Refractive Eye Surgery

University Ophthalmology Associates provides expert refractive eye surgery in Chicago. Our board-certified doctors serve Chicago, Skokie, Libertyville, and Oak Brook, IL.

Enjoying life without the hassle of wearing corrective lenses used to be just a dream. But thanks to medical advances in recent decades, laser eye surgery is not only possible — it’s incredibly common. University Ophthalmology Associates, the leading Chicago area ophthalmologist for over 100 years, are pleased to offer our patients laser eye corrective surgery.

Refractive surgery, the all-encompassing term for surgical procedures like LASIK, PRK, and other types of laser eye surgical procedures, is one of University Ophthalmology Associates’ specialties. Using cutting-edge medical technology and techniques, our ophthalmologists in Oakbrook, IL help determine the best type of medical procedure for each and every one of our patients.

Our refractive surgery options can often be completed in under an hour, resulting in vision improvements in as little as one day. Even better, many refractive surgery procedures can be performed without the need of blades or stitches — only laser equipment!

If you’re considering refractive surgery in Chicago, Skokie, or Libertyville, expert Chicago ophthalmologists at University Ophthalmology Associates can help.

Common Types of Refractive Surgery

University Ophthalmology Associates provides the following refractive surgery services in Illinois.

LASIK Surgery

University Ophthalmology Associates specializes in offering LASIK surgery, one of the most popular and well-known refractive surgical procedures. LASIK, an abbreviated term for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, changes the shape of your cornea in order to better focus light coming into your eye, resulting in greatly improved vision. To correct farsightedness, LASIK makes the cornea steeper; to correct nearsightedness, LASIK flattens the cornea. 

LASIK is first performed by using a laser keratome that sends out bursts of energy at one quadrillionth of a second to create a small flap in your cornea. The flap is then folded back to reveal the stroma, the middle layer of your cornea. Your cornea is then treated with an excimer laser, producing an ultraviolet light that reshapes your cornea by vaporizing microscopic pieces of your corneal tissue. Working with precise computer guidance, the excimer laser can correct your nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism.

Your eyes will begin to heal immediately after the LASIK procedure, and our Skokie ophthalmologist at University Ophthalmology Associates will provide you with eye drops and protective shields to ensure proper recovery within your first 24 hours of surgery. While many patients can begin enjoying the benefits of LASIK the following day, your vision may be sensitive to light or blurry immediately following the procedure. The following day, you’ll return to our Chicago, Skokie, or Libertyville ophthalmology office to check your eyesight and schedule additional vision checks for the future.

PRK Surgery

University Ophthalmology Associates also offers PRK surgery in Chicago, Skokie, and Libertyville. PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is the precursor to LASIK and corrects vision in a similar surgical procedure. Our photorefractive keratectomy procedures, like LASIK, can correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. 

With the exception of the procedure’s first step, a photorefractive keratectomy is carried out nearly the same way as LASIK. Rather than lifting up a layer of the cornea, PRK removes the epithelium — the outer layer of the cornea— before repairing the corneal tissue with the excimer laser. While this procedure is less common than LASIK, it does provide a number of options and benefits. PRK can be performed on individuals with corneas that are too thin for the LASIK procedure or for those who have already experienced LASIK surgery.

Astigmatic Keratotomy

Astigmatic keratotomy is one of the many refractive surgery treatment options that University Ophthalmology Associates offers. This procedure is specifically indicated in patients experiencing astigmatism after cataract surgery or a corneal transplant, astigmatic keratotomy can correct symptoms of astigmatism and prevent the need for contact lenses or glasses, or drastically reduce the required prescription for those with additional eyesight trouble. 

Patients who undergo an astigmatic keratotomy will have the shape of their corneas changed in order to correct refractive problems. Incisions are made at the steepest point of the cornea, which enables the cornea to become more rounded, effectively correcting astigmatic problems.

Limbal Relaxing Incisions

Limbal Relaxing Incisions, also known as LRIs, are incisions made during cataract or refractive surgery procedures in order to correct astigmatism. A procedure related to astigmatic keratotomy, our Chicago, Skokie, and Libertyville ophthalmology experts are experienced in performing LRIs for patients who wish to remove signs of astigmatism and the need for wearing glasses or corrective lenses. Limbal Relaxing Incisions can also be performed in conjunction with a cataract surgery.

Limbal Relaxing Incisions are performed by making small incisions in the cornea that “relax” its shape. This procedure optimizes the cornea’s curvature, improving its ability to focus light and effectively correct astigmatism.

Who is a Good Candidate for Refractive Surgery?

Refractive surgery is ideal for individuals seeking a more permanent solution to vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

• Eligibility: Candidates should generally be over 18 years of age, with a stable prescription for at least one year.

• Health Requirements: The corneas should be healthy, and candidates should not have eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts that could interfere with surgery.

• Lifestyle Considerations: Refractive surgery is particularly beneficial for individuals with active lifestyles who prefer not to rely on glasses or contact lenses for everyday activities.

Refractive Surgery Procedure

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Before surgery, a thorough eye exam is conducted to assess eye health and measurements of the cornea. This includes mapping the cornea’s shape and thickness, checking pupil dilation, and determining the appropriate surgical plan based on individual needs. You’ll also have a consultation to discuss your expectations and potential outcomes.

What to Expect During Surgery

Refractive surgery is typically quick and performed using a local anesthetic to numb the eye. The procedure lasts around 10-15 minutes per eye, and most patients report minimal discomfort. During surgery, a laser is used to reshape the cornea for improved focus, helping reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear.

Post-Surgery Recovery

After surgery, your vision may be blurry initially, but improvements are typically noticed within a few days or weeks, depending on the procedure type. It’s normal to experience some mild dryness or discomfort in the first few days, which usually resolves quickly. Following post-surgery care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are essential for a smooth recovery.

Risks and Complications

While refractive surgery is generally safe, there are some potential side effects, including:

• Dry Eyes: A common temporary issue, usually resolved with lubricating drops.

• Glare, Halos, or Fluctuating Vision: These symptoms can occur, especially at night, but often improve as the eyes heal.

Less common risks include:

• Infection or inflammation—which is rare, especially with proper aftercare.

• Over- or under-correction of vision, which may require an enhancement in some cases.

While refractive surgery significantly improves vision, perfection isn’t guaranteed, and it’s important to have realistic expectations.

Benefits of Refractive Surgery

Improved Vision: Most patients achieve 20/25 vision or better, significantly enhancing daily life without relying on glasses or contacts.

Convenience: Enjoy clear vision during sports, swimming, or other activities without the hassle of corrective eyewear.

Long-term Savings: Reduced ongoing costs for glasses, contact lenses, and vision-related products.