What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?

PRK - The excimer laser treatment is applied to the surface of the cornea. The laser ablates away a very tiny amount of corneal tissue reshaping the surface of the cornea. This new shape to the cornea's surface changes the way light is focused onto the retina and should result in clearer vision. After PRK, vision will normally become clearer in 1-4 weeks. Stabilization of vision may take 3 to 6 months or longer. The PRK procedure generally has an overall longer recovery time than LASIK. (Think of PRK as LASIK without a flap.)

LASIK - First, a thin flap is made on the cornea by a device called a microkeratome. The flap is then laid back and the excimer laser ablation is applied to the corneal bed (flat surface of the cornea exposed after lifting the flap). The flap is then laid back in place on the cornea. LASIK generally has much faster recovery time compared to PRK, with many patients receiving partial or full corrected vision within minutes to days after LASIK. Full stabilization of vision may take 6 weeks to 3 months or longer. (Think of LASIK as PRK with a flap.)

For a more detailed explanation of these procedures, please see our section on Laser Vision Correction.

Is it safe? How risky is it?

The FDA has approved the excimer laser system used by Maddox Laser Eye Center - the LaserSight LaserScan LSX® - for the treatment of nearsightedness (myopia) for eligible patients. (See LaserSight LSX® FDA Labeling for information on approved correction parameters.)

Laser Vision Correction is the safest, easiest, and most effective type of refractive surgery available. Even contact lens wear can in many cases be more risky than Laser Vision Correction! From the serious risk of dangerous infections associated with extended wear contacts to irreversible corneal warpage and endothelial cell damage, long-term contact lens wear can have very real and very dangerous risks.

Millions of people worldwide have undergone safe and successful Laser Vision Correction procedures over the last decade. As with any surgical procedure, the outcome cannot be guaranteed. However, the risk of serious complications is extremely small.

Some possible risks and complications are addressed in our Laser Vision Correction Brochures.

Is there pain?

The Laser Vision Correction procedure is absolutely painless. Anesthetic eye drops will be applied before surgery making your eyes comfortable throughout the Laser Vision Correction procedure.

LASIK
The LASIK procedure itself is painless. You will probably feel a slight pressure, not pain, on your eye during LASIK when the suction ring is applied, but this is normal. After LASIK, you may feel some discomfort, similar to having an eyelash in your eye. This normally subsides within a few hours after surgery. We recommend that you take a short nap when you get home. There is also very little pain during recovery after LASIK in the majority of cases. LASIK patients are considered to be one of the most comfortable postoperative of all refractive surgery patients with most able to return to work the following day.

PRK
During the Excimer Laser PRK procedure, there is absolutely no pain. The majority of our patients have no significant discomfort or pain during the reepithelialization period (the period in which the corneal skin, or epithelium, grows back over the cornea). Often the only discomfort one has is the feeling of an eyelash in the eye. The few who experience pain say it can be from moderate to severe, and may last 2 to 3 days. We have found that with the use of oral pain medications, topical drops and a well fit soft bandage lens, the pain can be alleviated to a tolerable level for the vast majority of patients.

What if I’m afraid?

We understand. The number one reason people decide not to have Laser Vision Correction is fear. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to make your experience comfortable and worry free. From Dr. Maddox's extensive training and experience, to our highly trained staff, to our state-of-the-art facilities, the Maddox Laser Eye Center is dedicated to your safety and well-being.

And with advanced technologies like the LaserScan LSX "Flying Spot" laser, Laser Vision Correction is safer and easier than ever before! This cool beam of light is used to gently and precisely reshape the cornea of the eye. LaserScan LSX® is the Gentle Touch in Laser Vision Correction.

Remember that millions of people throughout the world have had Laser Vision Correction since the late 1980's. Not only that, but Laser Vision Correction is safer and easier to undergo than many other medical procedures done every day.

Laser Vision Correction is a relatively quick and easy outpatient procedure. You will be awake the entire time and will be able to listen to and talk with Dr. Maddox during the procedure. And we'll give you a mild calming medication before surgery so you can relax.

