Laser Eye Surgery

Laser technology has many purposes and advantages in ophthalmology. These systems help our eye surgeons treat various eye conditions, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and cataracts, but the most famous use for laser eye surgery is vision correction, i.e., LASIK. Our skilled ophthalmologists at Mittleman Eye in West Palm Beach and Jupiter offer laser eye surgery for vision correction and eye health and provide alternative options, including EVO ICL and refractive lens exchange (RLE). 

LASIK

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most popular laser eye surgery for vision correction. Millions of people with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism have achieved visual freedom with LASIK. These refractive errors are caused by a misshapen cornea, the clear outer dome of the eye. LASIK eye surgery uses an excimer laser to remove corneal tissue and reshape the cornea for better vision. 

Unlike its predecessor, PRK, which removes the outer tissue layer (epithelium) completely, LASIK creates an epithelial flap that folds back for the laser to access and reshape the cornea. Traditionally, a handheld surgical tool with an oscillating blade (microkeratome) forms the LASIK flap, or the all-laser LASIK approach uses a femtosecond laser to create the flap. Our eye surgeons fold the tissue back in place when the laser finishes, which speeds up the healing time. 

You can enjoy improved vision shortly after LASIK, and the procedure has a high satisfaction rate. Most patients no longer need corrective eyewear, such as contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses.

Refractive Lens Exchange

RLE, which also goes by the name clear lens extraction, works like cataract surgery, except that the natural eye lens is clear and healthy, not cloudy and dense. The procedure replaces the internal eye lens with an artificial IOL adjusted to your unique refractive errors. A multifocal, accommodative, or other advanced IOL allows you to see clearly at all focal points. Refractive lens exchange is a great alternative for people who are not a good fit for LASIK due to high prescriptions, dry eyes, thin corneas, or other risk factors.  

The RLE procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and treats all refractive errors, including presbyopia. (Presbyopia is age-related blurry near vision caused by hardening of the eye lens.) Our eye surgeons may use laser technology to create incisions in the cornea and lens capsule to remove the natural eye lens and place the IOL. Most patients don’t require corrective eyewear after RLE and never have to worry about cataracts because the natural lens is removed.

EVO ICL

EVO ICL is an FDA-approved phakic intraocular lens (IOL) implant that corrects myopia and astigmatism. The implantable Collamer® lens provides excellent visual outcomes and is removable. EVO ICL is an “additive” technology, meaning the implant corrects refractive errors without removing corneal tissue (LASIK) or the eye’s natural lens (RLE) and can be removed or reversed if you’re unsatisfied with your results. The Collamer® material is biocompatible and syncs with other ocular structures. 

The EVO ICL procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes and provides immediate vision improvement. Our eye surgeons insert and position EVO ICL through a tiny incision in the cornea for a quick recovery.

EVO ICL is an alternative option to laser vision correction for myopia. LASIK and EVO ICL are short procedures that significantly reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear. However, candidacy requirements are different. People with thin corneas, dry eyes, or severe nearsightedness may be better suited for EVO ICL. Some patients prefer EVO ICL because it is reversible. 

Learn More About Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery boasts many benefits for people with refractive errors or eye conditions, and alternative options provide other outlets for sharper vision. Discuss your options during your eye exam at Mittleman Eye in West Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida. Text or call (561) 500-2020 to schedule your appointment.