What is Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery is a procedure where a laser is used to change the shape of the cornea, the surface of the eye.  Reshaping the cornea removes focusing errors and provides a more permanent solution to vision problems.

PRK is a type of laser eye surgery or procedure where a single laser is used directly on the surface of the cornea.  PRK is not used as much anymore except for patients who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK.  Patients with very thin corneas may be more suited for PRK than for LASIK surgery.

LASIK is the most common form of laser eye surgery.  During LASIK, a flap in the cornea is created.  The correction of vision occurs deeper in the cornea, using a laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive error problems.  The flap is placed back into position.

Laser eye surgery, either PRK or LASIK, can correct many vision problems.  Conditions that can be treated with laser eye surgery include nearsightedness, farsightedness and some forms of astigmatism. For more information on laser eye surgery, please call Inland Eye Institute in Rancho Cucamonga for a consultation.