Laser Eye (LASIK) Surgery

Correction of Nearsightedness, Farsightedness and Astigmatism

Sharp's Vision Laser Center, located at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion in San Diego, offers three types of procedures to correct patient’s vision: LASIK, IntraLASIK and PRK.

LASIK
LASIK, or laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a laser refractive outpatient procedure used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

LASIK uses a special instrument called a microkeratome to make a painless incision through the cornea, creating a semicircular flap. The flap is raised and a laser is used to change the shape of the cornea, allowing light rays to properly focus on the retina so eyesight is improved. One of the advantages of this procedure is that the cornea can be reconstructed without affecting the outer surface, which means a quicker and more pain-free recovery.

Benefits of LASIK Surgery
For most candidates, LASIK surgery usually involves little pain and a quick recovery. Other benefits include:
  • Corrects a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia)
  • Eyes stabilize between three and six months after LASIK surgery
  • LASIK can be repeated to correct vision further
  • Little or no scarring of the cornea
  • Postoperative care is usually limited to using eyedrops a week after surgery

Possible Side Effects of LASIK Surgery
Generally, LASIK has a high success rate. Side effects, however, do occur and each individual may experience them differently. The following are the most common side effects and complications:

  • Blurred vision caused by irregular shaped cornea
  • Corneal haze or glare
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye discomfort
  • Infection
  • Inability to wear contact lenses in the future
  • Loss of the corneal flap, requiring a corneal graft
  • Overcorrected or undercorrected vision
  • Scarring  
  • Vision loss

IntraLASIK
IntraLASIK, or bladeless intralase, offers the most advanced technology in vision correction and delivers a new level of safety and precision. With IntraLASIK the surgical blade is replaced with a laser which enables the surgeon to safely create a corneal flap of exact shape and thickness. Virtually all complications are eliminated, dramatically decreasing the risks associated with traditional LASIK procedures. Read about one of the first patients to receive IntraLase vision correction at Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion.

PRK
PRK uses a cool-light laser to sculpt the surface of the eye under the outer layer of the corneal cells. Because the surface layer of cells on the cornea are removed, patients tend to experience a bit more discomfort than with LASIK. Recovery time is three to four days.

Cost
The cost varies with each physician based on which procedures is best for the patient. 

Results
The Sharp Vision Laser Center consistently ranks in the upper 90th percentile (Press Gainey) as compared to similar facilities nationwide.

Schedule a Consultation Today
While laser eye surgery is highly effective, it is not for everyone. We encourage you to schedule an individual consultation to determine if one of the above procedures is right for you. To schedule a consultation or for help in finding a Sharp-affiliated ophthalmologist, please call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277).