Clear Vision, Transformed Lives

Refractive Eye Surgery for Bay Area Residents

Request Appointment Call Us: 408-884-2215

If you struggle with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, refractive surgery offers a long-term solution to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. At Spectrum Eye Physicians, our skilled ophthalmologists utilize the latest technology to help patients achieve clearer vision. Whether you’re considering laser eye surgery or exploring lens-based solutions, we are here to guide you.

Meet The Team

Dr. Jeanie Paik, MD

Dr. James Liu, MD

Dr. Martin Fishman, MD

OUR SERVICES

Advanced Corneal Disease Management

Advanced Glaucoma Management

Dry Eye Treatment

LASIK

Common Eye Conditions

Refractive Eye Surgery Near You

We offer refractive eye surgery and co-management services across multiple locations, including San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, and Hollister, bringing expert vision care to the Bay Area.

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Understanding Refractive Errors

Your eyes work by bending (refracting) light to focus images clearly on the retina. When the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing properly, it results in a refractive error. Fortunately, refractive surgery offers long-term solutions to correct these errors and reduce reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

Some common types of refractive errors include:

Myopia (Nearsightedness) occurs when the eye is too long, or the cornea is too curved. Light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision, while close-up objects remain clear.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness): This happens when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. This leads to difficulty seeing up close, though distant vision may still be clear.
Astigmatism: This is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. It often occurs in combination with myopia or hyperopia.

What is Laser Vision Correction?

Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea to improve how light enters the eye, correcting refractive errors for clearer vision. Two of the most popular procedures are LASIK and PRK, both of which provide excellent long-term results.

Medical laser eye correction. Medicine technology eye operation.

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LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis)

LASIK is one of the most popular refractive surgeries, known for its quick healing and minimal discomfort. The procedure begins with creating a thin corneal flap using a femtosecond laser. An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea, correcting the refractive error by adjusting how light enters the eye. Once the reshaping is complete, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned, serving as a natural bandage.

The Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery:

Rapid visual improvement, often within 24 hours.
Minimal post-surgery discomfort.
Ideal for mild to moderate refractive errors.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is an alternative to LASIK, particularly suited for patients with thin corneas or those prone to dry eyes. Instead of creating a flap, PRK removes the outer epithelial layer, allowing the cornea to be reshaped with laser precision.

The Benefits of PRK Surgery:

Suitable for patients with thin corneas.
No risk of flap complications.
Ideal for active lifestyles where trauma risks are a concern.

What is Clear Lens Replacement (CLR)?

Clear lens replacement (CLR), also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE), is a surgical procedure that replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct vision.

Who Can Benefit from CLR?

Patients with high myopia or hyperopia.
Those with presbyopia who want to eliminate reading glasses.
Individuals who are not candidates for LASIK or PRK.

Types of IOLs Used in CLR

Monofocal IOLs: Provide clear vision at one distance.
Multifocal IOLs: Offer vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for glasses.
Toric IOLs: Correct astigmatism for sharper vision.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs: Provide a broader range of vision with reduced glare.

We Offer Epi-LASIK Surgery

What is Epi-LASIK?

Epithelial Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK) is a variation of traditional LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), combining the benefits of both techniques to create a minimally invasive option for vision correction.

Unlike traditional LASIK, which requires corneal tissue of normal thickness for flap creation, Epi-LASIK uses a specialized device called an epikeratome to separate the epithelial tissue without cutting into the cornea. This approach makes laser vision correction accessible for patients with thinner corneas or other complicating factors.

Benefits of Epi-LASIK

Preserves Corneal Integrity: By avoiding deep cuts into the cornea, Epi-LASIK maintains the structural strength of the eye, reducing the risk of complications.
Ideal for Active Lifestyles: This minimally invasive technique is especially suitable for individuals with active lifestyles or occupations, such as athletes or first responders.
Suitable for Thin Corneas: Epi-LASIK is a safer alternative for patients with thin corneas who may not qualify for traditional LASIK.
Reduced Risk of Dry Eye: The procedure minimizes disruption to the corneal nerves, making it less likely to induce or worsen dry eye symptoms.

