Piedmont Better Vision offers the full range of refractive surgical options from LASIK to cataract surgery to corneal transplant. This page contains detailed information on the procedures that we offer:
- LASIK
- Advanced Surface Ablation
- Refractive Lens Exchange
- STAAR VISIAN ICL and VERISYSE IMPLANTS
- Cataract Surgery
- Corneal Transplant
LASIK or Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis is a surgical procedure that corrects myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. LASIK is performed using a laser to gently reshape the cornea under a protective flap of tissue. Piedmont Better Vision uses only FDA approved laser technology for this procedure, including the AMO/VISX CustomVue Laser and IntraLASE systems.
The LASIK procedure utilizes two proven surgical techniques to correct vision errors - the creation of the corneal flap and the use of the computer controlled excimer laser. The creation of the corneal flap was first introduced more than 30 years ago and has been successfully performed and perfected by surgeons worldwide. Using a laser (Intralase) or an automated microsurgical device known as a microkeratome, a protective flap of corneal tissue is created which covers the area to be reshaped by the laser. This protective flap facilitates the rapid recovery of vision and reduces discomfort after surgery.
The second technique uses a computer-controlled excimer laser with a cold, ultraviolet beam to gently sculpt the cornea, removing microscopic amounts of tissue to change the shape and allow the eye to focus more clearly. The shape or curvature of the cornea affects the eyes focusing ability. In nearsighted patients, the laser will flatten the curvature of the cornea. In farsighted patients, the laser steepens the cornea. For patients with astigmatism, the laser will contour or make the cornea more spherical in shape.
During the LASIK procedure, the surgeon uses the Amadeus laser or microkeratome to create the protective flap. The flap is folded back to expose the middle layer of corneal tissue. The cold laser beam is then used to remove tissue to reshape your cornea based on your desired correction. The flap is then replaced in its original position. In most cases, stitches are not required. In some cases, the surgeon may elect to place a soft, thin contact lens on the cornea following surgery to protect the surface of the flap for the first day.
TECHNOLOGY
The Food and Drug Administration approves lasers and devices for a range treatment. Not all lasers and not all treatments are approved by the FDA as safe and effective. At Piedmont Better Vision, we provide an FDA approved laser with a full range of treatment capabilities, including customized wavefront correction. The customized correction allows the laser to program a treatment pattern directly matched to the optical aberrations in each individual eye. The goal of this correction plan is to provide a better quality of vision, to improve clarity and contrast sensitivity, and to reduce common LASIK side effects; namely glare, halo and reduced night vision
Not all 20/20 is the same. While 20/20 measures the quantity of vision, or how many lines of the Snellen chart can be read, it does not define the QUALITY of vision. The quality of vision is defined by crispness, clarity and contrast sensitivity. A wavefront aberrometer captures the distorted waves as they exit and compares them to a perfectly flat light wave indicative of a perfect optical system. This distortion is represented in a 3D map illustrating both lower order (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism) and higher order (coma and spherical) aberrations. The wavefront device maps the unique distortions of a patient's optical system differently for each individual. These distortions are output as a 3D map, which becomes a guide for the laser, telling it where to reshape your cornea and correct your vision. Treatment with a wavefront based laser pattern can result in a reduction of common LASIK side effects including degradation of night vision, glare, and halo and an overall improved quality of vision.
The excimer laser tracks eye movements during treatment. The tracker is fast enough to track even involuntary eye movements. Since activities as subtle as breathing can result in involuntary eye movements, the tracker provides patients with the confidence that comes with accurate placement of the laser beam. The laser system uses a very small and variable laser beam to reshape the cornea. The computer controls the beam's motion in an overlapping pattern that literally paints the treatment on the cornea like a fine brush.
Piedmont Better Vision surgeons utilize the Intralase as well with the Swiss-made Amadeus microkeratome. These instruments are used to create the corneal flap in the LASIK procedure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I expect during LASIK surgery?
On the day of surgery, your doctor will measure and dilate your eyes for the procedure. There are no needles or IVs. Your eyes will be anesthetized with numbing eye drops. You will be comfortably positioned on a bed beneath the laser. A small device called a lid speculum is used to keep your eyelids open and exposed to the doctor. A temporary shield will cover the eye that is not having surgery. Your doctor and the technicians will perform a pilot-style checklist with each patient to ensure the equipment is working properly and programmed correctly with the intended correction.
The doctor uses the Intralase or Amadeus microkeratome to create the protective flap. During the flap creation your vision will get very dim and you may feel some tightness around your eye. The flap is folded back to expose the middle layer of corneal tissue. The cold laser beam is then used to remove tissue to reshape your cornea based on your desired correction. During the treatment, you will hear a clicking sound of the laser pulses. You will be asked to look towards a blinking fixation light; however, the tracking system will follow any eye movement and allow the laser to accurately place the treatment. The use of the laser is generally about one minute. The flap is then replaced in its original position. In most cases, stitches are not required. In some cases, the surgeon may elect to place a soft, thin contact lens on the cornea following surgery to protect the surface of the flap for the first day. Overall, the surgery takes about 10 minutes.
What can I expect after the procedure?
You may be sensitive to light and have a feeling that something is in your eyes. Sunglasses may make you more comfortable. You may experience some discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication, although many patients prefer to take Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Aspirin. Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating drops should be used in the first 7 days.
Some patients experience small fluctuations or blurriness in their vision in the first week to a few months after surgery. Some patients experience their best-corrected vision in the first week after the surgery, while others may improve over time. This may depend on your original refractive error and the individual healing of your eye. You may resume your normal activities without restriction, as you feel comfortable.
What can I expect my results to be?
Your doctor will discuss your expectations and the chances of success for your individual case during the preoperative consultation. The technology selected by the surgeons at Piedmont Better Vision was chosen to improve the safety, predictability and visual results for patients. We expect to not only improve your visual acuity (eye chart) but to reduce most of the aberrations in your vision, including aberrations caused by the LASIK procedure itself. For you this means a better quality of vision, improved clarity and contrast sensitivity, and a reduction or elimination of the glare and halos that can be seen following LASIK.
Pricing
The mission of Piedmont Better Vision is to have the best doctors providing the highest technology Vision Correction procedures in a service-oriented environment at a fair price. There are many "shortcuts" which can be taken to decrease the cost of LASIK but we firmly believe that the quality and success of the procedure is the most important consideration for any prospective patient.
The cost of LASIK at Piedmont Better Vision includes Intralase or Amadeus flap creation, Custom Wavefront based treatment, and the professional services of a highly experienced corneal fellowship trained surgeon. Your surgeon is totally free to choose any of these high technology options based upon what is best for your outcome; all of these options are included in our comprehensive LASIK fee.
For prospective patients primarily concerned with the lowest possible cost of a procedure, we direct you to the advertising section of the Sunday Atlanta Journal Constitution where numerous discount centers can be easily located. On the other hand, if quality of outcome is most important, we believe that Piedmont Better Vision is your first choice.
Our 2008 comprehensive fee for LASIK is $2425 per eye. This includes Intralase flap creation, Wavefront guided laser ablation, LASIK or Advanced Surface Ablation, and most of all, the services of an experienced corneal fellowship-trained surgeon. It also includes all follow up care for one year as well as the remote possibility of additional laser treatment during that year.
The fee for a full pre-operative evaluation is $95. This is a two hour process and includes a full dilated medical eye examination, corneal topography, three different determinations of your refractive state, wavefront measurements, and a consultation with your surgeon. You will receive a $95 credit if, like nearly all suitable candidates, you decide to have LASIK at Piedmont Better Vision. There is also the option of no-cost technician screenings and attending our monthly seminars for potential LASIK candidates who are not yet at the full evaluation level of commitment to a vision correction procedure.
When comparing fees for LASIK among centers, always remember to compare apples to apples. Make sure to ask whether a quoted fee includes an experienced, peer-respected, fellowship-trained surgeon, the availability of Intralase and Custom wavefront treatment, and a center with the reputation and stability of Piedmont Better Vision. When all factors are considered, Piedmont Better Vision is not only your best choice for outcome but also an incredibly good value for the services provided.
Piedmont Better Vision surgeons have the honor of providing postgraduate training in Corneal Transplant and Refractive surgery to an outstanding, fully-trained ophthalmic surgeon every year. Part of this training includes LASIK surgery. For this purpose we offer a very limited number of surgeries to qualified patients that are willing to be included among the doctor's first year of refractive surgeries. These highly subsidized procedures are always supervised by one of our experienced LASIK surgeons. Since all professional fees are waived and the training is subsidized by the Center, the fee is $1000 per eye. Again, the number of training procedures is extremely limited and reserved for patients with special circumstances.
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is the modern iteration of the PRK laser vision correction procedure and is the preferred approach in certain subsets of patients. ASA utilizes the exact same high technology laser that is used with LASIK. Like LASIK, ASA can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Using the ASA approach, we can incorporate CustomCornea wavefront treatments as well as enhance/update previous LASIK surgery.
Prior to
the actual laser treatment, the epithelium (surface cells) of the cornea
is gently loosened and removed. In nearsighted patients, the laser will
flatten the curvature of the cornea. In farsighted patients, the laser
steepens the cornea. For patients with astigmatism, the laser will contour
or make the cornea more spherical in shape. Also called LASEK (laser epithelial
keratomileusis), Epithelial LASIK or E-LASIK, ASA is most commonly chosen
for patients with corneas that are too thin for LASIK, or in cases in
which creating or lifting a LASIK flap carries an undesirable risk. This
procedure is often preferred for patients in special requirement professions
such as military aviation and special forces.
The most important advantage of ASA is the preservation of corneal structure
which results from not creating a LASIK flap. The disadvantage of using
an ASA approach is a longer recovery after the vision correction procedure;
it can often take a week or more for ASA patients to achieve the same
level of vision improvement a LASIK patient can attain after just a day
or two of recovery. However, there is no difference in the ultimate result
and excellent vision attained when comparing ASA and LASIK.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I a good candidate for ASA?
The best candidate for ASA is an informed patient. We strongly recommend all prospective patients learn about their vision correction options. You should be at least 18 years of age with a stable refraction, have a healthy eye with no eye disease or corneal condition, and have realistic expectations for your results. ASA can be a better choice than LASIK based on corneal thickness and structure, eyeglass prescription, or occupational requirements.
What should I ask my doctor?
It is important to discuss your surgical options with your surgeon. Piedmont Better Vision surgeons are Board Certified and skilled in all corneal procedures including refractive surgery. They will discuss all of your vision correction options with you. These include LASIK, Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), Refractive Lens Exchange (Clear Lens Extraction), or other proven vision correction techniques. Based on your refractive error, pupil size and corneal thickness, they will evaluate what procedures or technologies will provide you with the best visual results.
You should discuss the following conditions with your doctor:
- Diabetes
- Severe allergies
- A history of glaucoma
- Previous ocular surgeries
- Significant dry eye that is unresponsive to treatment
What can I expect in my preoperative exam?
Your initial exam is important to accurately measure your vision and determine if you are a candidate for vision correction surgery. The exam will last approximately two hours. It includes a comprehensive medical eye exam as well as two refractions, computerized corneal mapping, pupillometry, corneal thickness measurement, glaucoma testing, and a full medical and ophthalmic history. You will be dilated during the exam. It will make you sensitive to light and blur your near vision to a greater extent than your distance vision. Driving home after the exam will depend on your comfort level, but typically most patients are able to drive after the exam.
What can I expect during ASA surgery?
On the day of surgery, your doctor will measure and dilate your eyes for the procedure. Your eyes will be anesthetized with numbing eye drops. There are no needles or IVs. You will be comfortably positioned on a bed beneath the laser. A small device called a lid speculum is used to keep your eyelids open and exposed to the doctor. Your doctor and the technicians will perform a pilot-style checklist with each patient to ensure the equipment is working properly and programmed correctly with the intended correction.
The surgeon immerses the central cornea with a dilute alcohol solution for approximately 30 seconds. The solution loosens the edges of the epithelium from its underlying attachments. After rinsing the alcohol solution from the eye, the surgeon lifts the edge of the epithelial flap and gently folds it back out of the way. Then he or she uses an excimer laser, as in LASIK or PRK, to sculpt the corneal tissue underneath. The cold laser beam is used to remove tissue to reshape your cornea based on your desired correction. During the treatment, you will hear a clicking sound of the laser pulses. You will be asked to look towards a blinking fixation light; however, the tracking system will follow any eye movement and allow the laser to accurately place the treatment. The use of the laser is generally for one minute or less. Afterward, a non-powered, bandage-type contact lens is placed to improve comfort and healing during the first five to seven days. You will feel eye irritation to a varying degree during the first few days. The biggest difference between LASIK and ASA is the time it takes to recover vision after ASA, often up to one to two weeks.
