Laser Vision Correction – LASIK and PRK
Laser Vision Correction (LVC) is one of the most life-changing procedures a patient can do. Glasses and contacts can be inconvenient for many and a job hindrance as well. 20/20 without glasses is the goal with LVC and is the result 98-99% of the time.
Dr. Ahad Mahootchi has been performing LASIK and PRK in the Tampa Bay area for over 23 years. Thousands of local patients have trusted their eyes to him for LVC.
The goal of either LASIK or PRK is to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses by gently and precisely changing the eye’s shape, thus the eye’s prescription to nearly nothing.
PRK and LASIK are both used to modify the cornea of your eye but have different steps and recovery to help correct your vision.
Top 3 Benefits of LASIK
- Speed of recovery—can see well right after the procedure
- Very comfortable postoperative course.
- Predictable outcome
- Less need for medication drops
- More than 25-year history of safety
How is the LASIK procedure done?
Traditional LASIK eye correction surgery involves two procedures. First, a femtosecond laser is used to create a flap in the cornea to expose the underlying tissue. After the flap is created, the excimer laser is used to reshape the eye by removing ultra-thin layers from the underlying corneal tissue. At the end of the procedure, the flap is replaced. The flap adheres by itself to the corneal bed without stitches. Postoperative discomfort is usually limited to a mild dry eye feeling and is usually limited to the first six to twelve hours after treatment.
How is the PRK procedure done?
PRK is an alternative laser vision correction surgery to LASIK. In PRK, the front surface corneal shape is changed with the laser. Unlike LASIK, there is no flap that needs to be repositioned at the end of the procedure. The corneal surface requires from two to five days to regenerate, and during this period, the vision will be blurry. Functional vision typically returns after five to seven days, and good vision may require two weeks or longer to return.
At your screening, we will discuss which option is right for you. After laser vision correction surgery, the majority of patients are able to function without glasses or contact lenses. The Eye Clinic of Florida in Zephyrhills invites you to schedule a Free LASIK Vision Screening Exam with Dr. Ahad Mahootchi. Call (813) 538-1500.
Who is a candidate for laser vision correction surgery?
- Eye prescription should fall within certain prescription limits.
- No eye disease, including keratoconus, uncontrolled glaucoma, severe cataracts, corneal disease, and certain retinal and optic nerve diseases.
- No residual or active eye conditions including optic neuritis, ocular herpes, some cases of amblyopia (lazy eye), AND strabismus (muscle imbalance).
- You should have no current or recurring infections.
- Should have overall good health; not have any autoimmune diseases, such as Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.
- If you have diabetes, it must be well managed and under good control, and not have diabetic retinopathy.
- You cannot be pregnant or nursing or plan to become pregnant in the next 6 months following surgery. If nursing and considering LASIK laser eye surgery, you should wait at least 3 months after you’ve stopped. Hormonal fluctuations can affect vision stability.
Currently, most degrees of nearsightedness and astigmatism can be treated with laser vision correction. Mild to moderate degrees of farsightedness can also be corrected.
Most patients do not experience pain during the procedure because their eyes are numbed using anesthetic drops. If you are anxious, oral medicine is used to relax you.
There are no needles. The eye is numbed using topical anesthetic drops, so no injections or needles are needed for the procedure.
The eyelid is held open by a special device during the procedure. It will be impossible to blink, so you do not need to worry about blinking and affecting the outcome of the procedure. We will also lubricate your eye during the procedure, so you do not need to worry about your eye drying out.
The entire surgical procedure for both eyes usually takes less than 30 minutes. You will be at the Same Day Surgery Center for about a total of two hours on the day of the procedure, and you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
With LASIK vision correction, most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision and can resume most of their normal daily activities by the next day. The vision will usually continue to improve for 1-2 weeks after the procedure. With PRK, the vision will take longer to recover, usually 3-5 days.
After LASIK, most patients can resume their normal activities, including work, the day after surgery. With PRK, patients often prefer to take a few days off from work after the procedure. During your laser vision consult visit, we will advise you on what to expect based on the type of work that you perform.
Happy Patient Testimonials
Happy Patients Talk About Their Experience with Cataract Surgery and Dr. Mahootchi.
This place is something AWESOME. Before my aunt had cataract surgery she had trouble counting fingers right in front of her. Now she has 20/20 vision. I must admit I was skeptical at first because of just being the type of person who worry a lot about my aunt. But I'm glad we trusted the process.
My husband, Ron Ingersoll, had a positive experience when he had a procedure done by Dr. Mahootchi. He felt comfortable and cared for by the staff and they calmed his nerves. The facility was set up very well and he was impressed by the whole experience.
I had a pleasant experience at The Eye Clinic of Florida. It was my first time there, and everything went really well. Dr. Huang and all the assistants were very thorough.
Dr. Mahootchi and his staff treat their patients with the utmost care. Having recently undergone LASIK eye surgery, I was extremely nervous about the procedure but the friendly staff made me feel at ease. The procedure went great, and I now have 20/20 vision! I highly recommend Dr. Mahootchi.
Dr. Mahootchi did Lasik on my eyes last year (2019) and it was the best decision ever. The entire staff at the clinic has been very helpful and are very friendly and accommodating. The entire process from the consultation to the surgery and follow-up was great. I didn't have to worry about much and I was always at ease because everyone from Dr. Mahootchi to his assistants were calming, confident and knowledgeable. Definitely would recommend the clinic for anything eye related 🙂
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