Call us today at 800-347-5274 and SEE the difference. Schedule an appointment today! click here »
(Left) Tom Russell - Meteorologist
(Right) Dr. Ernst
What
is LASIK?
LASIK is an acronym for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis, which simply means
to shape the cornea (outer window of the eye) so that light rays focus more precisely on the
retina, thereby reducing or eliminating refractive errors. Schedule an appointment today for LASIK in Harrisburg! click here »
Using
an instrument known as a microkeratome,
a thin flap of corneal tissue is folded back. The Excimer
Laser then removes a predetermined amount of tissue from the inner
cornea to correct the individual's refractive error. The cornea is made
flatter to treat nearsightedness, steeper to treat farsightedness and/or more spherical to correct astigmatism. The corneal flap is placed
back in its original position without the need for stitches. LASIK can
treat low to very severe refractive errors.
Custom LASIK:
The latest technological advance in laser vision correction is “custom” LASIK surgery. Harrisburg patients who receive “Custom” LASIK, which also goes by various other proprietary names, such as CustomVue™, receive ultimate care. Harrisburg Custom LASIK surgery represents the next step in improving the outcome of laser vision correction beyond the excellent results already attainable by conventional means. This is possible because every eye and its associated refractive errors are unique, much like one’s fingerprint, and recent advancements in technology now allow us not only to measure these unique refractive imperfections, but also to accurately and predictably eliminate them. For more information about CustomVue, see the section in "Vision Correction".
A Look Behind the Scenes: Steps to LASIK
Step 1: Your FREE Technician Evaluation
The first step in bringing your world back into focus is to schedule an evaluation with our laser counselor. During this evaluation, you'll learn more about the various options for LASIK. You'll also learn the risks & benefits associated with LASIK and about our affordable payment plans.
Step 2:Your Eye Examination
As part of your surgical work-up, you'll receive a comprehensive dilated eye examination by one of our staff and other special testing to help us confirm your candidacy for LASIK.
Step 3:Discussing your problems Our staff will discuss the specifics of your LASIK procedure, helping you understand exactly what will happen before and after your LASIK procedure.
Step 4: The Special Testing
To help insure the success of your procedure, special testing procedures such as our computerized corneal topography will be performed. This topographical mapping of the front surface of your eye is painless and gives us the necessary measurements and information to achieve the best possible results.
Step 5: Our LASIK Procedure
Using cool waves of light from an Excimer Laser, LASIK takes only a few minutes to treat Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and Astigmatism with microscopic precision. You should experience little, if any, discomfort.
Step 6:Open Your Eyes to Clearer Vision
Imagine a world without contacts or glasses. At Schein Ernst Eye Associates we turn dreams of clear vision into reality.
What
if I'm not a candidate for LASIK Surgery?
The FDA approved the first implantable lens for nearsightedness, giving people with extremely poor eyesight a new way to see the world around them. The Verisyse™ lens is clipped permanently into the eye and is an alternative to LASIK, glasses and contact lenses. read more »
What
can I expect during the LASIK procedure? 1. After your eye has been numbed with "eye drop" anesthesia,
an instrument known as an eyelid speculum will be positioned to hold your
eyelids open. You will remain awake and comfortable throughout your procedure.
2. A small suction ring will be placed around the cornea and serves as a
platform for the microkeratome.
3. The microkeratome separates the surface layers of the cornea, and the
corneal flap is folded back.
4. You will be asked to look at a target light while the Excimer laser reshapes
the corneal tissue. A clicking sound can be heard as each microscopic
layer of tissue is vaporized. This process will last from seconds to minutes,
depending on the amount of correction needed.
5. The corneal flap is then placed back into its original position and allowed
to dry for a few minutes.
6. You will be given additional eye drops, and your eye may be shielded for
protection. Your vision will probably be a little blurry at first so have
someone drive you home and relax for the rest of the day.
What
can I expect after the procedure?
During the 24-48 hours after the treatment, most patients will experience
a sensation in the eye and/or some discomfort. Typically, the patient
will notice improved vision in 3-5 days or sooner following the treatment.
Treatment follow-up generally involves several visits to the doctor. Vision
may fluctuate over the next few weeks, and usually stabilizes within three
months. Possible side effects may include halos around lights, "ghost"
images, visual fluctuations during healing, or minor discomfort during
healing. Although these side effects may appear, they are less frequent
and less intense than in other procedures.
What
are the benefits of laser surgery?
- Clearer, natural vision without the hassles and inconvenience of corrective
lenses
- Better vision for recreational sports, especially water, winter, and
contact sports
- More natural appearance without glasses
- No more fears about being incapacitated in an emergency if lenses are
lost
- Can have corrective lens requirement removed from drivers' license
- Wider scope of peripheral vision than glasses provide
- May be safer for eye health than wearing contact lenses for an extended
period of time
- New visual freedom for all aspects of life
Call us today at 800-347-5274 and SEE the difference. Schedule an appointment today! click here »