Vision Correction Procedures
Refractive eye surgery is the correction of common vision conditions in order to help people see more clearly and reduce their dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Now is one of the best times ever to have your vision corrected. Over the years, a range of new technologies and innovations in ophthalmology have made refractive eye surgery safer and more effective, while providing faster results and more limited recovery times. Dr. Steve Schallhorn is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has been involved with the latest advances in refractive eye surgery, including LASIK and laser vision correction, from its early stages.
Introduction to Refractive Errors
Refractive errors in vision are very common and can be treated with refractive eye surgery. Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by one or more of the following conditions:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia) – When the eye’s cornea is curved to far on one side, it can cause objects to appear clear at near distances and blurry at far distances. Sometimes, vision stabilizes in a person’s late teens or early twenties; however, many people require corrective eyewear for clarity.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia) – This condition occurs when the cornea is too flat compared to the eye’s length, resulting in clear vision at far distances but blurry vision when looking at objects up close.
- Astigmatism – The cornea should be shaped like a circle; however, astigmatism causes the cornea to be shaped more like an oval. This ultimately causes blurry vision and/or visual distortion as light enters the eye. Astigmatism often occurs in tandem with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Presbyopia – As we get older, the eye’s natural lens hardens and becomes less flexible, making it more difficult to see fine print and objects at close distances. Presbyopia occurs in just about everyone after the age of 40.
How can I improve my vision?
Eyeglasses and contact lenses are no longer your only options for improving your vision. With the advent of laser vision correction and intraocular lenses, you can achieve significantly better vision with less reliance on corrective eyewear. Dr. Schallhorn and his entire team here at Schallhorn Vision believe that safety, technology, and precision equal better vision. Our vision care experts have the experience and technology that is necessary for you to see near, far, and intermediate distances more clearly.
The following information will give you some brief glimpses of the many treatments we offer to correct a number of vision conditions. Please click the links for more detailed information on our procedures, and contact our refractive eye surgery practice in the San Diego and La Jolla, California area to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schallhorn.
- LASIK
LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure and one of the most popular refractive eye surgery treatments available. Designed to reshape the eye’s cornea, LASIK can reduce and even eliminate your need to wear glasses and contacts. - PRK
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser vision correction treatment that can improve vision in patients who have thin corneas and are therefore deemed ineligible for LASIK treatment. This procedure, like LASIK, has helped a number of patients achieve 20/20 vision. - Phakic IOLs
For patients who are not candidates for laser treatments such as LASIK and PRK, phakic IOLs can help them attain their goals. These implantable contact lenses can improve near-distance vision and reduce the need for reading glasses to see objects and writing up close. It can be extremely effective at treating a common vision condition called presbyopia.
Am I a candidate?
The best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to meet with our ophthalmologist and laser eye surgeon. Dr. Schallhorn can evaluate your vision and talk with you about your options. There are a number of treatments that can help patients see more clearly without heavy reliance on corrective eyewear, and Schallhorn Vision employs the latest technology to provide you with customized treatment designed to meet your specific needs.
Please contact us today for more information on refractive eye surgery and treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia in the San Diego and La Jolla, California area.