Florida Eye Surgery

V I S I O N C O R R E C T I O N

Fort Myers eye surgery The latest in laser technology allows Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Florida to provide their patients with several vision correction options. We use only the most state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure your laser vision correction is successful. Although laser vision correction may not be for everyone, many patients have had enormous success with LASIK, LASEK and PRK. During your free vision consultation, the doctor will help you decide which course of action would most benefit you.

Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Florida uses the latest Visx Star S4 CustomVue™ Laser System for laser vision correction. The VISX laser is the world standard in lasers and has made great technological advances since its FDA approval in 1995.

"The experience I had with the staff and doctor at the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Florida, from my first contact with the Refractive Coordinator to the actual LASIK surgery, was remarkable. Dr. Collins presents his unique and gifted talents in a professional, friendly and compassionate manner. He uses the latest, most expensive, high tech equipment and software available. Every morning when I wake up, I see the world in a different way that is as hard to describe as the majestic, breath taking Alps in Switzerland. You just have to be there to see it, believe it and appreciate it! Thank you Dr. Michael Collins, and Staff."

---T.J. Brown, D.D.S, M.S.

LASIK (Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis)

The key to understanding LASIK is to understand how the eye works. Sharp, clear vision is the result of light rays passing through the cornea, pupil and lens and focusing directly upon the retina. If the cornea is not round, or it is too steep or too flat in relation to the length of the eye, light rays focus either in front of or behind the retina resulting in "refractive errors" such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The cornea is the clear surface on the front of the eye. Many people who have refractive errors place contact lenses on their eyes to improve the way the cornea focuses light. LASIK is just another way of improving the way the cornea focuses light.

Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness, or myopia, occurs when the cornea is steep or the eye is too long. The eye's refractive power is too strong, thus forcing the image to be focused in front of the retina of the eye rather than upon it, as it would be with normal vision. When light focuses in front of the retina, near objects may be seen clearly, but far objects appear blurry. Or, if a person is extremely nearsighted, objects at all distances appear blurry.

Farsightedness
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is caused when the cornea is too flat or the eyeball is too short, causing light to focus behind the retina. With farsightedness, the eye's refractive power is too weak, forcing the image to be focused behind the retina. Far objects may be seen clearly and near objects appear blurred. If a patient is extremely farsighted, objects at both near and far may appear blurry.

"Everyday there is some new moment that reminds me how great it is to see perfectly without contacts, and now knowing how simple and easy the lasik surgery was, I certainly wish I would have done it much sooner! My total experience with Dr. Michael Collins and his incredible staff was great and I would highly recommend them for all your family eyecare needs and certainly if you are considering Lasik surgery in the "near" or "distant" future! "

- Dean Tyler, 97.7 The Point

Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused when the cornea is shaped irregularly - like a football instead of round like a basketball, preventing light from converging on the retina. Some parts of the image focus on the retina, while others focus behind it or in front of it. This has the effect of bending light inconsistently and causes blurred images. Astigmatism can occur in combination with nearsightedness and farsightedness.

How LASIK works
LASIK, or Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis, uses a cool laser light to reshape the cornea to your prescription, thus correcting the common problems of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on contact lenses and glasses.

LASIK combines the lifting of a protective flap with the precision and accuracy of laser technology. A thin layer of the cornea, in the shape of a flap, is lifted by the microkeratome, and gently folded back. Then, the doctor uses the laser to reshape the internal tissue of the eye. The protective flap is then replaced in its original position where it adheres quickly and seals itself without the use of stitches.

Before Surgery
Before your surgery day, your doctor will go over everything you need to know about the procedure, so you know exactly what to expect. Your eyes will be thoroughly tested to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery and just how well LASIK will improve your vision. Your doctor may decide that you are a better candidate for one of the other procedures he performs.

"The first word out of my mouth was "WOW". It was incredible getting out of the chair and being able to see the faces of everyone who was there. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. It has been my dream to have LASIK for about 6 or 7 years. My dream came true. Thanks to Dr. Collins, Alex and staff!! "

--Laurie Urban

During Surgery
On your surgery day, you will need to bring a friend to drive you home after the procedure. During the actual procedure, your surgeon will put numbing drops in your eye so you will feel no discomfort, and proceed to explain each step of the surgery. In just minutes, your LASIK procedure is complete!

After Surgery
So now that you're done with surgery, its time to sit back and relax. You will need a long nap after surgery to let the eyes heal, and you should be enjoying your clear vision almost immediately. The day following surgery, we'll schedule you for a follow-up examination to make sure everything is healing correctly. You will be examined at regular follow up visits to make sure you are doing the very best possible.

"My decision to have LASIK was the best decision I've ever made. The doctors and staff at Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Florida made everything so easy!"

---Jonna Ruston

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)

LASEK is a refractive procedure that is similar to LASIK. However, with LASEK, no microkeratome is used and only the very top layer of the cornea (epithelium) is used to make a protective corneal flap. The surgeon then uses the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct your refractive error. The surgeon may decide that LASEK is a better option for a particular patient, including those patients with eyes that may be too dry or corneas that are too thin for LASIK. Based on the individual situation, the surgeon will recommend the surgery option that best suits the patient's needs.

PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy)

PRK is another method of surgically reshaping your cornea using the excimer laser. It was the first procedure to use the excimer laser to treat many types of refractive errors and is still the procedure of choice for certain patients. With PRK, the very top layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, the excimer laser is used to reshape the surface of the cornea and the epithelium is then allowed to grow back in naturally.

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The Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Florida have provided this website only to inform patients about affordable Eye Surgery in Fort Myers, Naples and the surrounding areas in Florida. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice.