LASIK surgery offers alternative to glasses, contacts

LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy eye surgeries have become popular procedures for people who no longer want to wear glasses or contacts.

Dr. Charles Francis, ophthalmologist at University Eye Surgeons, offers educational seminars and student discounts for LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy surgeries at his office in Huntington.

The surgery is typically a $2000 per eye, but Francis does it for $1500 per eye for Marshall University students.

"LASIK eye surgery is using a laser to vaporize corneal tissue to change the shape of the cornea," Francis said. "It changes the way light rays are focused by the cornea and alters the way one sees."

Francis said he primarily performs PRK surgery, which is slightly different from LASIK.

"With LASIK, you actually have to cut a flap, so you generate a flap of tissue composed of collagen," Francis said.

Francis said PRK surgery doesn't require a flap to be cut.

"With PRK, you scrape the epithelium, or the skin of the cornea, off and it eventually grows back," Francis said. "We use a brush to remove it then apply the laser."

Francis said the surgery is approved for anyone over 18 years of age if he or she is nearsighted and does not have astigmatism.

"An eye surgeon will determine whether or not you are an appropriate candidate," Francis said.    "Some people become nearsighted in their 20s and they are not done changing."

Francis said a person considering surgery should have stable eyeglasses or a contact lense prescription that does not have to be updated frequently.

Francis said there are advantages and disadvantages with both procedures.

"When you heal from PRK, you never have a flap problem," Francis said. "A person that has had LASIK could potentially have a flap problem for the rest of their life. They could be playing basketball and get poked with a finger and it could dislocate the flap."

Brandon Anderson, senior biology major, had PRK surgery as soon as he became eligible.

"I was given glasses when I was in seventh grade, and within two weeks I realized I hated them and wanted contacts," Anderson said. "I had contacts and had to deal with the hassles of cleaning them. My father and some friends had the surgery and had good results."

Anderson said the procedure was short and completely painless.

"Right after the surgery, Dr.Francis told me to look across the room and read the clock, and it was clear as day," Anderson said.

Francis said the recovery time from LASIK is slightly faster than PRK.

"People will typically be in the range to drive legally within a week after having PRK surgery," Francis said. "After LASIK surgery, they will probably get within that range the same day of the surgery, so it is a little bit faster visual rehabilitation."

Francis said people can learn more about the procedures by attending free seminars at University Eye Surgeons.

"We talk about the surgery, risks and what we want you to tell us when you come in for your examination, so we know your complete medical history," Francis said. "People don't realize some medical illnesses or medications can impact the way their eye heals."

Francis said patients can schedule for a consultation if they feel comfortable after the seminars.

Andrea Poling can be contacted at poling26@marshall.edu.