Lasers use high-energy light waves in order to cut through tissue in a very accurate manner, and to coagulate and remove tissue. Lasers have produced dramatic surgical effects that have improved the quality of care for patients. As with any surgical procedure, the key to a successful outcome is a knowledgeable, experienced and skillful surgeon. Ophthalmologists at Scripps Mericos Eye Institute have extensive training and experience in laser eye surgery.

Lasik® Surgery
The IntraLase Method^TM
YAG Laser Treatment
ARGON Laser Treatment
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Excimer Laser Refractive Surgery (PRK)

Lasik® Surgery
People with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are candidates for Lasik surgery. In this surgical procedure, the surgeon creates a thin, circular flap in the cornea. He then folds the flap back out of the way, and removes some corneal tissue underneath using an Excimer laser. The laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea to reshape it. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. When the cornea is reshaped the right way, it works better to focus light into the eye and onto the retina, providing clearer vision than before. With this surgical advancement, no sutures are needed and most people experience minimal or no pain.

The IntraLase Method^TM
The IntraLase Method is a 100% bladeless approach to creating your corneal flap, the thin flap of tissue that the doctor folds back in order to perform your LASIK procedure. With the IntraLase Method, tiny pulses of laser light, a quadrillionth of a second each, pass harmlessly through the outer portion of your cornea and form a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles just beneath the surface of your eye. The bubbles allow your doctor to easily separate the tissue where these bubbles occur, and when complete, the flap is uniquely able to “lock” back into place. Traditionally, doctors have used an instrument called a microkeratome for the creation of corneal flaps. The microkeratome is a hand-held blade that moves across the eye, cutting the corneal flap as it goes. The IntraLase Method, by contrast, enables your doctor to create your corneal flap without a blade ever touching your eye.

Yag Laser Treatment
Patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma (the pathways for drainage of eye fluid are significantly narrowed or completely blocked) can benefit from Yag laser treatment. In this surgical procedure, the ophthalmologist performs a series of carefully focused laser applications to restore clarity to the optical path of the eye. During Yag laser iridotomy, the ophthalmologist applies a special contact lens to the patient's cornea, which helps to focus the laser, allowing the creation of an opening in the iris. Yag laser treatment also assists in remedying cloudy, post-surgical membranes from the eye after cataract surgery.

Additionally, Yag thermal laser surgery can be used when other surgical procedures have failed to halt the advancement of glaucoma. Laser energy is applied through the sclera (outer layer of the eye) to the ciliary body (produces fluid which maintains the intraocular pressure). The selective destruction of the ciliary processes reduces intraocular pressure. Because this procedure can be painful, an anesthetic is administered.

Argon Laser Treatment
Argon laser treatment is used to treat retinal problems. Beams of the Argon laser are used to seal weak blood vessels in the eye, repair retinal damage, and treat certain types of glaucoma.

Since 1980, argon laser surgery has been used to reduce intraocular pressure-the main danger of glaucoma. The pressure can damage optic nerve fibers and cause progressive vision loss.

During argon laser trabeculoplasty, the surgeon applies a special mirrored contact lens to the patient's cornea. This device allows direct observation of the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye. Laser applications are made to specific areas of the trabecular meshwork in order to create a very subtle but definite burn of tissue Studies have shown that intraocular pressure is reduced in approximately three-quarters of the cases treated.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
SLT treatment is used to reduce intraocular pressure, the main danger of glaucoma, a degenerative disease that if left untreated can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve resulting in gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. SLT does not rely on medicines, instead, uses an advanced laser system to target only specific cells of the eye – those containing melanin, a natural pigment. This allows for only these cells to be affected, leaving surrounding tissue intact. As a result, your body’s own healing response helps lower the pressure in your eye. SLT is usually performed in the physician’s office and only takes a few minutes. Prior to the procedure, eye drops will be given to prepare the eye for treatment. The laser applications are made through a special microscope, similar to the one used for eye examinations.

Excimer Laser Refractive Surgery (PRK)
Anyone who is nearsighted or farsighted may be a candidate for Excimer laser correction. It is a safe and innovative treatment that may restore your natural vision and free you from contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Laser refractive surgery (PRK) is used by ophthalmologists to change the shape of the cornea (clear tissue window at the front of the eye) to improve the way it focuses or "refracts" light to receptors at the back of the eye. During the treatment, the Excimer laser’s cool ultraviolet light removes tissue directly from the surface of the cornea. Short pulses of laser light alter the curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be more sharply focused on the retina.

The treatment itself is painless and quick. Your eye will usually be exposed to the laser for less than one minute and the entire procedure takes about 15 minutes. While Lasik® has surpassed PRK as the most popular form of vision correction, many surgeons prefer PRK to Lasik® for people with larger pupils or thin corneas.

After the operation the ophthalmologist may prescribe topical drugs to promote corneal healing and alleviate pain. Patients generally experience blurred vision and discomfort until the epithelium regrows, usually within 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Visual acuity may continue to fluctuate, but normally stabilizes within two to six months after the procedure. It is performed on an outpatient basis.

If you are considering laser correction, it is recommended that you be at least 18 years old with healthy eyes and stable vision. Laser correction for eye vision is a permanent treatment. You are not a good candidate for the treatment if you have degenerative or autoimmune diseases, are pregnant or nursing or have a condition that makes wound healing difficult. Alternatives to laser correction include but are not limited to glasses and contact lenses.