There are several refractive procedures being performed in the United States and throughout the world at this time. The most common and accepted are PRK, LASIK, Intacs (corneal ring segments) and Clear Lensectomy. There are other methods being examined. Although we will give you an overview of the methods here, a consultation with an ophthalmologist will help you to determine what your options are. At the Corrective Eye Center, we provide this as a free refractive screening session with both our technicians and an ophthalmologist. The Corrective Eye Center performs many methods of refractive correction and works with LasikPlus for your laser interest.

The first question many people ask is, how much will it cost to reduce my dependence on glasses. Insurance doesn't usually cover refractive procedures, so Corrective Eye Center has arranged several affordable payment options, including $99/month with no down payment for the most expensive of the refractive options, possibly less depending on which procedure is best for you. Prices range from 1250-2250 per eye, all-inclusive, with a year of follow-up exams.

Intacs by Addition Technology is one of the most exciting developments in the treatment of refractive problems because it is the one method that doesn't directly modify the optical area of the cornea. Intacs Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments are tiny, clear, precision-engineered, polymer crescents that are placed in the eye during an approximately 15-minute outpatient procedure. The removable crescents are intended to reshape the cornea so that light rays are properly focused on the retina.

LASIK, Laser in-situ keratomileusis, is very popular, and is used to treat near-sightedness, astigmatism, and/or far-sightedness. It is more technically demanding than the other procedures, so you'll want to find out what results your doctor has achieved in the past.  Click on the following link to find out more: index

PRK, Photorefractive Keratectomy, is an excellent procedure for near-sightedness and is the "laser treatment" which uses the excimer laser to resurface the corneal surface. The excimer laser can also be used to treat astigmatism at this time. The excimer laser can also be used to treat low degrees of far-sightedness at this time. .

"Intraocular contact lenses" are also being inserted in eyes as part of investigational studies. These can treat near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and/or astigmatism. These contact lenses are placed either in front of or just behind the iris. If cataract is present, then the intraocular lens is placed in the "capsular bag" from which the cataract is removed, with a focus on correcting refractive errors at the same time. Thermal keratoplasty is another procedure which is used to treat low degrees of far-sightedness

Most of these procedures are FDA approved. A few are in final testing stages. We perform most of these procedures at the Corrective Eye Center.

Which type of refractive option is best for you? Most ophthalmologists, including those at our practice, will perform a free consultation to help you sort out which of the above refractive procedures is best for you. We will review the pros and cons of each procedure with your particular needs in mind. Please call 216-574-8900 for a free consultation.