Checklist for Surgery
- Leave contact lenses out prior to surgery at least 3 days for soft lenses, 3 - 4 weeks for gas permeable lenses.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing.
- Do not wear make-up around your eyes for at least 3 days prior to surgery.
- Do not wear any perfume, cologne or facial make-up on the day of surgery.
- Do not take any sedatives or antihistamines on the day of surgery.
- Read your Informed Consent and bring the unsigned copy on the day of surgery to be signed with the Coordinator.
- Arrive at the scheduled time and plan to be at the Center for about 2 hours.
- Plan to return to the center for your postoperative visit the following morning.
What can I expect after the procedure?
You may be sensitive to light and have a feeling that something is in your eyes. Sunglasses may make you more comfortable and are provided in your post-operative kit. You will experience discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication. Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating drops should be used in the first 7 days. The anti-inflammatory drops will be gradually tapered over the three weeks after surgery. Do not rub your eyes. If you notice any decrease in your vision, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Although the ultimate visual results after ASA are outstanding and equivalent to LASIK, the first few weeks can be somewhat unpredictable as far as the level of vision and comfort are concerned. For most patients, the recovery resembles LASIK quickly achieving a very useful level of vision and minimal discomfort. For others, however, the discomfort can be more prominent and a slower visual recovery can occur. For this reason, we advise that ASA patients carefully plan their postoperative period during a time that there will be minimal visual demands and occupational requirements. It is wise to delay travel until comfort and vision have reached suitable levels.
We will ask you to avoid immersion of your eyes in water for two to three weeks. This includes swimming and hot tubs. Otherwise, as your vision improves, you may resume your normal activities without major restriction.
What can I expect my results to be?
Your doctor will discuss your expectations and the chances of success for your individual case during the preoperative consultation. The technology selected by the surgeons at Piedmont Better Vision was chosen to improve the safety, predictability and visual results for patients.
REFRACTIVE LENS EXCHANGE (RLE)
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is precisely the same procedure that we use to remove cataract. Small incision cataract microsurgery is the most commonly performed procedure in all of medicine with extremely consistent excellent outcomes. Refractive Lens Exchange mates this procedure (crystalline lens removal) with the use of carefully chosen (often multifocal) implants to provide excellent vision without glasses or contact lenses in patients in whom such surgery is preferable to laser vision correction. The combination of Refractive Lens Exchange with limbal relaxation represents a powerful and important tool for providing excellent vision for many individuals.
Refractive Lens Exchange, sometimes called a Clear Lens Extraction, is used to treat a wide range of nearsightedness and farsightedness. This procedure involves removing the eye's natural crystalline lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. The process is the anatomical equivalent of cataract surgery; however in cataract surgery the lens is clouded, whereas in this surgery, the patient's crystalline lens is clear. Refractive Lens Exchange is a better alternative than other refractive procedures in certain patients with high degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness. The main advantages are rapid visual rehabilitation, excellent optical quality, predictability of outcome, and long-term stability. The other major advantage is that Refractive Lens Exchange, by virtue of removing the natural crystalline lens which is the structure which eventually becomes a cataract, prevents the need for subsequent cataract surgery in our older patients or those who already have the early signs of cataract formation.
Conversely, our patients who already have visually significant cataracts have the option of combining their medically necessary insurance reimbursed cataract removal with the use of refractive technology, namely multifocal implants such as ReZoom, ReStor, and Crystalens along with limbal relaxation, to provide levels of vision without glasses or contact lenses that rivals that resulting from LASIK.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does this surgery work?
Refractive Lens Exchange eliminates the ability for the natural lens to accommodate from distance to near vision and if both eyes are corrected for best distance vision, reading glasses will be required. Another option is monovision, which corrects the patients dominant eye for distance and leaves the non-dominant eye slightly under corrected so the patient can retain the ability to see near. Many people elect monovision in contact lenses and are happy with the results. Not all patients are good candidates for this option, and it is important to discuss it with your doctor. The technique for refractive lens exchange involves removing the natural lens of the eye using an ultrasound technique called phacoemulsification and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant. Prior to the day of surgery, measurements and tests are performed to determine the refractive power of the implant.
What can I expect on the day of surgery?