Does it work? Is it permanent?

International and United States FDA studies show Laser Vision Correction to be a safe and effective alternative to glasses and contact lenses for visual correction. With a track record of about 14 years worldwide, Laser Vision Correction has helped literally millions of people significantly reduce or completely eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

The Maddox Laser Eye Center has a track record of nearly 10 years performing thousands of Laser Vision Correction procedures. We have had excellent results with remarkable stability of vision.

How long is the preoperative workup?

Before you have Laser Vision Correction, we must perform a series of thorough tests on your eyes in order to make certain that you get the most accurate correction possible. These tests are usually done several days before Laser Vision Correction and normally take 3 hours to complete. If for some reason you can't find the time to have the complete series of tests on a single day, we can split the preoperative workup over two days for your convenience.

For further information, see our on-line Laser Vision Correction Brochures

How long does the Laser Vision Correction procedure take?

Laser Vision Correction is a remarkably quick procedure, making it one of the easiest and most comfortable medical procedures you can have.

While treatment time may vary among patients, the average time for LASIK is about 5 minutes per eye. Of that time, actual laser treatment usually lasts less than 45 seconds! Obviously, if you have both eyes done on the same day it will take a bit longer.

However, you should expect to spend several hours at our clinic the day of treatment for preparation, recovery, and postoperative examination.

Can I have both eyes done on the same day?

More and more people are choosing to have both eyes done on the same day. Bilateral Laser Vision Correction has proven more convenient with less total recovery time than having each eye corrected weeks or months apart. Most patients can have both eyes done on the same day.

What kind of results can I expect?

FDA studies show 95% of nearsighted patients achieved 20/40 or better vision after Laser Vision Correction -- sharp enough vision to legally drive a car without glasses or contact lenses in Texas.

Without question, the most important factor in the outcome of Laser Vision Correction is the experience of the surgeon. Dr. Bobby Maddox, MD has performed thousands of Laser Vision Correction procedures over the last decade with excellent results.

One thing you should realize is that there is no way any doctor can guarantee absolute perfection -- please have reasonable expectations. While advanced computer technology combined with Dr. Maddox's years of training and experience makes Laser Vision Correction the most accurate and reliable type of refractive surgery available, everyone's eyes are different. If you will not accept anything less than complete perfection, we advise that you do not have Laser Vision Correction.

Will I be able to legally drive a car without my glasses or contact lenses?

By far, the vast majority of our patients are able to easily drive a car without their glasses after Laser Vision Correction. While laws may vary from state to state, in Texas you must have a minimum of 20/40 vision to legally drive a car without glasses or contact lenses.

Please realize that after Laser Vision Correction it may take up to 6 weeks for your vision to stabilize enough to where you will be allowed to get a new driver's license without the corrective lens restriction.

When can I return to my normal routine after Laser Vision Correction?

Most people are able to resume their normal activities the very next day after LASIK.

After PRK, you will need time to rest while the cornea heals. If you have only had one eye treated, you should take it easy for a couple of days. If you have had both eyes treated at the same time, you should take a week off from work and strenuous activities. PRK has an overall longer recovery time than LASIK.

For further information, see our on-line Laser Vision Correction Brochures

Am I a good candidate? Is there anything that would make me ineligible for Laser Vision Correction?

While the vast majority of people who wear glasses or contact lenses can benefit from Laser Vision Correction, there is no way to be sure that you are a good candidate without a thorough in-office workup.

There are a few possible situations that could make you ineligible for Laser Vision Correction. Some of the most common reasons include pregnancy or nursing, keratoconus, advanced collagen vascular disease (such as lupus erythematosis, etc.), unwillingness to accept the presbyopic issue, and unwillingness to accept risk or less than absolutely perfect results.

For further information, see our on-line Laser Vision Correction Brochures

What is Dr. Maddox’s experience with Laser Vision Correction?

Dr. Maddox has been performing Laser Vision Correction since 1992, and LASIK since 1995. Dr. Maddox has personally done thousands of Laser Vision Correction procedures over the past 9 years.

