What is Excimer Laser Surgery?

The excimer laser is a medical breakthrough that can help eliminate your need for contact lenses/glasses. It is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The laser is guided by an advanced computer that is able to reshape the cornea precisely. This produces a sharper image on the retina.

Where and when was the Excimer developed?

It was developed by IBM in 1979 to cut circuits in microchips. The first human procedures were done in Berlin in 1987. Over the past eleven years more than 1,500,000 procedures have been performed.

What about long-term risks?

In 1987, Dr. Theo Seiler of West Germany successfully performed the first procedure. There are no results beyond 11 years, but we have no reason to believe negative effects will become apparent after 12 years.

Who is a candidate for this surgery?

You must be at least 18 years old, have a stable eye prescription and your eyes must be free of disease. Nearsightedness as well as Farsightedness, with or without astigmatism can be corrected.

How long is the procedure?

The procedure itself takes less than two minutes. The laser only reshapes the superficial 5-10% of the cornea.

Is the procedure painful?

The procedure itself involves only a mild to moderate pressure sensation. Needles ARE NOT used, only freezing drops. You may experience some discomfort the first 12-24 hours after the procedure as the surface cells of the cornea begin to heal. Patients usually feel fine by the next morning and may return to work after two days of rest.

How long does it take the eye to heal?

The front surface of the eye takes 24-72 hours to heal.

Can I have both eyes done at once?

Yes, this is called a Bi-Lateral procedure. This is determined on an individual basis. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.

Will my vision remain unstable after the procedure?

Results have indicated that most patients remain stable after six to twelve months. The laser will not stop the natural aging process of the eye.

How many visits are required after the surgery?

Initially, patients are seen 24 hours after the surgery. Follow-up visits thereafter are usually at one week, 3 months, and one year.

What is healing haze?

This is rarely a problem for the patient. Only 1 or 2% of our patients encounter haze. The haze is seen by your ophthalmologist and is part of the healing process. It usually appears at about six months and disappears at 12 months.

Are reading glasses required?

Presbyopia is the normal weakening of the focusing muscles of the eye, usually at the age of 40. All normally sighted patients require readers in their mid-forties. Without surgery, patients must either wear bi-focals or remove their distance correction to read. There is a correction called mono-vision that can offset this natural occurance, ask your doctor if this option is available to you.