The Refractive Lens Exchange is performed on an outpatient basis at Piedmont Eye Surgical Center, adjacent to Piedmont Better Vision. Only one eye is treated at a time, with at least one week between surgeries. Upon arrival for your surgery, you will be given topical eye drops to numb your eye during the procedure. There are no needles or injections around your eye; however, IV sedation is available to calm you if necessary. The skin around your eye will be thoroughly cleansed, and sterile coverings will be placed around your eye to keep the surgical area sterile during the procedure. Your eye will be held open with an eyelid holder so you will not have to worry about keeping your eye open during the procedure. The surgeon will ask you to stare upwards at three white lights, which will keep your eye positioned correctly. Under the operating microscope, the surgeon will create a small incision into the eye. The lens is gently broken up using an ultrasound probe that allows removal of the pieces through the tiny incision. The intraocular lens is carefully inserted. This type of incision typically does not require stitches. If you have a significant amount of corneal astigmatism, your surgeon will correct this during the procedure with peripheral corneal relaxing incisions. The surgery lasts about 15 minutes. You will begin to see an almost immediate improvement in your vision, progressing over the first 24 hours. You will be monitored for approximately 20 minutes and given post-operative instructions. You will leave fully alert, but will need someone to drive you home.
What can I expect after surgery?
Postoperatively, you will use eye drops as prescribed by your surgeon. Be careful not to rub or press on your eye. You will be given a protective shield to tape over your eye when sleeping, which can be worn throughout the day if desired. You will be given two different eye drops to instill every four hours. You will not experience any pain, but will possibly have a mild irritation in the eye for the first 24 hours.
Your first post-operative visit is the day following surgery when your vision will be checked. Your visual acuity should be quite good and will fluctuate little during the recovery phase. You will be using eye drops for 3-4 weeks on a tapering schedule. You should wear your protective shield at night for the first 4 weeks and avoid any rubbing of the eye. There will be few limitations of your activities, but swimming, heavy lifting and straining should be avoided during the recovery period. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you during your preoperative evaluation. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks but your comprehensive dilated eye examination will include an evaluation of your retina prior to making a final decision for surgery.
STAAR VISIAN ICL and VERISYSE IMPLANTS
The Verisyse Phakic Intraocular Lens (IOL) and Staar ICL are exciting options for patients with nearsightedness who are not optimal candidates for laser vision correction. The implantable contact lenses are designed for the correction of higher levels of myopia (nearsightedness). PIEDMONT BETTER VISION is one of the very few refractive surgery centers in the country chosen to offer both of these exciting new treatments. The Verisyse implant is smaller than a contact lens, but with two fastener extensions on each side. The ICL resembles an oval soft contact lens which is placed behind the pupil. Topical anesthetic drops are administered and a small incision is made behind the cornea. Patients may return to work as early as the following day and resume normal activities, including exercise, shortly thereafter. Typically, eyes are done one week apart.
The optimal candidate for a phakic intraocular lens is a highly nearsighted individual whose extreme eyeglass prescription or other findings on examination make implantation a better option than LASIK or LASIK related procedures.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does this surgery work?
The micro lenses are designed for implantation into the eye to correct myopia (nearsightedness). They are called phakic IOLs because the eye still has its natural lens in place. Just as glasses and contact lenses correct vision, the implant refocuses light rays onto the retina so the patient can see clearly. Although the lens can be surgically removed, they are intended to remain in the eye permanently.
What can I expect on the day of surgery?
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at Piedmont Eye Surgical Center, adjacent to Piedmont Better Vision. Only one eye is treated at a time, usually with one week between surgeries. Upon arrival for your surgery, you will be given medication to numb your eye and constrict your pupil during the procedure. Intravenous sedation will be available to calm you if necessary. The skin around your eye will be thoroughly cleansed, and sterile coverings will be placed around your eye to keep the surgical area sterile during the procedure. Your eye will be held open with an eyelid holder so you will not have to worry about keeping your eye open during the procedure. Under the operating microscope, the surgeon will create a microscopic incision for the lens implant. You will begin to see an almost immediate improvement in your vision, progressing over the following days. You will leave fully alert, but will need someone to drive you home.
What are the benefits of the Visian ICL and Verisyse Implants?
This implantable contact lens is ideal for those patients whose refractive error is beyond the optimal range for laser vision correction. Although the lenses are intended to remain in the eye permanently, they can be removed or replaced, thus making this procedure reversible. The overall advantages include rapid rehabilitation, excellent optical quality, predictable outcome, and long-term stability.
