Procedures

Refractive Surgery

Custom LASIK | PRK | Waterville Laser vision correction refers to a group of minimally invasive procedures that reshape the cornea with laser energy in order to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, leaving patients with 20/20 vision or better after treatment.

There are several different laser vision correction procedures available to help patients achieve clear vision without glasses or contacts. However, these procedures are not right for all patients. It is important for laser vision correction patients to be at least 18 years old, have stable vision and no serious medical conditions that would impede the healing process.

Because they are considered elective procedures and not medically necessary, refractive surgery is not covered by most insurance companies, although some plans may offer discounts on these procedures.

LASIK

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision by changing the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea, so that it properly focuses on the retina and allows objects to be seen clearly. LASIK is the most common elective surgical procedure in the US and helps millions of patients achieve clear, focused vision.

During the LASIK procedure, your doctor will create a thin flap in the surface of the cornea with a device called a microkeratome blade. The corneal flap is then lifted and an excimer laser beam reshapes the cornea's curvature to improve vision. Finally, the flap is closed and covered with a protective contact lens. The entire procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes for both eyes.

LASIK Procedure
Custom LASIK | PRK | Waterville

Patients remain awake during the LASIK procedure, with only local anesthetic needed to minimize any potential discomfort. Patients can return home shortly after their procedure, but will need someone to pick them up and drive them home. Most patients are able to see clearly within 24 hours of their procedure.

LASIK at the Eye Center of Central Maine is performed using the FDA-approved VISX Star S4 Excimer Laser, which features state-of-the-art technology in optics, precision eye tracking, and sophisticated variable beam delivery to provide the most reliable, precise laser vision correction possible. Combined with Dr. Kohler's extensive experience, patients can rest assured that they are receiving the highest quality of care.

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Custom LASIK

Custom LASIK is an FDA-approved procedure that uses three-dimensional measurements of the eye to help guide the laser as it reshapes the cornea and corrects vision. This allows patients to have an increased likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision, with many patients achieving vision that is better than 20/20, which is often unachievable with traditional LASIK or glasses or contacts. Custom LASIK also reduces the risk of poor night vision and glare.

During the custom LASIK procedure, a wavefront device transmits a ray of light into your eye that is received and arranged into a unique pattern to create a 3-D map of your eye, including both lower and higher order aberrations. This information is then transferred to the laser and applied to your eye's position, allowing Dr. Kohler to achieve customized vision correction for each patient's individual needs.

PRK

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is one of the safest and most reliable laser vision correction procedures available. Before LASIK, PRK was considered the most common refractive procedure. Similar to LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea to improve vision. It is now used primarily for patients with large pupils or thin corneas.

PRK Procedure
PRK Waterville

During the PRK procedure, the epithelium, the protective layer of the cornea, is removed. An excimer laser is then used to vaporize a small amount off of the top of the cornea. This significantly reduces the complications associated with the flap needed for the LASIK procedure.

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