LASIK and other vision correction procedures have come a long way in the past 25 years. Conditions that have long been addressed by glasses and contact lenses alone, can now be treated with a wide range of surgical techniques—techniques that may improve vision beyond the 20/20 benchmark, and eliminate the need for corrective lenses altogether.

The phrase “vision correction surgery” refers to any eye surgery that improves vision, including cataract surgery and corneal transplants. Over the years, the term has evolved to include techniques designed to correct refractive errors or common vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (irregular focus) and presbyopia (the loss of near focus that comes with aging). These optical problems collectively referred to as “refractive errors,” are more and more being treated with relatively simple outpatient surgery known as “refractive surgery.”

You will find complete, easy-to-understand information on LASIK and other vision correction procedures on this site. Please note: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are considering LASIK or another vision correction surgery, we look forward to speaking with you. Please e-mail us or make an appointment for a free screening and consultation.

You will find complete, easy-to-understand information on LASIK and other vision correction procedures on this site, or you may download this brochure.

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Why do so many people choose Bascom Palmer for LASIK and other vision correction procedures?
What are refractive errors?
What vision correction procedures are available at Bascom Palmer?
Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
Am I a candidate for LASIK or other vision correction procedures?
How safe is vision correction?
What are some of the risks or complications?
What should I expect at the screening and evaluation?
How do I prepare for a screening and evaluation?
How do I make an appointment?
What should I discuss with the physician when considering surgery?
How much does LASIK or another vision correction surgery cost?
How can I pay for my vision correction surgery?
What should I expect on the day of surgery?
Is vision correction surgery painful?
What kind of results can be expected?
Who are the LASIK specialists at Bascom Palmer?
Other laser vision correction resources

Why do so many people choose Bascom Palmer for LASIK and other vision correction procedures?

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute continues to be rated as one of the nation's best ophthalmic hospitals by board-certified ophthalmologists from across the United States. This year marks the sixth year that U.S. News & World Reports' survey of randomly selected ophthalmologists rated Bascom Palmer the #1 eye hospital in the country. Ophthalmology Times, an industry periodical for and by ophthalmologists, surveyed ophthalmology department chairmen who rated Bascom Palmer’s patient care and residency programs the best in the nation.

Bascom Palmer’s vision correction facilities in Miami, Plantation and Palm Beach Gardens are state-of-the-art with the most technically advanced equipment designed to make your procedure as safe and efficient as possible. Our attentive staff is always available to assist you and make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Bascom Palmer has been at the forefront of LASIK and vision correction since its earliest use in 1980. Each of Bascom Palmer’s highly qualified surgeons performing vision correction, (also known as refractive surgery), is a board-certified ophthalmologist and experienced, fellowship trained cornea specialist. All are internationally recognized in the field.

Our surgeons teach various vision correction techniques, with laser and without, to ophthalmologists across the nation, and participate as investigators in numerous clinical trials to continually improve the techniques, efficiency and outcomes of vision correction surgery. That means we are using the most up-to-date and proven techniques and technology to provide optimum results. More importantly, if you qualify as a candidate for LASIK or another type of vision correction, we will recommend the best procedure for your visual needs; if you don’t qualify as a candidate, we’ll tell you that as well.

Bascom Palmer provides a "full-service" laser vision correction center. A wide range of refractive surgical procedures are performed, including:

Excimer Laser Procedures:

LASIK - Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis
PRK - Photorefractive Keratectomy
LASEK - Laser Assisted Sub-epithelial Keratomileusis

Lens Implant Procedures:

Clear Lens Extraction - Refractive Lens Exchange
Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL)
Intacs - Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment

Incisional Procedures:

RK - Radial Keratotomy
AK - Astigmatic Keratotomy

Thermal Procedures:

LTK - Laser Thermal Keratoplasty
CK - Conductive Keratoplasty

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What are refractive errors?

