CINCINNATI (AP) -- The operator of LasikPlus vision correction centers plans to close 10 of its locations as it continues to deal with a drop in surgeries amid the recession.

Cincinnati-based LCA-Vision Inc. also says it will lay off 70 employees, or 15 percent of its work force, as it shuts down the vision centers and scales back call center and administrative operations by year-end.

LCA-Vision currently operates 71 LasikPlus outlets in 31 states and has a joint venture in Canada. Officials have not said which locations will close.

The company announced the cutbacks Tuesday as it reported a wider third-quarter loss. Earlier this month, LCA-Vision said vision correction procedures in the July-Sept. quarter were down 29 percent from a year ago.