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Services |
Bennett Optometry offers corrective procedures including
refractive surgery, lasik, photorefractive keratectomy, and
corneal refractive therapy (CTR).
The latest technique in refractive surgery is LASIK, or
Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomilleusis. It is also known
as the flap and zap technique. The procedure is commonly used to
correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The
procedure begins with an incision that is made part way across
the cornea with an instrument called a microkeratome. This
creates a flap that is laid back exposing the middle stromal
tissue of the cornea. The eximer laser is used to alter the
shape of the stromal layer. The flap is then repositioned. Since
less than 10% of the corneal epithelium is traumatized during
the procedure, epithelial healing is usually achieved within 48
hours. This allows the individual to return to most of their
activities within a day or two. Once a procedure reserved for
high refractive corrections, experienced and skilled refractive
surgeons are making this their procedure of choice for most
refractive corrections.
Photorefractive Keratectomy is a treatment that also uses an Excimer Laser to alter the
curvature of the front surface of the eye thereby modifying the
focus of the light inside the eye. The cornea has about 6
different layers, and one pass of the Excimer Laser can remove
less than 1% of the corneal tissue thereby changing the corneal
curvature. This change in curvature results in a permanent
change in vision correction. Unlike LASIK, there is no corneal
incision. The epithelial healing time is a little longer than
LASIK. Depending on your eye condition this is an alternative
choice that may be preferable for you.
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) is a procedure that uses contact lenses to reduce myopia
or nearsightedness. Basically, you wear a special lens that
gently reshapes your eye so that you can see clearly even after
you remove the lens. You can sleep in these lenses, take them
out in the morning and see without glasses or contacts. The
effect is temporary — generally enough to get you through the
day, but you must wear the special lenses each night. CRT is for
people of any age who are nearsighted. Many doctors believe the
best candidates are people who have low amounts of myopia. The
procedures can be performed on practically anyone of any age. Eyecare professionals usually aim for 20/20 vision, but 20/40
vision (the legal visual minimum for driving in most of the
United States) is typically considered acceptable.
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