The eye doctors at Northern Utah Eye Center specialize in refractive procedures, including LASIK, PRK, and EVO ICL, to help patients achieve clear vision and reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts. Our experienced team of eye doctors uses the latest technology and techniques to provide personalized, high-quality care for each patient.
What is Refractive Surgery?
Refractive surgery has become a popular choice for those who want to enhance their vision, achieve clearer, sharper vision, and reduce their need for glasses or contact lenses. Some types of refractive procedures require reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, while others utilize implantable collamer lenses.
Refractive procedures can correct common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. There are several different types of refractive surgery available, including LASIK, PRK, and EVO ICL, each of which offers unique benefits based on your specific visual needs and lifestyle requirements.
At Northern Utah Eye Center, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to each and every patient. Dr. Karren is an experienced refractive surgeon who uses the latest technology and techniques to perform these procedures, ensuring the best possible outcome for each individual.
We take a personalized approach to refractive surgery, carefully evaluating each patient’s visual needs and goals to determine the best treatment plan. At Northern Utah Eye Center, we understand the importance of clear vision and are committed to helping each patient achieve their visual goals.
If you are interested in learning more about refractive surgery and how it can benefit you, our team would be happy to discuss your options and help you make an informed decision.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery and is a highly effective method for reducing dependence on visual aids like glasses and contact lenses. The cornea, the clear, dome-shaped structure at the front of the eye, is the main focus of this procedure.
By reshaping the cornea, light can be directed onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision for those with refractive errors. Refractive errors occur when the natural shape of the eye does not allow light to land directly on the retina, leading to blurred vision.
This is why many people require corrective lenses to see clearly. During the LASIK procedure, the surgeon first uses a laser to create a flap on the surface of the cornea.
The flap is lifted, and a second laser is used to reshape the cornea’s middle layer, correcting your refractive error. After the reshaping process is completed, the flap is repositioned for healing.
The flap will naturally heal without the need for stitches. Recovery from LASIK is generally smooth, and many people are able to return to their daily activities within a few days.
Your LASIK surgeon will also provide you with post-operative instructions by the surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery. It’s worth noting that while LASIK is a highly successful procedure, it is not suitable for everyone.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK is to schedule a consultation at Northern Utah Eye Center. During this consultation, your eye doctor will evaluate your eye health and discuss your individual needs to determine if LASIK is the right choice for you.
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What is PRK?
PRK, also referred to as Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, is a refractive procedure that aims to correct refractive errors and improve visual freedom. It offers similar visual results as LASIK and helps to decrease the need for visual aids.
During the PRK procedure, your eye surgeon will remove the outermost layer of the cornea and then reshape the middle layer to allow proper light focus on the retina. After the operation, a protective contact lens will be placed over the eye to aid healing, which takes several weeks.
Similar to LASIK, your eye doctor will provide you with post-operative care instructions. Like other refractive procedures, before undergoing PRK, it is important to determine if you are a suitable candidate, as not everyone is eligible for the procedure.
What is EVO?
The EVO Visian ICL is a type of implantable collamer lens. The EVO Visian ICL is cutting-edge technology that offers a revolutionary solution for correcting nearsightedness and nearsightedness with astigmatism.
During the EVO Visian ICL procedure, your refractive surgeon will implant the EVO ICL directly into the eye. This means that this refractive procedure does not require any alteration of the corneal tissue.
One of the key advantages of the EVO ICL is its construction material, Collamer. This soft, biocompatible substance not only provides excellent visual outcomes but also significantly reduces the risk of potential complications.
First, your eye surgeon will make a small incision in the cornea, and then they will implant the EVO Visian ICL into your eye. The lens is positioned in front of the natural lens, refocusing light onto the retina and significantly improving the patient’s vision.
Another distinctive feature of the EVO ICL is its adaptability. Unlike other IOLs that are permanent, the EVO ICL can be removed or adjusted if necessary, providing patients with a flexible option for vision correction.
This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who may require future changes to their vision correction, as well as those who have active lifestyles or demanding visual needs. However, the EVO Visian ICL can only correct vision in people who are nearsighted, so if you are farsighted and desire greater visual freedom, LASIK or PRK may be a better choice for you.
How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate for Refractive Surgery?
Before you are able to schedule any refractive procedure, you will first need to qualify as a candidate. The candidacy qualifications will likely vary depending on each procedure.
For example, to qualify as a candidate for the EVO Visian ICL, you must be nearsighted. To qualify as a candidate for LASIK, you must have sufficiently thick corneas, among other criteria.
Are you interested in learning if you may be a candidate for refractive surgery? Schedule an appointment at Northern Utah Eye Center in Logan, UT, today to start your journey to visual freedom!