The cornea and lens bend or refract light rays so they can be focused on the retina, the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye. The retina receives the picture formed by these light rays and sends the image to the brain through the optic nerve. A refractive error means that the shape of the eye does not allow the light to be properly refracted making images blurry. Refractive errors include:

What is myopia (nearsightedness)?

Nearsighted people have difficulty seeing objects at a distance, such as highway signs, but usually can see up-close for tasks such as reading or sewing.

Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when light rays are focused in front of the retina instead of directly on the retina. Myopia is a vision problem experienced by approximately one-third of the population. When the eyeball is too long from front to back, the image of a distant object focuses in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. As a result, the distant object appears blurred. The more myopic the eye, the closer an object must be before it is in sharp focus.

Some people with myopia can use their natural nearsightedness to read without glasses at an age when other people must wear reading glasses. However, if they have refractive surgery to correct myopia, they may be able to see distant objects without glasses, but will probably need to wear glasses to read sometime after age 40, due to presbyopia.

What are signs of myopia?

Nearsighted people may experience headaches or eyestrain and might squint or feel fatigued when driving or playing sports. Patients who experience these symptoms while wearing glasses or contact lenses may need a comprehensive eye examination, as well as a new prescription.

What causes myopia?

Nearsightedness runs in families and usually appears in childhood. This vision problem may stabilize at a certain point, although sometimes it worsens with age. This is known as "myopic creep."

What is the treatment for myopia?

Non- surgical treatment options for myopia include glasses and contact lenses. Surgical treatment options include ALK, clear lens extraction, LASEK, LASIK, LASEK, phakic IOL and RK. While there are numerous surgical options available, not all individuals are good candidates for specific procedures. Patients should review these options in depth with their physicians prior to making any final decisions.

What is hyperopia (farsightedness)?

Hyperopia or farsightedness occurs when light rays are not bent enough to focus on the retina. Hyperopia is a common vision problem, affecting about one-fourth of the population. If the eye is too short from front to back, light rays reach the retina before they converge (focus). People with hyperopia can sometimes see distant objects very well, but may have difficulty seeing objects that are close.

Young eyes can sometimes compensate for this refractive error --- depending on age and the degree of hyperopia present. But with aging, the human lens loses this ability and a hyperopic person eventually may have difficulty seeing objects at a distance, as well as those that are nearby. In fact by age 40, even those with little or no refractive error will begin to experience difficulty focusing on close objects.

What are signs of hyperopia?

Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eyestrain, and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at close range. Patients who experience these symptoms while wearing glasses or contact lenses may need an eye exam and a new prescription.

What causes hyperopia?

Most children are born with hyperopia, but most of them "outgrow" it as the eyeball lengthens with normal growth. Sometimes people confuse hyperopia with astigmatism; both cause difficulty in seeing close objects, but have different causes.

What is the treatment for hyperopia?

Non-surgical treatment options include glasses and contact lenses. Surgical treatment options include clear lens extraction, CK, LASIK, LTK, phakic IOL, and PRK. While there are numerous surgical options available, not all individuals are good candidates for specific procedures. Patients should review these options in depth with their physicians prior to making any final decisions.

What is astigmatism?

Regular astigmatism occurs when light rays are focused at more than one point on the retina. Astigmatism is the most common vision problem. It occurs when the cornea surface is not ideally rounded, but is curved more along one axis than the other --- that is, when the eye is shaped more like the side of a football than a basketball. Light entering the eye does not focus symmetrically on the retina. The result is astigmatism, which blurs both near and distance vision. This refractive error may occur in patients who are either myopic (nearsighted) or hyperopic (farsighted). There are various types of astigmatism included regular, mixed and irregular astigmatism.

What are the signs of astigmatism?

Patients with only a small amount of astigmatism may not notice it or may have slightly blurred vision. Sometimes uncorrected astigmatism can cause headaches or eyestrain and distort or blur vision.

Eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions with three parts indicate some amount of astigmatism. A prescription with three parts looks like this: -2.75 -1.25 x 180. The first part indicates the main spherical correction, while parts two and three show the extent and location of your astigmatism.