Recovery and Results

Epi-LASIK typically involves a longer recovery time than LASIK but shorter than PRK. Most patients experience improved vision within a few days to a week, with full results becoming apparent over several weeks.

Wavefront Custom Vue Technology

Understanding What it Is

An advanced approach to laser vision correction that uses detailed eye measurements to deliver precise results. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on standard prescriptions, this technology maps the unique characteristics of your eye’s optical system, creating a customized treatment plan tailored to your vision needs.

How Does it Work?

Eye Mapping: Wavefront technology uses a specialized device to measure how light travels through your eye. This creates a detailed 3D map of your eye’s unique imperfections, called “higher-order aberrations,” which can cause issues like glare, halos, and reduced contrast sensitivity.
Personalized Treatment Plan: The data from the wavefront map is transferred to the laser system, allowing it to reshape your cornea with precision, addressing common refractive errors and unique optical imperfections.
Enhanced Laser Precision: The excimer laser then uses this customized information to reshape the cornea beyond what traditional LASIK or PRK can achieve.

Who Can Benefit?

This advanced technology is suitable for most LASIK or PRK candidates, particularly those who:

Want the most precise and personalized correction available.
Have irregularities in their corneal shape or higher-order aberrations.
Experience difficulty with glare or halos, especially at night.

Refractive Eye Surgery FAQ

Your Questions Answered

We understand that choosing a vision correction procedure is a big decision, and you likely have questions. Explore our most frequently asked questions to learn more about how refractive eye surgery can transform your vision and life.

Who is a good candidate for refractive surgery?

Candidates should be at least 18 years old, have stable vision, and be free of serious eye conditions such as advanced glaucoma or retinal disease. The best procedure depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, and lifestyle needs.

Does refractive surgery permanently correct vision?

Yes, refractive surgery provides a long-term vision correction solution. However, natural age-related changes, such as presbyopia or cataracts, may still develop over time and require additional vision care.

What is Monovision LASIK?

Monovision LASIK is a vision correction technique where one eye is corrected for distance vision, and the other eye is corrected for near vision. This approach helps reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses, especially for individuals experiencing presbyopia, a natural age-related condition that affects close-up vision.

How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost?

LASIK prices can vary based on several factors, including:

Type of Procedure: Traditional LASIK vs. advanced options like Wavefront-guided LASIK.
Technology Used: Conventional LASIK, which uses a microkeratome to create the corneal flap, vs. all-laser LASIK (bladeless).
Surgeon’s Experience: More experienced surgeons may charge higher fees.
Location: Costs can vary depending on where the procedure is performed.

While price is an important consideration, focusing on the quality of care and expertise you receive is essential. A higher price doesn’t always guarantee better results, but extremely low prices can sometimes indicate high-volume facilities.

At Spectrum Eye Physicians, our pricing is straightforward and all-inclusive, ensuring no hidden fees. With our experienced surgeons and advanced technology, you can feel confident in receiving quality care tailored to your vision needs. If you have questions about pricing or financing options, we’re here to help.

How long does recovery take?

LASIK: Most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours, with full recovery in about a few weeks.
PRK: Initial healing takes 3 to 5 days, with full stabilization occurring over a few months.
CLR: Vision improves within a few days, with full adaptation to the new lens within a few weeks.

Will I still need glasses or contacts after surgery?

Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better without needing glasses or contacts. However, some may still require them for certain activities, such as reading or night driving, depending on their vision needs and the procedure chosen.

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Ready to See Clearly?

Book Your Refractive Surgery Consultation

Ready to take the next step toward clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with our experienced eye doctors. We’ll evaluate your eyes, discuss your goals, and determine which refractive surgery is right for you. At Spectrum Eye Physicians, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Request Appointment Call Us: 408-884-2215