The
LASIK Difference
For over 25 years doctors placed incisions in the
cornea to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In the
early 1980s, they began looking at lasers to improve the precision and
predictability of altering the shape of the cornea. Researchers found
that the Excimer laser could remove tissue with up to 0.25 microns of
accuracy. Now, in its second decade of use, the technologically advanced
excimer laser has added a tremendous amount of precision, control and
safety to the surgical correction of vision errors. Using this
remarkable technology, our physicians can reshape your cornea to conform
to your glasses or contact lens prescription, thereby reducing or even
eliminating a lifetime of dependence on corrective lenses for hundreds
of thousands of Americans every year.
LASIK, or Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis offers a
number of benefits over other forms of laser vision
correction because it is performed under a
protective layer of corneal tissue. As a result,
there is less surface area to heal, less risk of
scarring, less risk of corneal haze, less
postoperative need for medications, and vision
returns more rapidly, often within a day or so.
LASIK can also treat a higher range of vision
errors. Although postoperative results vary, most
patients are able to pass a drivers license test
without their glasses or contact lenses.
The
Procedure
After your eye has been completely numbed using
"eye drop" anesthesia, an eyelid holder will be placed between your
eyelids to prevent you from blinking.
Next,
an
instrument known as a microkeratome makes a
protective flap in the cornea. During this process
you may feel a little pressure, but no discomfort.
You will be asked to look directly at a target light
while the laser reshapes the cornea, usually in less
than a minute. Then, the protective flap is folded
back in place where it bonds securely without the
need for stitches. After LASIK, some patients report
a slight discomfort that usually goes away within
twelve to twenty-four hours.
How
It Works
Are
You A Candidate For LASIK?
The Ideal Candidate
In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK is over
18 years of age and has healthy corneas. Candidates
must not have had a significant increase in their
prescription in the last 12 months. People with
certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant
may not be good candidates for LASIK.
Realistic
Expectations
The decision to have LASIK is an important one
that ultimately, only you can make. It is important
that you have realistic expectations and that your
decision is based on facts, not hopes or
misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your
dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not
always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. It cannot
correct a condition known as presbyopia, or aging of
the eye. This normally occurs around age 40 and may
require the use of reading glasses. In fact, people
over 40 who have their distance vision improved with
LASIK, may find they need reading glasses after the
procedure. Your doctor will provide you with
additional information that will allow you to make
an informed decision.
In The Blink Of An Eye
It takes only seconds to treat a lifetime or
nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Find out if you are a candidate for this life
changing procedure by
contacting us
to schedule a personal consultation. Should your
vision fall within the range of correction for
LASIK, more comprehensive tests will be necessary.
All Laser LASIK
Patients who have thin corneas or desire to have
the LASIK flap made by laser, may have All Laser
LASIK. In this case, a laser will make the corneal
flap as well as reshape the cornea for refractive
error.