What is the treatment for astigmatism?

Currently, excimer lasers in the U.S. are approved for treatment of regular and mixed astigmatism. Recent advances in technology now allow for the therapeutic treatment of induced irregular astigmatism. In the future, this application may be expanded to include all types of irregular astigmatism. Patients who believe they have astigmatism should discuss this subject in further detail with their physician to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms in their case.

What is presbyopia (age-related difficulty with near vision)?

With increasing age, the lens inside of the eyes loses the ability to focus on nearby objects. The problem usually manifests itself around age 40 and can be corrected with bifocals or reading glasses. This is a normal aging process, called presbyopia, that all people develop.

Some people with myopia can use their natural nearsightedness to read without glasses at an age when other people must wear reading glasses. However, if they have refractive surgery to correct myopia, they will be able to see distant objects without glasses, but probably will need to wear glasses to read sometime after age 40 due to presbyopia.

What is monovision?

Monovision is a method of distance vision correction to account for presbyopia. In monovision, refractive surgery is used to adjust one eye for "near" vision and the other eye for "distance" vision. Contact lenses or glasses may be required for best distance or night vision activities, including driving. This option is not suitable for everyone and a trial period of monovision using contact lenses may help decide if it is right for the patient.

What vision correction procedures are available at Bascom Palmer?

Non-Surgical Vision Correction Glasses, the traditional method for optical correction, have been used for more than 400 years. Although images become focused when glasses are worn, glasses do not improve (or worsen) a patient’s fundamental refractive error. Contact lenses, both hard and soft, function like glasses to focus light. However, many people would rather not wear glasses or contact lenses. Their reasons are both personal and professional.

“Everybody has a different reason for wanting to be free of contacts or glasses,” says Yunhee Lee, M.D., M.P.H., Bascom Palmer cornea specialist and refractive surgeon. “Some patients crave the freedom for lifestyle reasons. Others, like policemen and firemen who can lose their glasses in the line of duty, have vision correction surgery for safety reasons.”  

“Vision correction surgery is not for everyone,” says Lee.  “If you qualify as a candidate for vision correction at Bascom Palmer, we will recommend the best procedure for your visual needs.  If you don’t qualify as a candidate, we will tell you that as well.”

Surgical Vision Correction There are two types of permanent surgical correction for refractive errors. The first is corneal surgery in which the cornea is reshaped to focus the eye, usually with a laser. This approach is typically used for low to moderate amounts of refractive error. A second type of surgical correction is implantation of a lens inside the front of the eye, usually for high amounts of refractive error and/or when there is a cataract. Today, there are many different options within each type of surgical correction and the best procedure depends on a variety of factors including a person’s profession, hobbies and his or her visual expectations and requirements. Medical and anatomic issues as well as the type and amount of refractive error all must be taken into consideration.

“Many of our patients are well informed and educated about vision correction surgery,” says Carol L. Karp, M.D., cornea specialist and refractive surgeon. “They come in with very high expectations. Part of the first visit is to evaluate the patient, put the various surgical options in front of the patient and explain the pros and cons of each. We ensure that their expectations are reasonable.”

Among the types of corneal reshaping surgery offered at Bascom Palmer are:

Excimer Laser Corneal Surgery The ultraviolet “excimer” laser, which has been routinely used in the United States for the last ten years, modifies the cornea, either to flatten it for myopia or steepen it for hyperopia. This laser has the special ability of being able to accurately remove corneal tissue in a predictable fashion without any scarring or haze.

Surface Excimer Laser Treatment (PRK) When the surface of the cornea is treated directly with the laser, the term “photorefractive keratectomy” or PRK is used. In the last three years this surface surgery has been refined to allow for faster recovery of vision and less discomfort during the healing period. In these refined variants, the surface layer of the cornea is separated off either pharmacologically (called LASEK) or with a non-pharmacologic mechanical separator (termed Epi-LASIK). These surface treatments are generally recommended for patients with thinner corneas or who are vulnerable to eye injuries, for example athletes in contact sports such as football or boxing.

