Surface Ablation

Surface Ablation is an outpatient refractive procedure used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Dr. Violin performs Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK). Surface Ablation involves using an Excimer laser to precisely sculpt the cornea to correct your refractive error without the creation of a flap. Dr. Violin also performs this treatment using the Wavefront Optimized Allegretto Wave Laser. Patients usually wear a bandage contact lens for 3-5 days following the procedure to minimize discomfort. You may still feel eye irritation during the first few days following the procedure. Also, the time it takes to recover good vision after Surface Ablation is often longer, up to 7 days. Surface Ablation is one of the alternative procedures sometimes recommended for people who are not good LASIK candidates for reasons such as thin corneas.