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Discover a world of glasses independence with LASIK and PRK surgery performed by CEENTA's award-winning surgeons. In a quick, minimally invasive procedure, you'll experience crystal clear vision that rivals that of eyewear and corrective lenses.
To get started, schedule your LASIK consultation with our two fellowship-trained surgeons:
Schedule Your LASIK Consultation with CEENTA
Eyewear and corrective lenses are an excellent way to improve your vision, but they require constant upkeep and updates. At CEENTA, we offer LASIK for patients looking to see clearly without the stress of losing or breaking their access to eyesight.
Read About Dr. Wiley's Own LASIK Procedure
LASIK stands for Laser In Situ Keratomileusis. PRK stands for Photo Refractive Keratectomy. LASIK (with a flap) and PRK (without a flap) are both Laser Vision Correction (LVC) or refractive surgery procedures used to correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. These procedures use excimer laser technology introduced in the 1980s.
LASIK is a clinically proven treatment to improve eyesight. Just like any procedure, there may be side effects such as dry eye and temporary glares. However, LASIK is safe and successful when performed by experienced professionals.
The minimum age to receive LASIK is 18 years old. That said, it is best recommended for patients to wait until around age 25 when vision has mostly matured.
The best range for receiving LASIK falls between ages 25-40, but there is no upper age limit.
LASIK is not a permanent solution for blurry vision, but the effects from the surgery do last upwards of 10-20 years. After that time, vision changes may occur as a natural part of aging.
PRK is very similar to LASIK in that both procedures correct vision by targeting the cornea of the eye. While LASIK creates a flap in the cornea to reshape it, PRK removes the outer layer entirely. As a result, PRK has a longer recovery time compared to LASIK.
Our surgeons use the latest FDA-approved state-of-the-art Alcon Wavelight refractive suite. The EX500 Excimer Laser and the FS200 Femtosecond Laser consistently deliver an accurate, safe, and highly individualized LASIK experience.
Candidacy is determined by an evaluation between an experienced CEENTA ophthalmologist and the laser center. Good candidates must:
Patients with amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (muscle imbalance), dry eye or other eye problems should alert their doctor. Women should be finished with breastfeeding for three months before pursuing an evaluation.
Once you are determined to be a good candidate, a surgery date will be selected. When you arrive for LASIK eye surgery at Accuvision LASIK of Charlotte (AVL), you will be offered copious topical anesthesia (eye drops only). The laser eye surgeon and staff will go over detailed instructions with you.
Once in the laser room, the surgeon will create a thin, circular “flap” in the cornea with a femtosecond laser and then the excimer laser begins the job of removing tissue to reshape the cornea. The “cool” ultraviolet laser works quickly. The surgeon then smooths the flap back into position and the same is done for the other eye. No bandages or stitches are required.
For patients having PRK surgery, the surface layer of the cornea is gently removed, without creating a flap, and a clear contact lens bandage is placed on the eye for comfort after surgery and will remain there for one week.
After the procedure, you will spend some time at the laser center before being released and you will need a driver to take you home.
Recovery from LASIK will initially begin within the first 24 hours with side effects including mild irritation and blurry vision. From there, patients can resume their daily routine within a week with full corneal recovery expected by 6 months.
Upon discharge from your surgery, we expect you to travel directly home to sleep. Your next visit is usually the following day at the LASIK center with your laser eye surgeon. Further postoperative follow-up visits are arranged for the following 3 months.
Vision returns rapidly with both procedures and normal activities are expected within a few days, although PRK does have a longer recovery time than LASIK. These will be discussed at the time of your evaluation.
More than 99% of patients are 20/40 or better after surgery. Fewer than 2% of people may require a LASIK enhancement, or "touch up" procedure, within the first 12 months, and fewer than 1% experience a complication either during or following the procedure. Your doctor will discuss all of your pertinent statistics and possible complications in depth with you as they relate to your personal situation during your evaluation process.
No, LASIK will not change your eye color as it is only performed on the cornea and not the iris.
The current cost of LASIK is $2499 per eye. Accuvision LASIK of Charlotte offer financing through CareCredit. The center also accepts HSAs, FSA, major credit cards, and bank checks.
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. has two LASIK surgeons: William Hammonds, MD and Lee Wiley, MD. You will be screened by phone before your in-person evaluation for LASIK at your surgeon's respective office. The screening evaluation includes:
To get started today, schedule your LASIK consultation with Dr. Hammonds or Dr. Wiley online or through myCEENTAchart.