Sub-surface Excimer Laser Treatment (LASIK) Laser-assisted photorefractive keratectomy, more commonly known as LASIK, has been used in the United States since the mid 1990s. In this procedure, historically a thin surface layer of the cornea (called the “flap”) was first created with an instrument called a microkeratome. The flap is then folded to the side and the underlying corneal bed is treated with the excimer laser. The flap is replaced and reattaches itself without stitches. Most patients undergoing LASIK recover good vision overnight with only about four hours of postoperative discomfort. Most patients with low to moderate refractive errors undergo LASIK to correct their vision.

Surgeons at Bascom Palmer use the IntraLase laser, a highly specialized laser that creates the flap more dependably and safely than the standard blade microkeratome. The IntraLase laser uses extremely short bursts of light in the near infrared range achieving accuracy and safety that cannot be dependably matched by the standard blade microkeratome.

Wavefront Guided Custom Excimer Laser Treatment In addition to fundamental refractive errors such as myopia, the eye can have other complicated optical defects called aberrations. These defects can reduce the quality of vision, especially at night. Using an instrument called an aberrometer, physicians can assess and quantify these aberrations and develop a patient-specific, computer designed excimer laser treatment pattern to guide the laser treatment. The wavefront measurement, described as a “fingerprint of your eye”, captures tiny subtle variations in the way light passes through your eyes.  These variations can be as unique as your fingerprints.

This so-called “custom” treatment reduces the postoperative aberrations of the eye and provides better quality of vision than would be generally expected with non-customized treatment. Bascom Palmer served as one of six study sites for the development and FDA approval of the VISX Inc. “CustomVue” anti-aberration treatments for myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.  In clinical trials, 98% of patients enjoyed 20/20 vision or better and 70% attained an astounding 20/16 or better.   All patients who optically qualify for this custom treatment, one of the most exciting advances in vision correction, receive it at Bascom Palmer.

The recent application of so-called “Star Wars” laser tracking technology has enabled the excimer laser to maintain proper centration on a patient’s pupil during laser treatment, even if the eye moves during treatment. In addition, technology has been adapted to center and rotate the laser to correctly apply the laser treatment in precisely the desired orientation.

Thermal Corneal Procedures Another treatment for hyperopia involves the application of small spots of thermal energy to the cornea in a circular pattern. In this process the cornea is steepened resulting in more focusing power and reduction of hyperopia or the intentional creation of myopia to facilitate reading.  This treatment, which uses either laser energy (Laser Thermal Keratoplasty or LTK) or radiofrequency energy (Conductive Keratoplasty or CK), is FDA approved. It is especially useful in patients who for various reasons cannot undergo excimer laser treatment. The LTK technique was originally developed in the Bascom Palmer Ophthalmic Biophysics Laboratory. In addition, the initial Refractec CK FDA approval studies were performed at Bascom Palmer.

Incisional Corneal Procedures Since the late 1920s ophthalmologists have recognized that non-perforating incisions in the cornea can improve vision by flattening the cornea. This effect was used in RK, the original refractive procedure for myopia. Although RK has been largely abandoned in favor of LASIK, short corneal incisions called astigmatic keratotomies (AKs) are still used to reduce astigmatism during cataract surgery or following corneal transplants. When indicated, AKs can be a cost effective, simple technique to reduce astigmatism and improve vision. Researchers at Bascom Palmer are currently investigating using the IntraLase infrared laser to create precise anti-astigmatism corneal incisions.

