Refractive Eye Surgery

Refractive surgery is a vision correction procedure that uses a laser beam to improve eyesight in people with blurred vision. LASIK and PRK are the most common types of vision correction surgery and have been shown to drastically reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.

Every year, hundreds of patients count on SSM Health Eye Care to perform this important procedure. Our experienced, Wisconsin based, surgeons are at the forefront of eye surgery and have pioneered LASIK treatment by installing the first FDA-approved excimer laser, in addition to the first Implantable Collamer Lense (ICL) in the US.

If you’re considering vision correction surgery, we offer a free consultation. At the consultation, you will learn about refractive surgery, and be able to better determine if it’s the right option for you.

Eye Surgery for Refractive Error

A refractive error is when the shape of your eye does not bend light correctly, resulting in nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Refractive surgery can correct these errors. Designed as a one-time treatment, the procedure utilizes a cool-to-the-touch laser beam that is specifically calibrated to reshape the function of the cornea.

Sometimes however, the surgery does not improve the refractive error and the patient may still need eyewear to achieve optimal vision. In this case, your eye doctor may consider a second surgery to further reshape the cornea.

A great candidate for this FDA-approved surgery:

• Is typically over the age of 18
• Does not have a history of eye diseases
• Has no significant medical or ocular problems
• Accepts the inherent risks and potential side effects of the procedure including chronic dry eyes, glare and halos, and other complications

Treatment Options

PRK

PRK uses mild abrasion to remove the surface layer of the cornea (epithelium), followed by an excimer laser to reshape the cornea’s middle layer. Because the epithelium is removed, there is a slightly longer healing time than with LASIK.

Intralase Method

This LASIK procedure uses rapid pulses of laser light to create a corneal flap and then reshapes the cornea.

LASEK

LASEK preserves more corneal tissue than a typical LASIK procedure and may be a better alternative for patients who have a thinner cornea. 

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

ICL involves an innovative refractive lens that works with your natural lens to provide clear, corrected vision.

Clear Lens Extraction (CLE)

CLE is an alternative when vision problems cannot be corrected with laser surgery.