Laser vision correction refers to procedures that reshape the cornea with laser energy to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These procedures can be customized to provide a unique treatment for each patient resulting in the best possible vision. For all of our LASIK procedures we refer to Dr. Aaron Weber and Dr. Robin F. Beran with Columbus Laser & Cataract Center located in Westerville, OH.

LASIK and PRK

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)  are laser based, low risk, predictable procedures that can improve uncorrected vision by changing the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea. This allows light to be  properly focused on the retina and provides clear vision. These procedures can often provide rapid improvement in uncorrected vision, allowing many people to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. 

Good candidates for these procedures include someone who is over 21 years old, has stable vision and has a healthy cornea. After undergoing theese procedures, patients often experience rapid vision improvement and can sometimes return to work the very next day.

Refractive Lens Exchange

Refractive lens exchange, also called clear lens extraction, replaces the natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) in patients wishing to correct high farsightedness, high nearsightedness or presbyopia without undergoing a corneal modification procedure such as LASIK. Patients can choose from a wide range of IOLs in order to achieve the best possible vision for their individual eyes.

The refractive lens exchange procedure is the same as that used in cataract surgery; the only difference is that refractive lens exchange is performed to achieve refractive correction rather than cataract removal. Refractive lens exchange involves a rapid recovery and offers patients dramatic improvement in vision quality.

After surgery, patients enjoy clearer vision and greater focusing power almost immediately. Many eliminate or significantly reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses, and vision remains stable over time. This procedure also prevents the patient from developing cataracts in the future. You may be a candidate for clear lens extraction if you:

• Want to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts

• Are over 50 years old

• Have high myopia (nearsightedness), high hyperopia (farsightedness), or presbyopia, with or without cataract

• Have early symptoms of cataracts

Although refractive lens exchange is considered safe for most patients, there are certain risks associated with any kind of procedure. You can discuss these risks, along with the benefits of this procedure, before deciding whether or not it is right for you.