LASIK

LASIK or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis is a refractive surgery that is used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism as an alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK is currently the most common of the refractive eye surgeries, largely because of the relatively low risk and the quick recovery and improvement in eyesight.

Also known as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, LASIK uses a laser to reshape the cornea which is responsible for clear vision. The procedure is quick and relatively painless and eyesight is usually improved to 20/20 vision within one day of the surgery.

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What Should I Know About LASIK?

LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which takes about 15 minutes for the actual surgery on both eyes and an hour total with recovery. A topical anesthetic drop is used and there is no need for bandaging or stitches following the procedure.

The doctor will start by stabilizing the eye and then making a small flap in the outer layer of the cornea. Then with access to the underlying tissue, he uses a laser to reshape the corneal tissue and re-closes the flap, which will heal on its own. The nature of the corneal reshaping depends on the type of refractive error.

Wavefront LASIK

Wavefront LASIK uses computer mapping technology to guide the laser treatment based on the precise shape of the cornea. This can correct very precise issues, provide much sharper vision than non-wavefront LASIK and can reduce complications such as halos, glare and problems seeing at night.

What To Expect During And After LASIK?

During The Procedure

During the procedure you may feel some pressure on your eye while the laser is working. Immediately following you will likely experience some blurriness and may feel burning or itching (be sure not to rub your eyes!). For your journey home you will be given protective shields to guard your eyes and will need someone to drive you.

You will also be prescribed medicated eye drops for a week or so to aid in healing and prevent infection. Your doctor may also recommend artificial tears to moisten the eyes and keep them comfortable in the days following the procedure.

After The Surgery

The day after the surgery you will be asked to visit your eye doctor (or the surgeon) for a checkup and to evaluate whether you are able to drive. Most people experience an improvement in vision by then, although for some it can take a few days or even a week. Your eyes may be sensitive to light for a day or two as well. You will likely be advised to rest for a day or two and to refrain from strenuous physical activity for about a week until further healing has taken place.

Vision After Lasik

Most people achieve at least 20/20 vision following the surgery, although this can vary and there are cases where 20/40 vision is obtained or where people continue to wear glasses or contacts with a much lesser prescription. Some patients have light sensitivity, particularly when driving at night, also suffering from seeing halos around lights or glare. There are glasses and lenses available to reduce this glare and assist with night driving.

For some, it can take weeks or even months until the vision completely stabilizes. Occasionally, after a few months, patients who do not experience perfect results will schedule an enhancement or touch up surgery to correct the vision even further.

Am I A Candidate For Lasik?

The ideal LASIK candidate is a patient over 18 with generally healthy eyes. Since the procedure involves shaping the cornea by removing some of the tissue, it is not ideal for individuals with a thin cornea or any sort of corneal condition or disease. Patients with chronic dry eyes might also be disqualified as LASIK can often exacerbate these symptoms.

During a comprehensive eye exam your eye doctor will assess your eligibility by looking at the general health of your eye including your cornea, your pupil, the moisture in your eye, the type of refractive error you have and whether you have any other eye conditions of concern.

For the right candidate, LASIK can offer a lifestyle improvement in giving clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses, however, the results are not guaranteed. You and your eye doctor need to weigh the benefits and the potential risks based on your personal needs.

Why Is This Laser Surgery So Popular?

LASIK was approved by the FDA in the mid-1990s, and it has continued to rise in popularity ever since. By 2006, the American Academy of Ophthalmology completed a 10-year study and concluded that LASIK eye surgery was both effective and safe.

At this point, millions of people have had LASIK performed in order to remove their eyeglasses and contact lenses forever, and clinical data supports the fact that LASIK results are mainly positive and successful. As many sports stars and fashionable celebs rave about their LASIK experiences to the public, it has became even more trendy.

We offer full pre-operative consultations and post-operative eye care for LASIK. We’re here to answer all your questions about LASIK, determine your candidacy and explain the many advantages of this amazing, popular laser surgery. For more information, contact us.

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What Is The Attraction Of LASIK?

Simply put, people are excited about the opportunity to see clearly without eyewear. Along with this motivation, the most attractive features and advantages of LASIK include:

Immediate Results

LASIK is done by reshaping your cornea beneath a thin corneal flap. This flap allows your corneal surface to remain intact, which lets you see well and comfortably as soon as the next day – without wearing glasses or contacts. Many patients report improvement as soon as they sit up from the surgery.

Quick And Safe

LASIK is typically completed within 10-15 minutes.

New Activities And Career Options

Specific careers, such as the Navy and Air Force, require candidates with proper vision. In addition, activities such as cycling, swimming and skydiving are much easier to do without corrective eyewear.

Painless

Very little discomfort is usually experienced with LASIK.

Rapid Recovery

No stitches or bandages are generally required, and healing is fast – as only the inner part of the cornea was affected.

Future Adjustments

If your vision changes again after LASIK was performed, adjustments can be made years later.

In addition to all of the above advantages, a number of unexpected fringe benefits have also been reported by patients who had LASIK. For example, many individuals are pleased to enjoy sharp peripheral vision for the first time, as their eyeglasses never helped when looking sideways. Other people claim that their allergy symptoms were reduced, with less sinus pain caused by eyeglasses resting on their nose.

Everyone is a unique individual with different eyes – and the particular benefits of LASIK vary from person to person, yet the advantages are clear across the board! If you’re interested in LASIK, it’s important to choose an expert, qualified surgeon and to be assessed for appropriate candidacy for the procedure. Our optometrists are experienced in performing eye exams to determine who is a good candidate for LASIK. Contact our office to schedule an appointment!

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Call Us Now 415-770-0772