LASIK Eye Surgery in St. Louis, Missouri

LASIK, which stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism.  LASIK Missouri combines the use of a microkeratome and an Excimer laser.  The microkeratome, a very precise surgical instrument, creates a thin flap of corneal tissue before the laser is used to reshape the underlying tissue.  The flap is then returned to position and heals quickly without stitches.

To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea.

To treat farsightedness, the central cornea must be made steeper. This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from the periphery.

To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By changing the pattern of the beam, tissue is removed in one direction more than the other.

PRK/Epi-LASIK

PRK and Epi-LASIK Missouri are alternative laser refractive procedures most commonly used to treat patients who have thinner corneas. The laser treatment is applied through the outer surface layers of the cornea.

Phakic Intraocular Lenses

For extremely nearsighted patients, laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK, PRK, and Epi-LASIK may not be an option. A phakic IOL is a lens that is surgically implanted.  The word “phakic” means the natural crystalline lens is left in the eye (not removed as in cataract surgery).

Cataract Surgery

Our surgeons use the no-stitch, no patch, no-shot method of cataract removal. Following proper dilation of the pupil and preparation of the surgical area, a topical anesthetic is administered to the surface of the eye. A small incision is then created at the junction of the cornea (the clear domed structure on the front of the eye) and the sclera (the white part of the eye).

The front part of the lens envelope, the lens capsule, is carefully opened so that the lens material can be removed. An ultrasonic probe breaks up and removes the hardened and yellowed lens material. This process, known as phacoemulsification, is the most modern method of cataract removal.

Once the entire cataract has been removed, a folded intraocular lens (IOL) chosen by the surgeon for your individual needs is inserted through the original incision and centered in the lens capsule. The lens cannot be felt or sensed in any way by the patient.

Recovery from surgery is rapid, with most patients achieving noticeably better vision within the first 24 hours. Patients will use an antibiotic drop and a steroid drop several times daily for the first few weeks after surgery. Patients should refrain from eye rubbing during the first few weeks after surgery, and a clear patch will be worn over the eye during sleep for the first week.