With nearly three decades of surgical experience and nearly ten years experience performing Laser Vision Correction, Dr. Bobby Maddox of the Maddox Laser Eye Center is recognized as one of the most highly trained and experienced Laser Vision Correction surgeons in the world.

Learn more about Dr. Bobby Maddox and the Maddox Laser Eye Center

How advanced is the technology that Dr. Maddox uses?

Using some of the newest and most advanced technology available today, the Maddox Laser Eye Center, with its on-site excimer laser system, is providing patients the highest level of care at an affordable price.

The LaserSight LaserScan LSX® Excimer Laser offers precise, accurate, and most importantly, smooth tissue removal. The LaserScan LSX® is a true scanning spot laser with a 0.8mm "Flying Spot" beam that can provide a smooth, even treatment of the corneal surface -- crucial to achieving optimum postoperative vision.

LaserSight LaserScan LSX® is a true "Flying Spot" excimer laser with a built-in eye tracking system. Flying spot systems represent an improvement over older broad beam lasers, creating a smoother corneal surface after treatment.

The Nidek MK-2000 precision microkeratome represents a technological leap beyond other microkeratome systems. With its single-unit design and no gear mechanism, the Nidek MK-2000 makes LASIK easier for both the surgeon and the patient.

What are the advantages to having my vision corrected by Dr. Maddox rather than someone else?

Experience - By far and away the most important consideration when choosing a Laser Vision Correction specialist is experience. Dr. Bobby Maddox, MD is considered one of the most highly trained and experienced Laser Vision Correction surgeons in the world.

• Nearly 30 years experience in ophthalmology
• Nearly 10 years experience in Laser Vision Correction
• Thousands of Laser Vision Correction procedures performed since 1992.

Quality - We are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care possible.

• Practice is dedicated to and specialized in Laser Vision Correction
• Laser center equipped with state-of-the-art on-site excimer laser system
• Dr. Maddox operates in the morning, not all day long
• Dr. Maddox is involved in every step of the process, from the preoperative exams, to the laser treatment, to the postoperative followup
• Dr. Maddox is fully licensed to practice medicine in both the United States and Mexico

Convenience

• Transportation is provided to and from Juárez (if you choose to have treatment in Juárez)

Lower Cost

• You pay no additional facility fees or equipment rental fees
• No royalties need to be paid on Laser Vision Correction procedures done in Mexico (if you choose to have treatment in Juárez) -- the savings is passed on to you

Where is the Laser Vision Correction done? El Paso or Juárez?

Our patients are treated in our laser clinic in Juárez, Mexico using our state-of-the-art LaserScan LSX® Excimer Laser.

If you choose to have your surgery done in Juarez, we will provide transportation from our El Paso clinic to our Juarez clinic in Mexico -- about a 15 minute drive. You are welcome to bring one additional person with you to our Juarez clinic.

Patients from the United States who are being done in Juarez should bring identification to prove U.S. citizenship with them, including birth certificate, Passport, voter registration card, or a notarized statement swearing U.S. citizenship. If the patient or visitor is from a country other than the US, that person should bring his birth certificate and Visa or Passport.

Dr. Maddox is fully licensed to practice medicine in both the United States and Mexico.

What is the difference between your El Paso and Juárez clinics?

The Maddox Laser Eye Center owns and operates two complete clinics, one in El Paso, Texas and one in Juárez, Mexico. Both sites are maintained to the highest medical standards.

Our El Paso clinic is our main office. All preoperative workups and postoperative followup care takes place in the El Paso office. We also conduct a weekly seminar on Laser Vision Correction in our auditorium.

Our Juárez office houses our on-site LaserSight LaserScan LSX® Excimer Laser system. This clinic is only used for Laser Vision Correction and is only in operation when Dr. Maddox is doing laser procedures. Most workups and followup care takes place in El Paso.

The Maddox Laser Eye Center maintains the same high standards in both El Paso and Juárez. Dr. Maddox is the only surgeon who operates the laser systems, using his same trusted surgical assistants at both sites.