Refractive Correction - reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contacts

-LASIK
-PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation
-Phakic IntraOcular Lens (IOLs)
-Multi-focal IOLs
Options for refractive surgery include laser procedures targeting the cornea  -- LASIK and PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation -- and implantable lenses -- phakic IOLs and the newer multifocal IOLs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LASIK and how does the procedure reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts?
LASIK is an acronym for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. This procedure permanently changes the shape of the cornea and can eliminate a lifetime of dependence on contacts and glasses. Dr. Agnone uses a microkeratome to create a thin corneal flap and applies a cool laser beam to gently reshape the cornea under the flap. Each pulse of the laser removes 39-millionths of an inch of tissue in 12-billionths of a second, enabling Dr. Agnone to achieve incredible accuracy while maintaining precision control throughout the procedure. LASIK is very suitable all degrees of nearsightedness. Because the top layer of the cornea is preserved, discomfort following the LASIK is minimal and recovery time is very quick.

What is PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation?
Previously, PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation was used when patients were not suitable candidates for LASIK; however, PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation is now being used more frequently because studies have shown excellent results and intraoperative safety. Unlike LASIK where the laser is applied to the layer of the eye below a flap made in the cornea, the PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation laser is applied directly to the superficial layers of the cornea. Because there is no flap, the protective superficial layers of the cornea must heal following PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation, and patients require more time to achieve their best vision. In some patients PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation is a safer procedure than LASIK. The outcomes of PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation and LASIK are comparable six months after the procedure.

Both LASIK and PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation are performed as outpatient procedures, require only a topical anesthetic eye drops, and take minutes to complete.

What are Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOL’s)
Phakic (from the Greek word "phacos" meaning lens) intraocular lenses, or phakic lenses, are plastic or silicone lenses permanently implanted into the eye without removing the natural lens. These lenses reduce or eliminate the need for corrective glasses or contact lenses and are an option for those who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK/Advanced Surface Ablation.

What are the new generation Multifocal Intraocular Implants - ReSTOR®, and ReZoom™?
Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) now are used in patients without cataracts who are farsighted (difficulty with close vision) and have refractive errors or cannot be treated with LASIK or PRK / Advanced Surface Ablation. Most individuals over the age of 40 require bifocals or reading glasses for activities requiring close vision. Multifocal IOLs provide unique technological innovations to lessen or even eliminate the need for bifocals or reading glasses. Over 80% of patients who choose mutifocal IOL surgery are completely free of glasses. Drs. Agnone and Morrison are committed to providing the latest reliable vision solutions and are pleased to offer this proven, 21st century technology in vision correction.