Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths at NewView Laser Eye Center was exceptional. Friendly, thorough, and attentive, she made me feel truly cared for. I highly recommend her and her staff for expert eye care.
Michele McClurg
Refractive Surgery: See More Clearly Without Glasses or Contacts
Types of Refractive Procedures We Offer
We offer several proven approaches to refractive correction, and our LASIK Surgeon will recommend the one best suited to your corneal anatomy, prescription, and lifestyle. Each procedure has its own benefits depending on your individual needs.
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is one of the most widely performed refractive procedures available. It involves creating a thin protective flap in the outer cornea, then using a laser to precisely reshape the tissue underneath before repositioning the flap.
We perform LASIK using the VISX STAR S4 IR excimer laser combined with iDESIGN Refractive Studio technology, which maps the unique optical characteristics of your eye to create a highly customized treatment plan. Most patients notice meaningful vision improvement within the first day or two, and the procedure itself typically takes only about 15 minutes per eye.
PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy, is an alternative to LASIK that does not require creating a corneal flap. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea is gently removed before the laser reshapes the surface beneath it. EpiLase is a variation of surface ablation that uses a specialized technique to prepare the corneal surface.
- PRK may be the safer choice if you have thinner corneas or certain corneal surface irregularities
- It is often recommended for patients in contact sports or occupations with a higher risk of eye injury
- Recovery takes a few days longer than LASIK, but long-term visual outcomes are comparable
- Some initial discomfort is expected as the surface heals, which is manageable with prescribed drops
Refractive lens exchange involves removing your eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens, a small implant that provides precise optical correction. This approach is very similar to cataract surgery and is often the best option for patients with very high prescriptions or for those nearing the age when cataracts are likely to develop.
- It can correct a broader range of prescriptions than laser-based procedures
- Certain premium lens options can also reduce the need for reading glasses by addressing presbyopia
- Because the natural lens is removed, you will not develop cataracts in the future
- Recovery is generally smooth, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days
Wavefront-guided treatment uses detailed optical mapping to identify subtle imperfections in the way light travels through your individual eye. This information is used to customize the laser correction beyond what a standard prescription alone can achieve.
Our iDESIGN Refractive Studio technology performs this advanced mapping and guides the laser during treatment, which can improve not only your sharpness of vision but also the quality of vision, particularly in low-light conditions.
Are You a Candidate for Refractive Surgery?
Not everyone is a good candidate for every type of refractive procedure, and a thorough evaluation is the only way to know which approach is right for you. Our team evaluates several important factors before making any recommendation.
Most candidates should be at least 18 years old, and we often suggest waiting until your early to mid-20s to allow the prescription to fully stabilize. Your vision prescription should remain unchanged for at least one to two years before surgery is considered.
If your prescription is still shifting, surgery performed too early may not deliver lasting results. We review your prescription history carefully as part of your consultation.
Healthy corneas with adequate thickness are essential for laser procedures like LASIK and PRK. We use advanced imaging to measure corneal thickness and examine the shape and surface in detail before recommending any treatment.
- Thin corneas may make laser procedures less suitable, but lens-based options can still be considered
- Conditions like keratoconus, a progressive corneal thinning disorder, may disqualify you from standard laser surgery
- Corneal scarring or irregular curvature may require a specialized or alternative approach
- Advanced imaging allows us to detect even subtle irregularities that could affect safety
Certain conditions can affect healing and increase the risk of complications. Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, severe dry eye, and active eye disease such as glaucoma or cataracts all require careful consideration before moving forward with surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause temporary changes to both prescription and corneal shape, so we typically recommend postponing surgery until after you have finished nursing. We review your full medical history during your evaluation to ensure surgery is safe for you.
Your daily activities, hobbies, and work environment all influence which procedure may be the best fit. Patients in contact sports, physically demanding jobs, or roles with a higher chance of facial impact may benefit more from surface-based procedures like PRK than from LASIK.
