What is LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK eye surgery actually stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK is a refractive eye surgery procedure where a laser reshapes the outer surface of the eye known as the cornea. By changing the shape of the cornea doctors can improve vision.
Take our LASIK self test
If you are seeking LASIK in Raleigh, North Carolina we are happy to help you learn about LASIK and your candidacy potential for this eye surgery. Please feel free to take our short LASIK self-evaluation test to get on the path to better vision. After taking this test you will be contacted by Raleigh Ophthalmology if you meet the pre-requisite requirements. All LASIK candidates will be required to undergo a pre-operative eye exam before candidacy is approved.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally transparent lens of the eye. As the opacity thickens, it prevents light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina, the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. Early lens changes or opacities may not disturb vision. But as the lens continues to change, several specific symptoms including blurred vision; sensitivity to light and glare; increased nearsightedness; or distorted images in either eye, may develop.
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DSEK
Descemet's Stripping with Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) a newer cornea transplant technique that replaces only the damaged cell layer instead of replacing the entire thickness of the cornea. With this technique cornea heals much faster and stronger and the patient's visual recovery is better.
Because this technique leaves a smoother interface and significantly improves the visual results, it has become a preferred method for treatment for Fuchs' Dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.
The DSEK procedure can overcome many of these problems associated with a standard corneal transplant. With a DSEK procedure only the abnormal inner lining of the cornea is removed. A thin, circular disc is then removed from the inner lining of a donor cornea. This is folded and place inside of the eye where an air bubble pushes it in place until it heals in an appropriate position. No sutures are required and the structure of the cornea remains intact, leading to a faster visual recovery and less astigmatism.
The DSEK procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes approximately 45 minutes. For the first 24 hours after surgery you will be asked to lie on your back with your face pointed directly to the ceiling for as much time as you can tolerate. This will help the graft stay in position as the air bubble holds it up into place on your cornea. You will be given several drops to use to prevent infection as well as to help the eye heal comfortably. After the first 48 hours there are minimal restrictions to your activities. The vision is usually better within one week. 80% of the healing has taken place by one month but the vision can continue to slowly improve over the next four to six months.
While doing his Cornea fellowship at Wake Forest University Eye Center, Dr. Patrick Laber was involved in clinical trials of the EndoSaver which is a device eye surgeons utilize to insert donor tissue without damaging the fragile tissue. The EndoSaver allows safer and more effective surgery and leads patients to a quicker recovery with less pain and fewer post operative problems.
In his practice with Raleigh Ophthalmology, Dr. Laber is continuing the clinical trials under an IRB study at Rex Healthcare. The device has been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval, which is expected soon.