Bonita Point Family Optometry
746 Otay Lakes Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91910 (619) 656-1081
Dr. Daniel L. Mason- Optometrist


SURGICAL TREATMENTS- To reduce or eliminate myopia / astigmatism & hyperopia

Click here to review Myopia & Astigmatism


In myopia either the cornea (front of eye) has too much curvature or the eye is too long. It is possible and most likely that in the higher powers that the cause is a combination of the two factors. In astigmatism the cornea basically has two different curvatures and thus the vision is distorted. The surgical techniques all work on the cornea to effectively flatten the curvatures. In the case of myopia the curves are flattened equally and in astimatism only the steeper curves is flattened to equal the flatter curvature. In the case of myopia and astigmatism a combination of the two is done. Even if the cause of the myopia is a long eye, flattening the curvature of the cornea will reduce the myopia. The following is a general overview only and each case should be discussed throughly by the patients eyecare practitioners.

In hyperopia either the cornea (front of eye) has too little curvature or the eye is too short. It is possible and most likely that in the higher powers that the cause is a combination of the two factors.  The laser techniques effectively steepen the curvatures to correct the hyperopia. Techniques are available to correct hyperopia along with astigmatism.  As always the skill of the surgeons and proper care is paramount for a successful outcome.

PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY- PRK/ LASEK

In PRK and LASEK the Laser is used to reshape the cornea. This treatment uses a computer driven laser (directed by surgeon) that removes the outermost layer of the cornea in a predetermined amount. It removes more from the periphery and less from the center thus flattening the cornea to correct or reduce the myopia. In both these procedures no flap is created prior to the laser being used.  The main difference between the two is how the epithelial layer is removed prior to the application of laser.  

LASIK

In the higher powers the most common surgical procedure used is LASIK. It is similair to PRK above except before the laser is used a microkeratome temporarily lifts a thin layer of the anterior portion of the epithelium of the cornea. The laser is then used to reshape the internal portion of the cornea and this portion is reapplied. This procedure we feel has shown the best results for the higher powers. In some cases where there is an irregularity either the cornea or the inner optics of the eye a procedure called "Custom Lasik" may be preformed utilizing the same techniques as regular Lasik except computer driven information with regards to the irregularities is programmed into the laser. As with each surgery the skill and experience of the surgeon is critical.

Comanagement of Refractive Surgery Services

Our office works directly with patients in the preoperative and postoperative phases of Refractive surgery. We provide eye examinations and consultations for refractive surgery. If we deem surgery appropriate for the patient we will coordinate surgery with the specific surgeon that we feel would be appropriate for you prescription. We only work with various surgeons in which we have deep respect for their skills and integrity. For information purposes you can Internet Link to the TLC Laser Center La Jolla for more detailed information on refractive surgery procedures.

last update 2/15/05