Lasik Co-Management

What is LASIK and LASIK Co-Management (LASIK or PRK)?

LASIK and PRK are state-of-the-art refractive surgery procedures that can reduce or eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are both highly effective outpatient procedures, often referred to as refractive surgery or laser vision correction. A surgeon uses a cool beam of light from the excimer laser to gently reshape the front surface (cornea) of your eye.

PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction and is the predecessor to the popular LASIK procedure. PRK recovery takes a bit longer than recovery from LASIK eye surgery, PRK is commonly performed and offers advantages over LASIK for some patients. Like LASIK and other types of laser eye surgery, PRK works by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clear vision.

The main difference between PRK and LASIK is the first step of the procedures. In LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea with a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. This flap is lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue and is replaced after the cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser. In PRK, the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed prior to reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The epithelium repairs itself (grows back over the corneal surface) within several days after surgery.

Advancements in refractive surgery have made the procedures safer and more effective than ever, allowing for outstanding visual outcomes for patients. Dr. Price Kowaleski works closely with top surgeons in the Indianapolis area to provide all of your pre-operative and post-operative care for LASIK procedures and to assure the best surgical outcome for her patients.

LASIK or PRK Consultation

Several measurements influence if we would recommend LASIK or PRK for a patient. A patient’s lid structure, tear film, ocular surface contour and thickness, as well as the prescription are just a few things that go into this decision. After discussing your interest in LASIK or PRK with Dr. Price Kowaleski she will most likely recommend that you have a free consultation either in her office or at the surgery center to help determine if you are an excellent candidate for the procedure.

Pre-Operative Care

Once we determine with the center that you should move forward with LASIK or PRK, Dr. Price Kowaleski can then do your pre-operative visit. She will take more measurements and use a strong dilation to better check your prescription and eye health. She will also educate you on what to expect the day of surgery and beyond and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

Post-Operative Care

Patient’s post-operative care may vary depending on the type of surgery and patient. Most often, patients are seen by Dr. Price one day after surgery and approximately four days after surgery, then at one month, three months, six months. At these visits, Dr. Price will review the patient’s medication instructions, and evaluate the vision and health of the eye. It is very important to us that each patient is healing properly after surgery. You will also need a yearly check up to make sure no regression or other complications occur.

Co-Management For LASIK and PRK

Dr. Price Kowaleski co-manages for LASIK and PRK so she can help you plan for the best vision whether you are wanting to see better far away or for distance and reading such as monovision. She can offer patients the latest technology and works with the best surgeons in the area. And patients can still have the comfort and convenience of coming to our local office for all of their pre- and postoperative care.

Future Eye Exams

Even after LASIK or PRK it is important to have routine eye exams every year to evaluate the health of the eyes. Patients that have had refractive surgery still have risks of developing other eye conditions or diseases. Problems such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration will be just a few of the many ailments Dr. Price Kowaleksi will screen for during your yearly eye health exam.