrists and laser vision correction specialists. Each team member has participated in an extensive training program and is available at all times to provide complete support to you.