We also consider visual demands such as prolonged screen use, night driving, and close detail work when helping you set realistic expectations and choose the right approach.
Pre-Operative Testing and What to Expect on Surgery Day
A comprehensive pre-operative evaluation is the foundation of a safe and successful outcome. We take time to gather a detailed picture of your eye health before any procedure is scheduled.
Before surgery, we perform a series of measurements and imaging tests to build a complete profile of your eyes. These include corneal topography and tomography, which create three-dimensional maps of your corneal shape, as well as wavefront analysis to detect subtle optical irregularities.
- Pupil size in various lighting conditions is measured to help predict night vision outcomes
- Tear film quality is assessed to evaluate your risk for dry eye after surgery
- Refractive error is measured precisely to guide the laser correction
- Overall eye health is examined to confirm there are no underlying conditions that would affect safety
In the days leading up to your procedure, you will be asked to stop wearing contact lenses so your corneas can return to their natural shape. Soft lenses generally require a few days out, while rigid or gas-permeable lenses may need to be removed for several weeks beforehand.
On the day of surgery, avoid wearing makeup, lotions, or perfumes around your eyes, and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. We will provide detailed instructions tailored to the specific procedure you are having.
Refractive surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes for both eyes. You will be awake throughout and may receive a mild sedative to help you relax.
Numbing eye drops keep your eyes comfortable, and a gentle device holds your eyelids open so you do not need to worry about blinking. You may see lights or feel slight pressure, but the procedure itself is painless for most patients.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
How quickly you recover depends on which procedure you have, but following your care instructions closely gives you the best chance of a smooth and comfortable healing process. Our team monitors your progress at every stage.
In the first 24 to 48 hours, your vision may be hazy or sensitive to light, and your eyes may feel gritty or mildly uncomfortable. Resting your eyes and avoiding rubbing them is important during this early period.
LASIK patients often notice clear vision within the first day, while those who have PRK or EpiLase surface ablation may experience a gradual improvement over several days as the surface of the cornea heals.
It is common for vision to vary during the healing process. You may notice that your eyesight is sharper at certain times of day or that it shifts slightly from week to week before settling.
- Most fluctuations stabilize within a few weeks to a few months after surgery
- Dry eye is a common contributor to temporary blurriness and is managed with lubricating drops
- Using your prescribed drops consistently supports healthy healing
- Persistent or worsening changes in vision should be reported to our office promptly
For the first week or two, we ask that you avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, hot tubs, and dusty or smoky environments to reduce the risk of infection and support proper healing. Protective eyewear, especially while sleeping, prevents accidental contact with your eyes.
Follow your prescribed eye drop schedule carefully, including anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops as directed. Keeping all scheduled follow-up appointments allows us to monitor healing and catch any concerns early.
Post-operative appointments are typically scheduled the day after surgery, then at one week, one month, three months, and beyond as needed. These visits allow our LASIK Surgeon to check your vision, examine the health of your eye, and confirm that healing is progressing as expected.
A small percentage of patients may benefit from a follow-up enhancement procedure if the initial result falls short of the target or if mild regression occurs over time. Enhancements are minor and are typically performed only after your eyes have fully stabilized. We discuss this possibility openly during your initial consultation so you know what to expect.
Safety, Side Effects, and Possible Complications
Refractive surgery has a strong safety record when patients are carefully selected and procedures are performed with advanced technology. Being informed about potential side effects helps you make a confident decision and know when to seek help.
Dry eye, glare, halos around lights, and light sensitivity are among the most frequently reported side effects after refractive surgery. These effects are typically temporary and improve as your eyes heal over the first few weeks to months.
- Dry eye is the most common side effect and responds well to lubricating drops and prescription treatments
- Glare and halos are most noticeable at night and tend to fade as healing progresses
- Mild redness on the surface of the eye usually clears within a few days
- Most temporary side effects do not significantly interfere with daily activities once the initial recovery period has passed
Rare but serious complications can include infection, significant under-correction or over-correction, irregular astigmatism, or a condition called corneal ectasia, which is a weakening and progressive thinning of the cornea. Careful patient screening and the use of advanced diagnostic technology help minimize these risks.
