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LASIK is an acronym for Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis, a revolutionary procedure for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The LASIK procedure changes the way light is focused by the eye by altering the shape of the cornea which reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses. Vision is restored quickly and painlessly, and laser technology provides an unparalleled degree of precision, making it an excellent vision correction option.
LASIK should be considered if you are dissatisfied with your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Glasses alter your appearance, can cause pressure on your nose and behind your ears, and are constantly sliding down your face. Peripheral vision quality with glasses is often inadequate especially with higher amounts of correction. Contact lenses eliminate the problems caused with glasses but are associated with other inconveniences such as the insertion and removal process, cleaning and disinfecting, and eye infections or inflammations. If any of these issues interfere with the quality of your active lifestyle then LASIK may be for you.
LASIK procedures involve the creation of a flap followed by the laser to reshape it. The flap is then replaced over the area that has been lasered. Visual improvement is quick (usually within 24 hours) and post-operative discomfort is minimal.
A thin flap of cornea is created that looks like a perfect soft contact lens. The flap is then moved up out of the way of the laser temporarily. The excimer laser removes a minute amount of the cornea beneath the flap. The pattern of cornea removed depends on the correction necessary. The flap is then moved back to its original position completely covering the treated area. The flap sticks down and adheres within several minutes.
About an hour before the procedure a sedative pill may be given to help ease any nervousness that you may experience. A few minutes before starting, drops are administered to numb the eye. The procedure itself takes about 10 minutes per eye. Vision is somewhat cloudy immediately after the procedure and improves gradually during the next several hours. There may be a mild sensation like there is something in your eye on the first day but generally the discomfort after the procedure is minimal. By the next day the vision is markedly improved and continues to improve during the next few days. Most people resume their normal activities the next day.
As with any surgical procedure, there is risk and the patient's experience can vary somewhat. The incidence of complications is very low but not impossible and the patient needs to be aware of these possibilities before having the procedure done. Feel free to contact us for more information or a free screening to determine if the procedure is right for you.
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