LASIK/PRK Laser Eye Surgery
A highly popular and effective method to eliminate wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, a process that has been used since 1990 to treat myopia, hyperopia (nearsightedness, farsightedness) and astigmatisms.
With this form of surgery, the eye's corneal flap is cut and a computer-guided laser reshapes the underlying exposed cornea.
LASIK preserves the epithelium and the outermost stoma. The cornea of LASIK patients heals faster than those treated with other techniques. Most patients achieve great vision within the day following surgery!
Like all surgeries, LASIK poses some risks and complications. Every patient should talk to their doctor about how to weigh the risks with the potential benefits.
Laser Treatment of Glaucoma
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) for Non-invasive Glaucoma Management
SLT works by focusing laser energy on pigmented cells in the eye, which improves the flow of the aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, thereby relieving pressure in the eye. SLT is performed right in our office and only takes a few minutes. SLT can reduce or eliminate the need to use glaucoma medications (drops).
Benefits include:
- Safe and not associated with any systemic side effects and cost like medications
- SLT uses photothermolysis to target specific cells, not harming surrounding tissues.
- SLT therapy is usually reimbursed by most insurances and Medicare.
Laser Peripheral Iridotomy for Narrow Angle or Angle Closure Glaucoma
Laser iridotomy involves making a hole in the peripheral colored part of the eye (iris) to allow fluid to drain normally in eyes with narrow or closed angles.
Laser Suture Lysis
Typically a procedure performed after a trabeculectomy - the most commonly performed surgery for glaucoma. It is performed several days after the trabeculectomy to regulate intraocular pressure (IOP) by suturing the scleral flap tightly to prevent immediate postoperative hypotony. If intraocular pressure is not reduced to the desired level, then one or more of the flap sutures are selectively cut using the argon or krypton laser within the first week after surgery to improve filtration.
YAG Laser Capsulotomy
A common experience from post-cataract surgery is the development of a secondary cataract. This complication is known as Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO). The cause is the back of the lens capsule containing the IOL implant is now becoming cloudy and impairing vision.
This problem is also treatable with a painless and quick outpatient procedure called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy. The process consist of applying a laser cut making a clear path for light to pass through the clouded capsule.
Retinal Laser Repair - Focal Tears & Holes
Commonly known as retinal detachments, a focal laser procedure seals the hole or tears that are allowing fluids to build up in the retina and causing the detachment from the eye wall. It is a serious condition and can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Luckily, today's laser technology can effectively treat this with a short out-patient laser treatment called a retinopexy. A laser retinopexy is a procedure in which a green thermal laser is used to make a scar tissue barrier surrounding the tear or break in the retina.