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Laser Vision Correction

For over 75 years, Eye Care Associates has been the leader in corrective eye care. In 1978, we introduced the first laser to Mahoning County. With this new technology came the ability to diagnose and treat disorders of the retina and choroid.

Today with the continual advancement in technology, we are still setting the standard of care at our sophisticated Laser Center. In the hands of some of the most skilled surgeons in the area, our high speed lasers correct a wide range of vision problems quickly and easily. For our patients, it means less pain, less time and superior results.

Dr. S.A. Erzurum ā€“ LASIK Procedure Video


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The Epi-LASEK procedure involves a gentle loosening of the most superficial layer of the cornea, instead of creating an incisional flap in the cornea. This tissue is slid off to the side while the excimer laser is used to modify the shape of the cornea. A contact lens is placed on the surface of the cornea to both protect the eye and provide patient comfort for the first five days following the procedures.


 Epi-LASEK is an ideal choice of procedures for anyone with too thin a cornea or who have been diagnosed with very dry eyes, glaucoma, vascular problems, or a scotopic (large) pupil. It is also preferred for those who have undergone a previous corneal surgery, including PRK, and for those whose profession or hobby puts them at a high risk for trauma. With less intraoperative and postoperative complications, Epi-LASEK has a higher margin of safety compared to standard LASIK.

Why Must I Wear a Contact Lens for Five Days

Due to the way the procedure is performed on the cornea, it takes a little time for it to heal into place. The bandage contact lens allows for the superficial layer to heal faster (within five days) and helps you feel less discomfort. With continued healing, visual clarity takes about two to four weeks.

Will I be Able to See During this Healing Process?

Yes… you will have vision, but it will not be as clear as you had with your glasses or contacts. During the initial 10-day period, your vision will be slightly blurry. Our patients give us a good description ā€“ they tell us that it is like looking through a thin layer of Vaseline. Once you are past this period, the vision quickly and steadily improves each day. By one month, most Epi-LASEK patients have vision equal to a standard LASIK patient.

Since this Procedure is Done Differently, is it Still Performed as an Outpatient?

Yes, this procedure is performed as an outpatient and does not involve any extra surgical time. We do expect that you might have some discomfort during the first eight to ten hours following the procedure. Pain pills and sleeping pill are prescribed to help ease discomfort.

If My Vision will be Blurry, How Soon can I Return to Work and all Normal Activities?

Most patients prefer to have both eyes done at the same time. We ask you not to drive for one week after the procedure if you have both eyes done, but many patients are able to return to work earlier. If you do not have the opportunity to alter your schedule, you have the option of doing one eye at a time.

If I Have to Expect Blurry Vision in the Beginning, Why would I want to Have Epi-LASEK?

For some patients, it is their only choice, so that makes it easy for them. For patients who do not have a medical reason to choose Epi-LASEK, it is just a matter of personal choice. Some patients fear the actual LASIK procedure and flap creation. Some patients prefer a procedure with less instrumentation and less risk both intraoperatively and postoperatively. For those who have a profession that may cause them to get a piece of metal or wood in the eye, this procedure is the safer choice. This procedure is also recommended for police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, etc., who have to worry about taking a blow to the face or eye.

For more information, please contact the patient advisor by phone at 330-747-2733330-747-2733 or [email protected].

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Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK)

Astigmatic Keratotomy is a refractive procedure that removes or reduces astigmatism through a series of small incisions created in a curved pattern. This causes the steep axis of the cornea to flatten changing the focusing power. Most often, this procedure can be performed in our surgery room within our clinic with the patient awake and in their street clothes. First, the patient will receive anesthetizing drops to the eye(s). The surgeon will then make a temporary mark in a spore-like pattern upon the cornea. Using a microscope and a diamond-tipped instrument, a pair of incisions will be made on the cornea to the specific length and depth required to achieve the proper optical correction.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure is Completed?

For the first 24 hours following the procedure, you may experience some mild light sensitivity and irritation. There may be some pain, which is usually alleviated by over-the-counter medication. We suggest that you schedule no activities for the remainder of the day and evening. You will be given drops to use for one week.

How Do You Decide if this is the Best Choice of the Refractive Procedures for Me?

Before any refractive procedure is scheduled for you, a complete pre-operative examination will be performed. Thorough testing will be done during this dilated exam. At the completion, the doctor will be able to discuss your refractive options and help guide you as to which would best suit both your visual and lifestyle needs.

Are there any Risks Associated with this Procedure?

There are risks involved in every surgery. These will be discussed in detail with your doctor during the examination, but they can include infection, undercorrection and over correction. We do take every precaution to avoid as may risks as possible for our patients.

Keratectomy (PRK)

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction procedure used by ophthalmologists to permanently change the shape of the cornea to improve the way it focuses light on the retina. Instead of creating an incisional flap in the cornea, as is done with the LASIK procedure, a very small amount of surface corneal cells are removed. With the laser, gentle pulses of concentrated, cool, ultraviolet light beams are then applied to modify the shape of the cornea. A contact lens is placed on the surface for the first few days and visual acuity is steadily gained over the first month.

In recent years, a modified version of PRK procedure was developed and is now referred to as Epi-LASEK. It involves a gentle loosening of the most superficial layer of the cornea and the reshaping of the cornea with the excimer laser. The difference is that with Epi-LASEK, the loosened tissue is slid back in place on the cornea and a contact lens is placed on the surface to both protect the eye and provide patient comfort. Epi-LASEK allows the patient the benefit of a shortened healing process over the PRK procedure.

Knowing that Healing Time is Extended with PRK, Why Would I Choose it over LASIK or Epi-LASEK?

PRK is not the most frequently requested procedure. While the procedure has its merits, the delayed healing process causes many potential patients to choose one of the alternative methods. There are, however, some instances when it is the only procedure for consideration due to a particular job requirement. This occurs in some isolated circumstances with certain branches of law enforcement professions.

For more information, please contact the patient advisor by phone at 330-747-2733330-747-2733 or [email protected].

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Boardman Office

Monday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 11:30 am

Sunday

Closed

Youngstown Office

Monday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

East Liverpool Office

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Friday

Closed

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Warren Office

Monday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Boardman Office

Monday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Sunday
Closed

Youngstown Office

Monday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

East Liverpool Office

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Warren Office

Monday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

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