Papale Eye Center
Laser eye surgery procedures like PRK and LASIK are excellent
alternatives to glasses and contact lenses for patients suffering
from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and
astigmatism. With laser eye surgery, the shape of the cornea can be
permanently altered to provide enhanced vision. For most people who
currently wear prescription lenses, vision correction with PRK or
LASIK offers the best chance of achieving 20/20 vision without any
other form of treatment.
PRK is similar to LASIK surgery in many ways, and both are effective
treatments for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The
main difference between the two procedures has to do with healing
and recovery. To perform LASIK, the doctor creates a corneal flap
that is lifted during surgery and then folded back in place after
the cornea has been reshaped with the laser. Results are immediate
and you can return to work the next day. During PRK, the laser is
applied directly to the epithelium, no flap is created – as a
result, there is a slightly longer recovery period. The epithelium
will heal in approximately two to three days, but in the interim,
PRK patients will have to wear a bandage contact lens.
You should be aware that side effects can occur. In our experience,
however, these are rare. Possible side effects can include but are
not limited to: delayed healing of the epithelium following PRK
(this may require additional medication), light sensitivity (which
could require sun glasses to be worn outdoors), and corneal haze
(occurs in only 2 percent of the patient population). Post-operative
corneal haze can result in glare at night from bright lights. Stable
vision is normally achieved within one to six months. It is
important to understand that while the risks of LASIK surgery and
PRK are generally small, the exact healing response cannot be
predicted in every individual.
Dr. Papale received his B.A. from the University of Connecticut,
graduating summa cum laude in just three years, and remained at the
University to complete a year of graduate study in microbiology and
virology. He earned his Medical Degree from the University of
Connecticut School of Medicine in 1979 and interned at Baystate
Medical Center in Springfield. Dr. Papale then accepted a two-year
research fellowship in ophthalmic pathology at Harvard Medical
School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, where his research on
eye tumors and viruses earned him a National Research Service Award.
After completing an ophthalmology residency at the Massachusetts Eye
and Ear Infirmary, Dr. Papale entered private practice in
Springfield. Since that time, he has performed more than 10,000 eye
surgeries, emerging as one of the LASIK eye surgeons of choice in
the Springfield community and throughout Massachusetts.
www.papaleeyecenter.com
1515 Allen Street
Springfield, MA 01118
Phone 866-352-0016
The Boston Eye Group
LASIK is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using topical
anesthesia with drops. The procedure itself generally takes about
fifteen minutes. The surgeon creates a flap in the cornea with a
microkeratome. The flap is lifted to the side and the cool beam of
the excimer laser is used to remove a layer of corneal tissue. The
flap is folded back to its normal position and sealed without
sutures. The removal of corneal tissue permanently reshapes the
cornea.
A shield protects the flap for the first day and night. Vision
should be clear by the next day. Healing after surgery is often less
painful than with other methods of refractive surgery since the
laser removes tissue from the inside of the cornea and not the
surface. If needed, eyedrops can be taken for pain and usually are
only needed up to one week.
Some people experience poor night vision after LASIK. The surgery
may result in undercorrection or overcorrection, which can often be
improved with a second surgery. More rare and serious complications
include a dislocated flap, epithelial ingrowth and inflammation
underneath the flap. Most complications can be managed without any
loss of vision. Permanent vision loss is very rare.
Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a refractive
procedure that uses an automated blade and a laser to permanently
reshape the cornea. The reshaped cornea helps focus light directly
onto the retina to produce clearer vision.
Dr. Hirose has received many awards for his exceptional work in the
field. To mention a few: Fulbright Fellowship; Honor Award and
Senior Honor Award of American Academy of Ophthalmology; Selected
The Best Doctors in America; Selected Boston's Best Doctors, Boston
Magazine; The Paul Kayser International Award of Merit in Retina
Research; Schepens Eye Research Institute $1 million Endowment and
the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infrimary Distinguished Service Award.
www.bostonlaser.com
+1 (617) 566-0062 ph
+1 (617) 734-3264 fax
1101 Beacon Street
Suite 6
Brookline, MA 02446
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