Laser Refractive Surgery

Are you tired of relying on visual aids to see clearly? Do you dream of waking up in the morning with improved vision, ready to take on the day without the hassle of visual aids? 

If so, laser refractive surgery at The Medical Eye Center may be the solution you’ve been looking for. This life-changing procedure has helped millions worldwide achieve crisper, sharper vision.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a popular and highly effective vision correction procedure performed at The Laser Vision Center in Nashua, NH. LASIK is a safe and proven way to correct common vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

LASIK has helped millions of people around the world achieve better vision and enjoy a better quality of life. Many people who have had LASIK say it’s one of the best decisions they’ve ever made, giving them greater freedom, convenience, and confidence in their daily lives.

Take the LASIK Self-Test to see if you may be a good candidate for LASIK at The Medical Eye Center. 

How Does LASIK Work?

Before your consultation, contact lens wearers must be out of contact lenses completely for two weeks so that we can obtain accurate measurements for your surgery. If you have Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses, you may need to be out of them for longer than two weeks. Please contact our office if you are unsure of how long you should be out of contacts.

During LASIK, a femtosecond laser is used to create a microscopic flap, which then allows an excimer laser to reshape the cornea with excellent precision. The flap is then placed back in position. By changing the shape of your cornea, LASIK helps focus light more precisely on the retina, giving a sharper image. 

At The Medical Eye Center, our highly trained surgeons use a wavefront-optimized excimer laser. Wavefront-optimized lasers offer a higher level of customization and precision. 

By accounting for the unique shape and irregularities of each patient’s cornea, the laser creates a one-of-a-kind map for your LASIK surgeon. They will then use this map to deliver the best possible results following LASIK surgery.

The LASIK procedure is quick, painless, and usually takes less than 30 minutes for both eyes. 

Here’s a step-by-step overview of what happens during LASIK at The Medical Eye Center:

  1. An oral medication is given to help reduce your anxiety.
  2. Your LASIK surgeon administers numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort.
  3. A thin flap is created on the surface of your cornea. 
  4. A small but precise amount of tissue is removed from your cornea, reshaping it according to your specific vision needs. 
  5. The flap is carefully put back in place, where it heals naturally without stitches.
  6. The same steps are done for the following eye, if applicable.
  7. You are taken back to the exam room to ensure that the treatment is to the LASIK surgeon’s liking.

You will need somebody to drive you home from your appointment. Most people notice a significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours after LASIK surgery. 

Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK is an excellent option for many people who want to reduce or eliminate their need for visual aids. However, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. 

You may be a good candidate for LASIK if:

  • You are at least 18 years old.
  • Your prescription has stayed the same for at least one year.
  • You have healthy eyes, free from diseases, injuries, or severe dry eye syndrome.
  • You are not pregnant or nursing.
  • Your corneas are thick enough for the procedure.
  • You have realistic expectations about what LASIK can achieve.

The best way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK is to schedule a consultation at The Medical Eye Center in Manchester, NH. We’ll assess your eye health, discuss your goals and expectations, and help you make an informed decision about your vision correction options.

What Makes LASIK Worth It?

The cost of LASIK and how much it’s worth to you can vary depending on several factors. It’s important to consider price in the context of LASIK’s long-term benefits and savings. 

After the vision correction procedure, you’ll no longer need to spend money on glasses, contact lenses, or related supplies, which can add up significantly over time. You’ll no longer need to depend on these visual aids.

The Medical Eye Center offers payment plans, and there are a variety of ways to make LASIK more affordable. Our team can help you understand your specific financing options during your consultation. 

What is PRK?

LASIK is the most well-known and popular laser eye procedure. However, alternatives are available if you’re not a good candidate for LASIK. 

One common alternative is PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy. PRK may be a better choice for people with thin corneas or those at a higher risk of eye injuries due to their profession or lifestyle (such as athletes or military personnel). 

Like LASIK, PRK uses a laser to reshape your cornea and improve your vision. However, instead of creating a flap in your cornea, the surgeon removes the thin outer layer of your cornea (called the epithelium) before using the laser. 

This layer grows back naturally after the procedure, usually within a few days. The recovery time for PRK is typically a bit longer than LASIK, and you may experience more discomfort and temporary vision fluctuations during the healing process. The benefit is that there is no flap, so the eye is more secure if you participate in strenuous activities or hobbies.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of what happens during PRK at The Medical Eye Center:

  1. An oral medication is given to help reduce your anxiety.
  2. Your PRK surgeon administers numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort.
  3. The top surface is the cornea is removed in a controlled manner.
  4. A small but precise amount of tissue is removed from your cornea, reshaping it according to your specific vision needs. 
  5. A special anti-scarring agent called mitomycin C is applied to the surface of the eye and then rinsed off.
  6. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye and drops are administered.
  7. The same steps are done for the following eye, if applicable.
  8. You are taken back to the exam room for ensure that the treatment is to the LASIK surgeon’s liking.

You will need somebody to drive you home from your appointment. With PRK, it is normal for the vision to be blurry for a few days following the procedure. The vision gets better over the following days. Pain is expected with this procedure, but you are given pain medications and drops to help ease the discomfort.

If you’re not a good candidate for LASIK, ask about PRK at your consultation with The Medical Eye Center. Your eye surgeon can help you determine which vision correction option is best for your individual needs and goals.

Dr. Chao
Jonathan Chao, MD

Dr. Jonathan Chao

Dr. Jonathan Chao is a highly respected and experienced eye surgeon at The Medical Eye Center. He has dedicated his career to helping people achieve better vision and quality of life through advanced laser eye surgery techniques, including LASIK and PRK.

Dr. Chao is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in cornea and external disease. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is an expert in diagnosing and treating numerous eye conditions. 

Is Laser Refractive Surgery Available at all The Medical Eye Center Locations?

All laser refractive surgery (LASIK and PRK) consultations take place in our Manchester, NH office, while LASIK and PRK procedures are performed in Nashua, NH. It’s important to remember that you will need somebody to drive you home after your procedure. 

The Medical Eye Center is committed to making the process as convenient, comfortable, and stress-free as possible, from initial consultation to treatment consult visits. Attending your follow-up consults is essential for a safe and healthy recovery process. 

Don’t wait any longer to enjoy the freedom and clarity of vision that LASIK or PRK can provide – Schedule a consultation with The Medical Eye Center in Manchester, NH, today and start your journey to crisper, clearer eyesight!

Make A Payment Physician Referrals Cataract Self Test
Contact Us