In addition to these techniques, Bascom Palmer offers surgical lens implants to correct significant refractive errors and/or when a cataract is present. These implants include:

Phakic Intraocular Lenses When an eye is too myopic for excimer laser corneal surgery, a more powerful alternative is the surgical placement of a lens inside the front part of the eye. The lens, called the Verisyse lens, is attached to the iris straddling the pupil and is selected at the proper power to correct nearsightedness. The patient’s natural lens is left in place behind the new lens which is why the procedure is called “phakic”. There is no sensation or appearance of the lens’ presence inside the eye. Bascom Palmer participated in the initial clinical trial of this lens for FDA approval in the United States.

Aphakic Intraocular Lenses When the natural lens is removed from inside the eye and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, the patient’s fundamental refractive error is corrected. Normally this is accomplished during cataract surgery when the cloudy natural lens is removed, but the surgery can also be performed when the lens is not cloudy (no cataract present) to correct a patient’s high refractive error not correctable by LASIK. Usually this procedure, called “clear lens extraction” or “refractive lens exchange,” is performed for high levels of hyperopia. Whether the surgery is done for cataracts or simply to correct high refractive errors, various replacement lens options are available. The standard intraocular lens (IOL) used today is a monofocal lens that corrects distance vision. The patient sees well for distance but requires reading glasses to read.

Presbyopic Intraocular Lenses Newly approved alternatives to standard monofocal lenses are IOLs that focus both for distance and near vision. One of these lenses, the Crystalens, is actually a monofocal lens that has the ability to move forward inside the eye to change focus from distance to near to some degree. The amount of close reading vision obtained after Crystalens implantation is usually good enough for casual reading such as newspapers, magazines and moderate sized computer fonts. Another alternative to standard lenses are multifocal IOLs such as Rezoom and the Restor lenses that focus light coming from both near and distance sources providing a wide range of focusing capability. All of these lenses are implantable during cataract surgery, but are significantly more expensive than standard monofocal lenses. Medicare and other insurance carriers require that the patient pay for the extra expense of these presbyopic lenses. In addition to the cost consideration, patients should consider the potential optical side effect of nighttime halos around lights.

Thanks to the evolution of modern technology, surgical vision correction is now possible in most patients either as a primary procedure or during the course of cataract surgery. And, as technology continues to evolve, patients have the clear advantage, often finding they no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses for vision correction.

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Who is a good candidate for vision correction surgery?

Your eye care professional can determine if you are a good candidate for vision correction surgery after a comprehensive examination.

LASIK or other vision correction surgeries can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism and to decrease, if not eliminate, a patient’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Patients who have reasonable expectations from the procedure and who understand that any surgical procedure always has certain risks associated with it are the best candidates for the procedure.

Patients may not be candidates if they have certain corneal diseases or collagen vascular diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or significant problems with wound healing. Individuals who are pregnant or nursing are not candidates. Lastly, it is important that your refraction or prescription for glasses or contact lenses is stable and not constantly changing.

Although age is not necessarily a factor, patients should be over age 18 and have no ocular or systemic disease that would inhibit healing or adversely affect the surgical outcome.

Good candidates for the procedure include:

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Am I a candidate for vision correction surgery?

Anyone interested in pursuing vision correction surgery needs a complete evaluation to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Often at this visit you are given further information about the surgery and have the opportunity to have your questions answered as well as view the facility. Since vision correction surgery is a permanent surgery, it requires careful consideration, understanding, and planning by you and your physician.

Both medical and lifestyle factors should be considered in deciding whether to undergo surgery for laser vision correction.

The primary medical considerations for an individual are:

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How safe is vision correction?

Overall, the procedures are very safe, and the vast majority of patients do quite well. There is a small chance of complications during the procedure. Although extremely rare, if any aspect of the procedure is not ideal, the surgery can be aborted and can usually be reattempted several months later. Problems with healing or infection can also arise after surgery, but fortunately these are quite rare and can usually be treated medically. On occasion additional surgery may be necessary.

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What are some of the risks or complications from refractive surgery?

