Doctor Phone
Main Number 747-3937
Ray M. Balyeat, MD 749-2220
Todd A. Brockman, MD 742-5513
Marc A. Goldberg, MD 584-4433
Gerard J. Hunter, MD 747-0289
Walter J. Peters, MD 307-0496
J. Matthew Roberts, DO 743-2319
Mark J. Weiss, MD 742-2428
Conveniently located on the 4th floor of the 2000 S. Wheeling, location. Institute Optical has a wide yet selective choice of frames to meet your needs. Institute Optical also offers a variety of optical aids, all at competitive prices. Founded in 1986 Institute Optical has become the cornerstone of the quality medical care provided at the Eye Institute. You may contact Institute Optical at 918-742-6933
 
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Laser Refractive Surgery
LASIK and PRK with the Excimer Laser

The Excimer Laser – used for both LASIK and PRK is computer controlled, precise, accurate, and fast. The Excimer is a cold laser – it does not burn like traditional lasers used in surgery. The Excimer Laser uses ultraviolet light rays to disrupt chemical bonds in the target (corneal) tissue. The lasered corneal tissue falls away in a controlled fashion, leaving surrounding corneal tissue undamaged.

LASIK

LASIK (Laser In-situ Keratomileusis) has been the gold standard among procedures for correcting myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia for over ten years. Advances in the measurement of refractive errors and in laser delivery - made possible with the development of Wavefront Technology - have made LASIK an even more precise and safe procedure than ever before. In the LASIK procedure, a flap on the corneal surface is created using a microkeratome instrument, and then a computer controlled excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying cornea. The resultant change in corneal shape results in a refocusing of light onto the retina which reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses. The surgery is done on an outpatient basis in minutes, with most patients able to return to work the same week.

PRK

PRK was the first laser refractive surgical technique to utilize the excimer laser. In PRK, unlike LASIK, no flap is created. Surface corneal epithelial cells are wiped away and the excimer laser is targeted directly onto the underlying corneal tissue to reshape it. Many patients and refractive surgeons prefer LASIK to PRK because visual recovery is generally quicker and discomfort is minimized with LASIK relative to PRK. PRK nevertheless has an excellent safety and accuracy profile – comparable to LASIK’s. PRK is a good alternative to LASIK for certain patients who might not be LASIK candidates for reasons related to corneal thickness parameters or with certain subtle corneal surface irregularities.

The excimer laser has truly revolutionized refractive surgery, and made it a much safer and more accurate set of procedures for a larger number of patients wishing to lessen their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Unfortunately, laser refractive surgery is not the best option for all patients. Certain limitations exist for example, with regard to the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism that can be corrected. Also a variety of underlying eye and systemic disorders need to be ruled out before a patient can be deemed a good LASIK or PRK candidate. A good way to determine if you are a candidate for LASIK or PRK is to schedule a free refractive surgery screening with our own fellowship trained refractive surgeon, Dr. Marc Goldberg.