OPHTHALMIC SURGERIES
Click here to review basic eye anatomy
LASIK & PRK
LASIK and PRK both use an excimer laser to reshape your cornea based on eye's prescription. During LASIK, another laser is used to create a flap in your cornea. In PRK, the outer surface of the cornea is removed either chemically or with a rotating brush. The excimer laser is then used to treat your eye. Both are excellent and safe procedures, however the recovery time, amount of discomfort and risks vary between the two. If you have any questions, google away and bring your questions to Dr. Giles!
Photo: neec.com
CATARACT SURGERY
Cataract surgery involves removing your cloudy lens (called a cataract) and replacing it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in the United States and has evolved greatly over the last few years. The entire surgery is performed through two very small incisions in your cornea (clear part of your eye). Learn more under Patient Education or read about other patient's experiences under Patient Experiences.
Photo: Chiropractic-lane.com
Photo: Willseye.org
EYELID SURGERIES & PROCEDURES
Eyelid positioning is extremely for the health of your eye and for your vision. Sometimes, the eyelids are not positioned correctly over your eye (i.e. ectropion or entropion). Ptosis is when one or both eyelids droop. Dermatochalasis is redundant eyelid skin, which sometimes droops over your vision. Dermatochalasis is treated with a blepharoplasty ("eyelid lid"). Each of these conditions can be treated with eyelid surgery.
LASER PROCEDURES
We live in an amazing time where we can utilize lasers to safely perform non-invasive treatments. Most of these laser procedures are done in office and are very very safe. Some procedures are used to lower eye pressures in glaucoma, others to prophylactically treat retinal tears and some lasers can be used to improve your vision after cataract surgery (if you have developed a "secondary cataract"). Learn more in the Patient Education section.