The minimal risks or complications range from residual refractive errors, such as under-correction, to rare complications (occurring less than 0.1 percent of cases), including infection and irregularities in the LASIK treatment. In addition, there is a slight chance of halos or starbursts around lights at night (5 percent), ghost imaging from bright lights (5 percent) and slightly decreased night vision (5 percent).

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What should I expect at the screening and evaluation?

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has three South Florida LASIK Centers, which perform all types of vision correction surgeries, available for your convenience. The first is in Miami at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine campus, the second is in Palm Beach Gardens, and the third in Plantation. These centers are inviting, state-of-the-art facilities created to provide a comfortable, educational environment for patients. Upon arrival, patients view an informative video explaining different types of vision correction procedures, with and without lasers.

Then a LASIK Center staff member completes a comprehensive evaluation that may include the following:

After completing the screening process, the patient meets with a LASIK Center physician to review test results, maps, and charts. The doctor evaluates the shape of the patient's cornea, examines the back of the eye using an indirect lens, and discusses the patient's ophthalmic history. Finally, the doctor determines if the patient is a candidate for refractive surgery and answers any questions.

At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, there is no cost for this screening and evaluation.

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How do I prepare for a screening and evaluation?

When you call to schedule an evaluation, you will be given two appointment options. The first option is to schedule an initial screening session at which time you will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet the vision correction coordinator, and undergo an abbreviated screening process to see if you fall roughly within the range of treatable corrections.

The second appointment option is a full evaluation appointment which takes longer than the shorter screening visit. If you are reasonably interested in pursuing vision correction surgery, this full evaluation appointment would be appropriate for your initial visit, since it is ultimately required to determine if you are indeed a good candidate for the surgery. Scheduling for surgery can be addressed at this visit.

Both the screening session and the full evaluation appointment are offered to you at no obligation and no cost.

If you choose the screening session, no preparation is required. However, if you are a contact lens wearer and you choose to schedule the full evaluation, you will be asked to remove your lenses for a time period prior to your visit in order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the examination. If you wear soft lenses, they must be removed for at least one week prior to your visit. If you wear hard, or gas permeable lenses, you must remove your lenses for at least three weeks prior to your visit. All contact lenses can cause molding of the cornea and will affect the measurements that are the basis of surgical planning. If you are a contact lens wearer, you should review these specific guidelines with the laser vision correction coordinator at the time you schedule your appointment.

During your appointment you will be asked about your medical history, ocular history, medications, allergies, visual needs for work and recreation, and your visual goals. Giving this some thought in advance will help us counsel you toward your best option for laser vision correction.

The full evaluation requires that the pupils be dilated with eye drops. This enables us to examine and accurately measure the eye. The drops that are used are longer-lasting than what you may be accustomed to from past visits to the eye doctor. We recommend that you bring a pair of dark sunglasses with you and you may want to have a friend or family member drive you home from the appointment.

Additionally, we recommend that you bring your glasses and current lens prescription with you as it will be helpful in determining if there appears to be any change in your vision.

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How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment in Miami or Plantation, please call 305-326-6575 or send an e-mail with your name, phone number and best time to reach you to agrana@med.miami.edu.

To make an appointment in Palm Beach Gardens, please call 561-515-1525 or send an e-mail with your name, phone number and best time to reach you to jwilbers@med.miami.edu.

The toll free number for all facilities is 1-877-GO-LASIK (1-877-465-2745).

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What should I discuss with the physician when considering surgery?

There are many issues a patient should discuss when considering vision correction surgery. During the initial consultation and examination, a patient should ask about the surgeon's training and experience, the quality of the staff and facilities, and the advantages and disadvantages of the various vision correction procedures.

The Eye Surgery Education Council (ESEC), under the auspices of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), has launched a new initiative to provide potential patients with balanced accurate information on the benefits and risks of laser vision correction surgery. Central to the initiative are new patient screening guidelines, a description of screening tests, a discussion of patient expectations, and information on selecting and developing a good working relationship

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How much does vision correction surgery cost?

