Laser Vision Correction LASIK eye surgery is the best known and most commonly performed laser refractive surgery to correct vision problems. It can be a good alternative to glasses or contact lenses. Specialties Age-Related Macular Degeneration Cataract Surgery Cornea and External Disease Dry Eye Glaucoma Laser Vision Correction Low Vision Rehabilitation Neuro-Ophthalmology Ocular and Orbital Oncology Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Ophthalmic Pathology Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Retina / Vitreous Severe Ocular Surface Disease Program Uveitis Home Patient Care Specialties Laser Vision Correction Schedule Your Refractive Surgery Consultation At the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, our top priority is outstanding patient care. That is why our surgeons meet with each patient to determine his or her vision correction needs. Our refractive surgeons at the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Additionally, all of our refractive surgeons have had advanced fellowship training and have been distinguished as top doctors in Orange County and the nation. Contact Us Laser refractive surgery can be used to correct many types of vision problems, including: Nearsightedness (Myopia) Farsightedness (Hyperopia) Astigmatism Presbyopia At the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute’s Refractive Surgery LASIK Center, we are dedicated to finding our patients’ best personal vision. We do this by offering the most state-of-the-art vision correction laser available. LASIK Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a refractive procedure involving a laser that cuts a flap on the cornea and reshapes underneath it to correct such eye conditions as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. LASIK surgery was first approved for use in the United States in 1995 and remains one of the most popular vision correction procedures. Millions of patients worldwide have enjoyed clear, crisp vision after undergoing LASIK surgery. Using the latest in LASIK technology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute’s Refractive Surgery LASIK Center surgeons customize each procedure to deliver even more precise vision correction. Many patients find that they have better vision than when they wore glasses or contact lenses. During the LASIK procedure, the surgeon carefully creates a thin flap that is gently folded back to expose the inner corneal surface for reshaping with the excimer laser. The flap is then carefully refolded over the treatment area, acting as a bandage as the eye heals. Most patients see their vision improve within hours after treatment. Many are ready to return to work or their normal activities the following day. Our ophthalmologists use the Intralase Method™ for all our LASIK treatments. The blade-less Intralase® femtosecond laser is the safest way of creating the corneal flap for vision correction treatment. View Video Intralase® Femtosecond laser co-invented at UCI The Intralase® Femtosecond laser has a special association with UCI and the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. Dr. Ronald Kurtz and Tibor Juhasz, professors at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, co-invented the blade-less laser. Former institute director Dr. Roger Steinert pioneered its use in corneal transplants. The Intralase Method™ uses a computer-guided, ultra-fast laser to create a corneal flap, limiting the impact to the cornea. Using pulses of laser light, the Intralase Method™ creates microscopic bubbles at a predetermined depth just below the corneal surface. Using the bubbles, the corneal flap is gently separated and a smooth treatment area is exposed for the LASIK treatment. The precision afforded by the Intralase Method™ makes it an option for patients who haven’t been candidates for traditional LASIK because of their thin corneas. Results from clinical studies have shown that more patients have 20/20 vision and reported less trouble seeing in dimly lit conditions after having LASIK done in combination with the Intralase Method™. PRK, LASEK, and Epi-LASIK Not all patients are good candidates for LASIK surgery. For patients whose corneas are too thin or who have other considerations, other options include PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis), or Epi-LASIK surgery. During these procedures, the laser treatment is done directly on the surface of the cornea after removing a small amount of the outer layer of cells. The PRK procedure can be done to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. View Video Monovision Monovision is an option for patients aged 40 and older who have difficulty reading due to the unique natural aging process (presbyopia). This is a technique in which one eye is corrected for distance vision while the other eye is corrected for near or intermediate vision. Monovision provides a viable option for active people who require both distance vision and near vision in their daily activities. Because monovision is a compromise, reading or distance glasses may still be needed for certain activities - such as reading fine print or driving at night. Special testing is performed to see if monovision is right for you. View Video Frequently Asked Questions For more information, please call: 949-824-9970 Your Pre-Operative Visit All eyes are unique. Not all people are candidates for the refractive surgery procedures. No two cornea maps are the same just like with a DNA sample or fingerprint. Before refractive surgery is considered, you will be required to undergo a series of diagnostic tests to determine the stability of your vision. After a thorough evaluation of your eye(s), your refractive surgeon will be able to determine if you are a candidate. This thorough diagnostic evaluation is the first step in creating a positive outcome for your best possible visual outcome. The refractive surgeons at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute will perform this initial eye exam which includes: Complete review of overall eye health Glasses or contact lens history review The measurement of corneal thickness, including corneal topography The measurement of your prescription or refractive errors WaveScan measurements for higher order aberrations Dry eye test Complete dilation to view the back of the eye or the retina As part of your initial evaluation, your Gavin Herbert Eye Institute refractive surgeon will educate you about refractive surgery. This will involve the history of refractive surgery, any risks, the procedure process itself, and the successes of this amazing eye surgery. If you have been told in the past that you are not a candidate for refractive surgery you might want to call us about the latest advancements or other options. Depending on your unique visual situation you may now be a candidate for the surgery. Expectations Your decision to have laser vision correction is a serious decision. Ultimately, you will be the one to make the final decision. When selecting a refractive surgeon it is important to select a surgeon that can honestly explain your visual needs. The ultimate goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Refractive surgery does not always create perfect 20/20 vision, though most cases are successful in improving vision. After Surgery These instructions may be changed by your doctor. Please follow your doctor’s instructions. General Cleanliness Do not get anything in your eye(s) such as makeup, soap and water, or any particular matter. If you do, this will greatly increase your risk of infection. Avoid swimming pools and hot tubs for one week. Do not rub your eye(s) or allow any trauma to your eyes for one month. Immediately After Surgery Go home and go to sleep. When you are asleep your body goes into a healing mode. Sleeping is the best thing you can do for yourself. If you are uncomfortable, take two Extra Strength Tylenol tablets. Repeat every 2-4 hours as needed. You should not drive a car, operate machinery, or attempt stairs immediately following surgery. You will be given an eye shield for your operative eye(s). Please wear the shields for the first day/night after surgery and the following two nights starting at bedtime to prevent you from rubbing your eye(s) while sleeping. First Day After Surgery You will return to the clinic the first day after surgery. You can expect your vision to be hazy. Medicated Eye-Drop Instructions You may begin putting drops in your operative eye(s) after surgery, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor. You can expect your eye(s) to sting when you put them in. Your drops will include: anti-inflammatory drops, antibiotic drops, and lubricating drops. Your surgeon will give you instruction on how to use these drops depending on the type of surgery you have. The Following Days Your vision may fluctuate for the first 1-2 months. You may notice some light sensitivity and/or glare particularly at night. Any immediate post-operative discomfort you will feel will begin to subside. You may notice some temporary over correction for the first few weeks. All of this is normal. Get plenty of rest. Find a Provider Whether you need a routine eye exam or care for complex vision problems, the internationally respected ophthalmologists at the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute will provide you with the highest quality of care to treat your vision problems. Find a Provider Find a Location The UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute has locations in Orange at the UCI Medical Center, and also in Irvine on the UCI Campus. Find a Location