Please fill out the following form to let us know how we can best serve your PRK or LASIK surgery needs at our Springfield, Massachusetts office.
"I gave myself the gift of sight by having Dr. Papale perform lasik surgery on me seven days before I turned fifty. After wearing glasses and contacts forty years prior, I was ready to experience clear vision without any visual aides. As a performer, this was important to me.
Dr. Papale and his wonderful staff informed me of all aspects of the surgery, and I was reassured that my decision would be life changing. They were all very comforting, and brought me through each phase of this procedure with professionalism and warmth.
This brief and painless process allowed me to see clearly within minutes. It seemed like a miracle that I went from seeing nothing, to seeing everything. Now, I simply need mild reading glasses only for small print. I see everything around me with such crisp, clear vision!! Let Dr. Papale give you the priceless gift of sight."
Barb Govoni
“The results are more than I could have hoped for. PRK does require more patience than LASIK, but the results were well worth it. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Jack DeNucci
Finance
"My vision correction is great. I am glad to be able to see without contacts or glasses. It is truly a miracle. I was very excited. I felt very comfortable with the procedure and had complete confidence in Dr. Papale. The staff made me feel very much a part of the whole experience."
Susan Newell
Verisyse™ Patient
"The thoroughness, attentiveness, and professionalism of the entire staff of the Papale Eye Center made my vision correction surgery an awesome experience. I think people should do it sooner rather than later."
Molly Watson
"It's great to wake up and be able to see. I can play sports now without worrying about getting hit with glasses on... I would recommend LASIK and Dr. Papale to anyone that is thinking about it."
Jean Davis
"I would like to compliment Dr. Papale and his complete staff on their professionalism and ongoing attention to every detail. All of the staff are a great compliment to the medical profession... I would not hesitate to recommend the Papale Eye Center to any family member or friend. Thank you for improving my vision and making life more enjoyable."
Jack Denucci
Laser Vision Correction – LASIK Surgery & PRK in Springfield, Massachusetts
Laser eye surgery procedures like PRK and LASIK are excellent alternatives to glasses and contact lenses for patients suffering from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. With laser eye surgery, the shape of the cornea can be permanently altered to provide enhanced vision. For most people who currently wear prescription lenses, vision correction with PRK or LASIK offers the best chance of achieving 20/20 vision without any other form of treatment.
To schedule a PRK or LASIK surgery consultation, contact our office in Springfield, Massachusetts today.
- How does laser eye surgery work?
- What does laser eye surgery treat?
- Who qualifies for vision correction with LASIK or PRK?
- Who is NOT a candidate for LASIK surgery or PRK?
- How will I feel after laser vision correction?
- General LASIK and PRK Information
How does laser eye surgery work?
The goal of laser eye surgery is to change the shape of the cornea to improve focusing ability. To achieve this goal, surgeons use an excimer laser to sculpt corneal tissue. Because the laser is so precise, it can break down one microscopic layer of tissue at a time without affecting any surrounding tissue. In just minutes vision can be completely restored, and in just weeks, there is little or no evidence that any surgery has taken place!
What does laser eye surgery treat?
Nearsightedness
For people with nearsightedness, the eye is usually too long and the focus point is in front of the retina rather than directly on the retina, causing images to appear blurry. With LASIK and PRK, the cornea is easily modified to correct this problem by changing its shape. The shape change results in a flattening of the cornea, which counteracts the excessive length of the eye. However, for patients with severe cases of nearsightedness, LASIK and PRK may not be an option. The experienced surgeons at Papale Eye Center can help you determine the best treatment to restore your vision.
Farsightedness
For people with farsightedness, the eye is usually too short and the focal point falls behind the retina. The cornea is made steeper with PRK or LASIK by using a donut-like ablation.
Astigmatism
For people with astigmatism, the cornea is normally "egg shaped" as opposed to round. To correct astigmatism, the cornea can be modified with the laser during PRK or LASIK surgery and reshaped to provide better focus.
To find out if you may be a candidate for PRK or LASIK surgery, read the section below and contact our Springfield, Massachusetts eye center today.
Who qualifies for vision correction with LASIK surgery or PRK?
Most levels of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism will respond to LASIK surgery or PRK. As long as you are in good health and your prescription is stable, you will most likely be eligible for LASIK surgery. Before you are scheduled for an operation, you will receive a thorough eye examination at our Springfield, Massachusetts office. This will confirm your prescription and your potential for effective treatment. At this time, your eye surgeon will advise you as to what type of refractive surgery is best for you. LASIK surgery is the procedure of choice for most of our patients, but we may also recommend PRK for individuals with corneal irregularities. Both procedures are considered extremely safe and both provide excellent results. Severely nearsighted patients are not candidates for LASIK surgery. The Papale Eye Center now offers a new procedure, lens implants, with options such as Verisyse™ and ICL to treat patients with severe myopia.
Who is NOT a candidate for LASIK surgery or PRK?
Patients with uncontrolled vascular disease or auto-immune diseases, women who are pregnant or nursing, patients with keratoconus or a previous history of keloid formation would not be appropriate candidates for LASIK surgery or PRK. Patients who are taking Amiodarone, Accutane®, or Imitrex® would also not be good candidates. The easiest way to find out if you are eligible for LASIK or PRK surgery is to contact our office in Springfield, Massachusetts to schedule a comprehensive eye examination.
How will I feel after laser vision correction?
There may be some discomfort for the first 12-48 hours after LASIK surgery or PRK. We encourage all patients to go home and rest. Your patient care kit contains medication to alleviate any discomfort should you experience it, and also has some ophthalmic drops we want you to take to promote healing and prevent infection.
You should be aware that side effects can occur. In our experience, however, these are rare. Possible side effects can include but are not limited to: delayed healing of the epithelium following PRK (this may require additional medication), light sensitivity (which could require sun glasses to be worn outdoors), and corneal haze (occurs in only 2 percent of the patient population). Post-operative corneal haze can result in glare at night from bright lights. Stable vision is normally achieved within one to six months. It is important to understand that while the risks of LASIK surgery and PRK are generally small, the exact healing response cannot be predicted in every individual.
General LASIK & PRK Information
LASIK Surgery
If you are considering LASIK surgery, your first step is to schedule a no-cost LASIK consultation at our Springfield, Massachusetts practice or attend one of our free informational seminars. At the seminar or consultation, our qualified staff will determine if you are a candidate for laser vision correction. Once your LASIK candidacy has been determined, you will meet with one of our LASIK surgeons and have all of your questions answered.
On the day of your LASIK surgery you will arrive 60 minutes prior to your surgery time. You will be given a mild sedative, and ten minutes prior to the procedure your eye will be numbed with a few drops. The LASIK surgery itself takes only a few minutes; we will make sure you are relaxed and comfortable the entire time. You will be seen the next day for a post-operative check by your LASIK surgeon.
PRK
PRK is similar to LASIK surgery in many ways, and both are effective treatments for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 
The main difference between the two procedures has to do with healing and recovery. To perform LASIK, the doctor creates a corneal flap that is lifted during surgery and then folded back in place after the cornea has been reshaped with the laser. Results are immediate and you can return to work the next day. During PRK, the laser is applied directly to the epithelium, no flap is created – as a result, there is a slightly longer recovery period. The epithelium will heal in approximately two to three days, but in the interim, PRK patients will have to wear a bandage contact lens.
During your PRK or LASIK surgery screening at our Springfield, Massachusetts eye center, we will be able to give you a better idea of the kind of results you can expect with laser eye surgery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.