The cost for vision correction surgery varies based on the procedure that is best for your unique visual needs. Bascom Palmer’s prices for laser vision correction are competitively priced and include the surgery, pre-operative and post-operative care. The laser vision correction staff are able to discuss pricing with candidates.

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How can I pay for my LASIK?

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute makes LASIK and all vision correction surgeries affordable for all budgets by offering many payment options. We accept cash, check, VISA, Master Card, American Express, Discover and we now have financing available. We are pleased to offer financing through CareCredit, the nation's leading patient financing program. You may choose the payment plan that best suits your needs, 3 month payment plan with no interest and $0 down payment or choose one of the extended payment plans which range from 24 to 60 months. We can help you with onsite approval within minutes.

Flexible Spending Accounts, offered by many employers, also called Medical Spending Plans, Cafeteria Plans, Flex Plans, Reimbursement Accounts, Flex 125 or Tax Savings Plans, allow you to pay for eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. Most companies allow you to spend the money any time during the year, even before it is fully accumulated in your account. And remember, whatever monies in your flexible spending account you don't use, you lose - so plan carefully. Please speak to our vision correction specialist for more information.

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What should I expect on the day of surgery?

If you are a good candidate and decide to proceed with LASIK or another vision correction surgery, you will be provided with an informational packet describing what to expect and how to prepare for the procedure. You will be asked to refrain from using your contact lenses to minimize chances of altering the surface contour of the cornea prior to surgery. You will be asked to wash the eyes and lashes and to remove all residual makeup the day before surgery. On the day of surgery, you should not apply any cosmetics, as this can contaminate the eye.

You will also be asked to avoid wearing perfumes or any perfumed products, including deodorant, on the day of the procedure, as they can interfere with the laser energy during the procedure. A good night’s rest and avoiding excessive stimulants are also helpful tips. Any stimulant can only add to the excitement of the day and counteract the effects of the relaxants that we may prescribe.

On the day of surgery, you will be asked to come in with someone who will drive you home. Your vision will be blurred on the day of surgery, and you will need some assistance.

After the procedure, you will be allowed to return home. You will be asked to rest the eyes to facilitate healing. For most procedures, you will be asked to return the day after surgery to be examined and to receive further instructions and restrictions. You will be given eye drops to minimize the risk of infection and help with healing. Although the instructions and restrictions following surgery may be cumbersome, they are necessary for only a short period of time and help to ensure the best possible outcome.

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Is vision correction surgery painful?

All of the vision correction procedures (with or without laser) described are painless with the use of local anesthetic. Following surgery, LASIK, CK, LTK, RK, and AK patients normally experience modest discomfort for the first twelve hours. PRK and LASEK patients feel mild to moderate discomfort for up to three days after surgery.

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What kind of results can be expected?

The objective of vision correction procedures is to decrease dependence on glasses and/or contact lenses by improving unaided visual acuity.

Vision correction procedures, or refractive surgeries, are not precise, and may not result in perfect 20/20 vision. However, the majority of patients are able to function without glasses or contact lenses most of the time. Some people still require glasses to obtain their best vision for driving and/or reading. A few must still wear glasses or contact lenses all the time. Patients who expect, or require, perfect 20/20 vision should not undergo refractive surgery.

Much of the visual recovery occurs within the first several days after the procedure and is usually complete by 1-3 months after the procedure. In various studies, more than 95% of patients achieve at least 20/40 or better vision after LASIK. This is legal driving vision and it is good enough for most sports and activities.

Correction may last indefinitely when vision is stable at the time of the refractive surgery. However, in cases of unstable vision, four to 10 percent of patients may require enhancement (retreatment for under-correction.) Those with severe vision problems may still need to use glasses or contact lenses for some time for reading and/or driving. The less refractive error a patient has, the greater the chance of achieving 20/20 vision after surgery.

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Who are the LASIK / vision correction specialists at Bascom Palmer?

