Surgical Options

At The Wright Eye Center, Dr. John Wright specializes in cataract and refractive surgery. Specifically, LASIK, PRK and Small Incision Cataract Removal & Lens Implantation Surgery. Please click on any of the titles to the left for more information on any of our surgical options offered at The Wright Eye Center.

LASIK | PRK | CATARACTS | INTRA-OCULAR LENS IMPLANTS (IOL'S)

LASIK: (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is an advanced procedure using the Excimer Laser in combination with ALK (Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty). The Excimer Laser is a "cold laser", or non-thermal light beam -- the most sophisticated method in vision correction. Ultraviolet light and high energy pulses lasting only billionths of a second disrupt the molecular bonds between the corneal cells with extraordinary accuracy. Many ophthalmologists have found advantages in performing LASIK, and worldwide it is the treatment of choice. The procedure is nearly painless and is performed under topical anesthesia. For additional information on LASIK, please visit the LASIK section of this web site. Click Here.

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) involves no incision. The brief procedure is performed under topical anesthesia. The surgeon removes a thin surface layer called the epithelium, on the cornea. With computer controlled precision, the laser vaporizes microscopic amounts of tissue to sculpt a new corneal contour. Following the procedure, the doctor prescribes pain medications to control any discomfort that may last a few days.

The vision remains blurred for a number of days, until the surface cells have a chance to heal over the cornea, generally five to seven days. Most of the side effects that may be experienced are part of the healing process of the cornea, and will usually disappear or be reduced within a few weeks or months after the surgery. Long-term complications are uncommon. The most common side effect of PRK is pain lasting four days following the procedure.Since LASIK and PRK are usually performed on Thursdays, most PRK patients take a four day weekend to heal up. On the fourth day the vision is usually not 20/20 but frequently good enough to drive and resume most activities. It takes about a month for PRK patients vision to catch up to where it would have been if they had LASIK. The reason for this is it takes a few weeks for the surface layer (the epithelium) to thicken up to it's normal 5 cell layers thick and to become smooth again like glass. The visual results of PRK and LASIK are equal.

Dr. Wright was one of 10 surgeons throughout the United States chosen by Summit Technology to perform the Clinical Trials on which the FDA based the approval of the Excimer Laser (PRK). Immediately after approval, Dr. Wright was the only surgeon on Colorado designated to provide the clinical training to many of the other surgeons throughout Colorado in this procedure.

The length of time for a cataract to develop can vary from a few months to several years. Vision loss from cataracts is gradual, which is why many patients have difficulty noticing the early symptoms. Most patients also do not know when they should have their cataracts removed. For more informaiton on Cataract surgery, visit the Cataract section of this web site. Click Here.

One of the most reliable of all refractive surgeries, a clear lensectomy is one of the most effective treatments for high ranges of nearsightedness and farsightedness. The same advanced technology is used for cataract surgery in an older person. Here the body's natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens. Artificial lenses come in different powers similar to a contact lens. Measurements taken pre-operatively help predict what power will be needed.

Dr. John Wright performs a no-stitch, no-shot technique that takes approximately 15 minutes. Visual recovery can be very rapid with many patients seeing well the day after surgery. This technique is most effective with people in the 40+ age group. Because the eye will be corrected for distance vision, the patient will most likely require reading glasses following surgery.

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