Epi-K and PRK
There are two alternative options to LASIK: Epi-LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy).
Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery
For patients who are not excellent candidates for LASIK, Epi-LASIK may be another option. This option is used if your cornea is too abnormal for LASIK. While the steps of Epi-LASIK are very similar to LASIK, the main difference is in the formation of the flap prior to reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive error.
How It Works
There are three steps to Epi-LASIK:
1. The Creation of the Flap: This step is where Epi-LASIK differs from LASIK. With Epi-LASIK, the flap is created with a thin blade called an epi-keratome. This blade is used if for people whose corneas are too thin. It removes a thin layer of epithelium cells so that the surgeon can use the laser to correct the patient's vision.
2. Reshaping of the Cornea: The surgeon then applies an excimer laser to the cornea to reshape and correct the patient's vision issue.
3. The Flap is Replaced: After the cornea is sculpted, the flap is very carefully folded back into place. Epithelium cells are the fastest growing cells in the body, but even so, the surgeon will place a contact lens on the eye for protection.
Healing with Epi-LASIK is longer than with traditional LASIK. You may have to wear the protective contact lenses for three days before the doctor will allow you to remove them. You can usually drive within one week.
Dr. David O'Day prefers the results obtained with Epi-LASIK and offers it to all patients as an option. The main advantage of Epi-LASIK over traditional LASIK is that with Epi-LASIK, there is no deep corneal “flap” created which means that the healing process is more permanent since much less tissue is displaced than is the case with LASIK.
The proof of the benefits of Epi-LASIK at Charleston Cornea and Refractive Surgery is in the thousands of exuberant patient stories and in the fact that Dr. O’Day is Charleston’s only practice which offers a 20/20 Money Back Guarantee to his patients. This guarantee is your assurance that Dr. O’Day has complete confidence in his ability to improve your vision to at least 20/20, and oftentimes even better.
PRK
PRK is necessary for certain eye conditions where the cornea is too thin to create a flap. Although outcomes are the same, PRK is a slightly less comfortable procedure than LASIK and can take up to two months to achieve the level of vision that LASIK can deliver in just a day or two, but PRK is better, when necessary, than the alternative of wearing contact lenses or glasses.
Welcome
When I heard the words, "I only wish I'd done it sooner!" from so many patients, I began to think about ways to help future patients shorten the time they spend thinking about LASIK. The following are major questions most people have about whether they should replace their glasses and contacts with the clear natural vision that only LASIK can provide:
- What assurance can you give me that I'll achieve 20/20?
- How much of a risk will I be taking? What's the truth about complications?
- What makes you better than any other surgeon I might find in Charleston?
- How affordable is it really? Will it all be worth it?
About Your Eyes
Astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia (or the need for reading glasses due to age) and cataracts. These are the major vision conditions that reduce our enjoyment of life and create dependency on glasses and contacts. With today’s vision correction technologies, each one of these can be solved. Learn how here.
LASIK
LASIK solves the ‘refractive error’ that causes astigmatism, nearsightedness, far sightedness, and even presbyopia. Dr. David O’Day has performed more than 45,000 refractive procedures, making him one of the nation’s most experienced refractive surgeons.
Cataract Center
Cataracts come to all of us at some time, and usually start developing after the ages of 45-50. Cataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure in the world – and one of the safest. Advances in replacement lens technology (IOLs) mean that virtually anyone can gain freedom from the effects of cataracts – and achieve better vision than ever.
Cornea Center
The cornea is the clear, living tissue on the very front part of the eye. Occasionally, either through disease or injury, surgery is needed to restore full vision or arrest declining eyesight. Dr. David O’Day is skilled and experienced at performing the following corneal procedures
Comprehensive Eye Care
Some LASIK centers do 'only LASIK,' but LASIK is not necessarily right for everyone. At Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery, in addition to LASIK, we provide the full array of today’s eye care technologies: RK/AK, CK, ALK, excimer laser PRK, LASEK, Epi-K cataract surgery, intraocular lens implantation, corneal transplant surgery, surgical treatment of eye diseases, and general eye care.
Optical Shop
Visit our optical shop for the latest in high fashion, designer eyewear. We have a wide variety of designer eyewear including glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and supplies to fit your individual style. Our affordable, quality eyewear is easily customizable and also guaranteed.
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