Eduardo Alfonso, M.D., Chairman of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Professor of Ophthalmology and holder of the Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology. A member of the corneal transplant team, Dr. Alfonso performs a significant number of transplants and laser refractive surgeries each year. His specific area of interest is the role of infection and techniques to optimize outcomes to avoid infection. Dr. Alfonso received his medical degree from Yale College; completed his residency at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; and his Corneal and External Diseases fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School.

Richard M. Awdeh, M.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology. Dr. Awdeh is a graduate of Emory University and received his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Duke University School of Medicine and a fellowship in cornea and external diseases at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His research interests include presbyopia correction and high-resolution, molecular ophthalmic imaging.

William W. Culbertson, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology. A corneal and external disease expert, Dr. Culbertson’s involvement with refractive surgery dates back to 1982, when Bascom Palmer participated in "Prospective Evaluation of Radial Keratotomy," a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Culbertson is director of the Bascom Palmer Laser Vision Center in Miami. Dr. Culbertson received his medical degree from Emory University; completed his residency at Vanderbilt University; his Corneal and External Diseases fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and a Corneal and External Disease, Uveitis, at the Proctor Foundation in San Francisco.

Kendall E. Donaldson, M.D., M.S., Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology. Dr. Donaldson is a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, the University of Maryland Graduate School and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She completed her ophthalmology residency and a fellowship in cornea and external diseases at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Donaldson is Medical Director of Bascom Palmer’s newest patient care center in Plantation, Florida. Her research interests include advances in cataract and refractive surgery and treatment of childhood ocular rosacea.

David A. Goldman, M.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology. Dr. Goldman is a graduate of Cornell University and received his medical degree from Tufts School of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency and a fellowship in cornea and external diseases at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His research interests include advances in cataract and refractive surgery and internet applications of ophthalmology.

Carol Karp, M.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology. Dr. Karp specializes in corneal transplants, cataract surgery, and laser refractive surgery. She was a fellow at Bascom Palmer in Corneal and External Diseases in 1993-94 and became a faculty member in 1994. Her clinical research, funded in part by the Florida Lions Eye Bank, focuses on the treatment of ocular surface tumors. Dr. Karp received her medical degree from Brown University; completed her residency from Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan; and a Corneal and External Disease fellowship from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Yunhee Lee, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology. Dr. Lee earned degrees in medicine and public health at Harvard University. She completed both her residency at New England Eye Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, as well as her fellowship in Cornea/Anterior Segment. Before joining Bascom Palmer’s Laser Vision Center team, she served at the New England Eye Center/Tufts University School of Medicine in the corneal and external disease/refractive surgery service.

Terrence P. O'Brien, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology. Dr. O'Brien brings extensive refractive surgery experience to Bascom Palmer's refractive service. He is co-author of External Diseases and Cornea and holds a patent for Macrophage migration inhibitory factor as an important modulator of corneal sensitivity following LASIK surgery. Dr. O'Brien is the Director of the Refractive Surgery Service at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the Palm Beaches. He joins the faculty after a 15-year tenure at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, as medical director of Wilmer's Refractive Eye Surgery Service. He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, completed his residency at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and a fellowship in corneal and external diseases at Cullen Eye Institute of Baylor College of Medicine.

Jill Rodila, M.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology. Dr. Rodila is a graduate of Wheaton College and University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Albany Medical College and completed a fellowship in cornea and external disease at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Her research is in the field of refractive surgery.

Sonia Yoo, M.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology. Before joining Bascom Palmer, Dr. Yoo completed her residency and a clinical fellowship in External and Corneal Disease at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University School of Medicine where she served as a full-time faculty attending surgeon. Dr. Yoo brings extensive experience with LASIK procedures to our refractive surgery team. Her publications include, "LASIK for the Treatment of Myopia" and "IOL Surgery: Intraocular Lenses in Cataract and Refractive Surgery."

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Other vision correction resources

American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
Eye Surgery Education Council
International Society of Refractive Surgery
The LASIK Institute

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