A cataract occurs when the natural lens in your eye becomes cloudy. Normally, light passes through the cornea (clear outer surface of your eye), through your pupil and then through the lens. The lens helps you see clearly by focusing the light onto the retina. Cataracts obstruct the passage of light and thereby impair your vision. They usually develop slowly and pain free leaving many people unaware of their gradual loss of clear vision in one or both eyes. After the cataract is removed, an artificial lens implant is inserted. The replacement lens is much smaller than a dime and has been corrected to meet your eye's specific refractive needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I at risk?
The largest risk factor for cataract development is age. About half of all Americans ages 65 to 75 have cataracts to some degree. Other factors may increase your risk for cataract development:
- Diabetes
- A strong family history of cataracts
- Previous eye injury
- Certain medications (corticosteroids)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Excessive sunlight exposure
- Smoking
Symptoms include:
- Blurred or dimmed vision
- Poor night vision with halos or glare
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Reduced distance vision
- Brighter light needed to read
- Frequent eyeglass prescription changes
- Excessive blinking
How is the procedure performed?
Cataract surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis and usually takes about 15 minutes. Generally, local anesthesia is used. The cataract is removed through microsurgery. Your eye's natural lens capsule is left in place to help support the artificial replacement lens that is inserted during the procedure.
Phacoemulsification (FAY-co-ee-mul-sih-fih-CAY-shun) is the newer, more common form of extracapsular surgery in which a specially designed instrument is used to emulsify the cataract with ultrasound waves. The pieces are then vacuumed out. Only a very small incision - about 1/8 inch - is required in phacoemulsification. This procedure, commonly referred to as "phaco," is now the most common form of cataract surgery in the United States.
What can I expect after surgery?
After cataract surgery, you may wear a protective shield at bedtime for the first week. Recovery time is generally minimal. Your eye may be mildly inflamed and feel a little scratchy and irritated for a couple of days after the procedure. Normal activities can usually be restarted immediately after surgery.
Although incredibly successful, cataract surgery can not guarantee 20/20 vision when there are unrelated coexisting problems including age related macular degeneration. But for many people, successful cataract surgery can mean that they can again fully enjoy activities that otherwise were limited by poor vision.
Can I have laser vision correction after cataract surgery?
Laser vision correction, LASIK AND ASA, can be used to fine tune previous cataract surgery to improve the level of vision and decrease or eliminate the need for glasses.
We add Corneal Transplant for informational purposes on our refractive website. Corneal transplantation is an incredible sight restoring surgical procedure but is not an elective refractive procedure; i.e. corneal transplant is not a procedure to electively replace glasses or contact lenses, but is a surgical procedure frequently performed by our Piedmont Better Vision surgeons. Our surgeons are fellowship trained Corneal surgeons.
A corneal transplant is a surgical operation in which a patient's diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donated human corneal tissue or rarely in very special cases, with an artificial cornea. This procedure is performed in an operating room using local anesthesia and is virtually painless. Corneal transplantation is a sight restoring modality helping individuals with inherited corneal diseases as well as those with corneal scarring from previous infection or injury.
The vision recovery after corneal transplant is much more gradual than that after cataract surgery and laser vision correction. Full vision recovery can take 3-12 months (or even longer). Because conventional corneal transplantation involves the suturing of a round corneal donor tissue of unknown curvature into a patient's eye, large amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can occur which necessitates the use of thick eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Laser vision correction, including LASIK and ASA, can be used after corneal transplants to effectively reduce the need for thick and uncomfortable eyeglass correction or the necessity of using a contact lens.
The surgeons at Piedmont Better Vision have extensive experience with a newer form of corneal transplantation called DEEP POSTERIOR LAMELLAR KERATOPLASTY. Also known as DLEK, DSEK, DSAEK. Since many individuals requiring corneal transplant have conditions only affecting the back layer of the cornea, this new procedure allows selective replacement of one layer without having to replace the entire cornea. It is done through a microscopic incision very similar to the type used for cataract surgery. Vision recovery is typically much faster than with traditional transplant and without many of the healing issues associated with full thickness conventional transplants.
Watch DSEK Corneal Transplant Video
Visit Corneal Dystrophy Foundation
Our surgeons are also internationally recognized leaders in the use of ARTIFICIAL (PROSTHETIC) CORNEAL TRANSPLANTS. Also known as ALPHACOR, this modality is used in the unusual case in which a patient is a poor candidate for the use of a human tissue transplant.