If a complication does arise, prompt treatment is essential. Many issues can be managed effectively with additional procedures, medications, or specialty contact lenses when identified early.
Certain symptoms after surgery require urgent evaluation and should not be managed with a wait-and-see approach. Contact our office right away if you experience sudden vision loss, severe pain that does not improve, intense redness, discharge from the eye, or new flashes of light and floaters.
These symptoms can indicate infection, inflammation, or a retinal concern, all of which require prompt professional care. Early attention gives us the best opportunity to protect your vision and prevent long-term complications.
The large majority of refractive surgery patients are satisfied with their results and enjoy functional vision without corrective lenses for many years. Corneal reshaping is permanent, but your eyes will continue to age naturally.
Conditions like presbyopia, the gradual loss of close-focus ability that affects most people in their 40s, and cataracts will develop over time regardless of prior surgery. Regular eye exams remain important after refractive surgery to monitor your eye health and address any changes as they occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to questions our patients often ask when considering refractive surgery. If you do not see your question here, our team is always happy to help during a consultation.
The best procedure depends on several factors that can only be determined through a full pre-operative evaluation, including your corneal thickness, prescription, pupil size, and lifestyle. LASIK tends to suit patients with healthy corneas who want a fast recovery, while PRK is often preferred for those with thinner corneas or active lifestyles that carry a higher risk of eye contact. Lens-based options are considered for patients with higher prescriptions or those who are not ideal candidates for laser surgery. Our LASIK Surgeon walks you through the comparison in detail after reviewing your test results.
Most patients are free from glasses for the majority of daily activities, but surgery does not prevent the natural aging of the eye. Presbyopia, which typically begins in the mid-40s, causes difficulty focusing up close and will affect most people eventually, even after successful refractive surgery. Certain premium lens options used in refractive lens exchange can reduce dependence on reading glasses, and our team will discuss which approach best matches your long-term vision goals.
Dry eye is one of the most important factors we evaluate before recommending surgery. Mild dry eye can often be managed and treated beforehand, making surgery possible with careful planning. Severe or uncontrolled dry eye may increase your risk of post-operative discomfort and blurry vision, and in those cases, we may recommend treating the dry eye first or considering a procedure with a lower impact on corneal nerves. We assess your tear film thoroughly during your pre-operative evaluation.
Refractive surgery is generally considered an elective procedure and is not covered by standard medical insurance plans. However, if you have a flexible spending account or health savings account through your employer, those funds can often be applied toward the cost of surgery. We also work with financing programs to help make treatment more accessible, and our team can walk you through what options are available during your consultation so there are no financial surprises.
The correction itself is permanent in that the changes made to your cornea or lens do not reverse on their own. Many patients enjoy stable vision for a decade or more without needing any additional treatment. However, natural changes in the eye due to aging or the development of new eye conditions can shift your vision over time, which is why routine eye exams remain important even after successful surgery. If your vision changes significantly years later, our team will assess whether glasses, contacts, or an enhancement procedure is the right next step.
Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and some visual haze are expected in the first day or two and are not cause for alarm on their own. However, if you experience sudden or severe pain, a sharp decrease in vision, significant discharge, or new visual disturbances like flashes and floaters, you should contact our office immediately rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit. These symptoms can signal complications that benefit greatly from early intervention, and we are committed to being available and responsive when our patients need us.
Start Your Journey to Clearer Vision at NewView Eye Center
If you are ready to explore your options for refractive surgery, we invite you to schedule a comprehensive consultation with our team at NewView Eye Center, proudly serving patients across Northern Virginia with expert, personalized care. Our LASIK Surgeon will take the time to evaluate your eyes thoroughly, explain your options honestly, and help you decide whether surgery is right for you. We are here to support you every step of the way, from your first question to your final follow-up visit.
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