Dr. Jerry Maida, who has been practicing for over 30 years, is considered a leading authority on LASIK and refractive surgery. In 1996, he became the first person in northeast Florida to perform the LASIK procedure.
What does a LASIK surgeon do?
LASIK surgery is a common and popular type of refractive surgery. As such, it is done to correct such common vision problems as astigmatism, near-sightedness, and far-sightedness. These conditions are caused by a misshapen cornea. The surgeon will, therefore, reshape the patient’s cornea so they can see normally.
The surgeon will start by using a technology called OrbScan to scan and map the cornea to determine how to correct it. After administering numbing drops, they will then cut a flap in the top part of the cornea to access the part they need to remove. The surgeon will use an excimer laser that can work on a microscopic level by removing cell layers that are thinner than a human layer. The laser also dissolves the molecular bonds between the cells.
LASIK is an extremely short outpatient procedure. The patient should rest during the first day after the procedure and may need over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol or Advil. The patient will be able to see the day after the procedure, and their vision will settle at its new normal within one to three weeks. Most patients will no longer need glasses or contacts.
What is PRK?
PRK, which stands for “photorefractive keratectomy,” is a surgical procedure similar to LASIK. It is older and has a longer recovery period that may last several days to several weeks. It can be offered to patients who are not considered good candidates for LASIK surgery.
The main difference between PRK and LASIK is the way the surgeon accesses the cornea. Instead of making a flap as in LASIK, the surgeon removes the epithelium or outermost layer of the cornea. The epithelium does eventually grow back. After removing the epithelium, the doctor reshapes the cornea as needed.
To learn more about our LASIK surgeon, contact Maida Custom Vision or visit the website https://www.maidalaser.com/.
