Refractive Surgery

Vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be reduced or corrected surgically. These vision problems occur when the eye is not able to bring images to proper focus inside the eye.

Refractive surgery involves techniques that correct or reduce nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the surface of the cornea. For nearsightedness, the curvature of the cornea is flattened. To correct farsightedness, the curvature is increased. The cornea is reshaped to produce a more evenly curved surface for astigmatism.

The most common vision correction surgeries used today are:

• LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis)
• PRK (photo-refractive keratectomy)
• RK (radial keratotomy)
• AK (astigmatic keratotomy)

Are You a Refractive Surgery Candidate?

In general, you are a good candidate if:

• you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism
• your eyes are in good health
• your vision is stable (generally at least 21 years of age)
• corrective lenses interfere with your occupation or lifestyle you want to live
• you feel you look better without glasses
• you are contact lens intolerant
• your occupation does not allow you to wear contact lenses
• you are tired of the frustrations associated with always having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses

What Results can be Expected?

Vision correction surgery has corrected or improved the vision of millions of people. Studies show that over 95% of patients who have had vision correction surgery are able to pass a standard driver's license eye exam (20/40 visual acuity or better) without corrective lenses. The goal of vision correction surgery is to provide functional vision. Since perfect vision is not always achievable, some patients may desire to wear corrective lenses after surgery for some activities. Please be aware that the normal focusing problems for near vision that people experience in the forty to forty-five age range are unaffected by refractive surgery. Therefore, if you have your vision completely corrected to zero in both eyes with refractive surgery, you will require near or reading glasses at some time after forty years of age. Please visit the website of one of our affiliate surgery centers at for more information.

Cutarelli Vision

Spivack Vision Center