LASIK

With the development of precise surgical cutting instruments, the use of the excimer laser could be combined with an incision to produce a particular surgical result. It has become, by far, the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure used today. During LASIK the surgeon first creates a thin corneal flap using a device called a microkeratome. The corneal flap is lifted up, and the laser beam is applied to the exposed interior surface of the cornea to reshape the tissue. The flap is then replaced over the treated area. This corneal flap serves a natural bandage, which eliminates the discomfort associated with other types of refractive surgery, and expedites the healing process. Because of the extraordinary bonding properties of the corneal tissue, stiches are not need to keep the flap in place postoperatively.

Excimer Laser Surgery

The EXCIMER laser, which is a specific type of "cool" laser, generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range. It cannot be visualized by the human eye. Because the laser does not generate any heat, there is no tissue damage as the result of the laser light. The energy of the laser simply causes miniscule amounts of corneal tissue to dissociate a microscopic level. As the treatment with the laser proceeds, microscopic layers of tissue, approximately 1/10th the width of a human hair are removed. The laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired result.

FAQ

1. Am I a good candidate for refractive surgery?

A complete eye examination and consultation with your eye care professional will help determine the answer to this question. Your body and your eyes must be healthy, and your vision prescription must be stable.

2. How long will I be at the surgery center?

Your visit on the day of the procedure will usually last about one and a half hours: You will be in the laser room for about fifteen minutes. The rest of your stay will consist of signing the “Informed Consent”, preparing you for your procedure, and post procedure instructions.

3. Will I feel any discomfort?

During the procedure, you will feel a slight pressure while the flap is being created. This will last for about five to ten seconds. During the rest of the procedure, you should feel nothing.

After the procedure, you may feel some discomfort for the first few hours. Many of our patients tell us that the sensation is similar to having a hair in their eye. We recommend that following the procedure, you should go home and rest with your eyes closed. Ideally, you should try to get some sleep.

4. Will both of my eyes feel the same?

It is common for one eye or the other to be more uncomfortable during the initial healing process. This should stabilize by the day after your procedure.

5. Will I see clearly right away?

Immediately after your procedure, your vision may be a bit blurry, almost as though you are looking through a glass of water. This is to be expected. Over the next two weeks, you should regain 80% or more of your distance vision. One eye may recover clear vision more rapidly than the other. This too will even out as the recovery time progresses.

6. How soon can I return to work?

Most people return to work the very next day after having the LASIK procedure.

7. Can I resume playing sports after LASIK?

You can resume most normal activities the day after your surgery. You should, however, avoid contact sports and swimming for two weeks after the surgery.

8. Will I have any bruising?

No, there will be no bruising from the procedure. You may however experience some “redness” in and around your eyes. This should clear up within several days.

9. Will it take more than one procedure to correct my vision?

Under or over response to the procedure is possible and is seen most often in patients with fairly high prescriptions. An enhancement procedure can be performed to remedy this and achieve the desired result.

10. I wear bifocals now, will I still need them after the procedure?

Your distance vision will be corrected with the LASIK procedure. Presbyopia is part of the aging process we all experience. It develops as the lens of the eye loses some of its flexibility. This typically occurs between ages 40-50. Mild myopia counteracts presbyopia. That is why if you are slightly nearsighted, you can remove your glasses and still be able to read, even after presbyopia seets in. After having Laser Vision Correction, your myopia may be gone, but you may need reading lasses to see fine print like other presbyopic people with normal vision.

11. What about sensitivity to light?

You may find that during the healing process, you are a bit light sensitive. In addition, halos and glare during night driving may be more noticeable. These conditions should decrease with time.

12. Do I need to keep my contacts out? What about make-up?

Yes, you need to remove your soft contacts for 2 weeks prior to the evaluation to determine if you are a candidate. If you wear rigid contacts, remove them for 3 weeks prior to your evaluation. Contacts should be removed again 3 days prior to the surgery. Do not wear eye make-up for 3 days prior or 3 days after the surgery.

13. What is included in the price?

Included in the price is the pre-procedure testing and consultation, initial drops and medications, and the LASIK procedure. The length of follow-up and the enhancement is included with some packages.

14. What are my payment options?

• We take VISA, MasterCard, Discover, Personal Check, Money Order, or Cash
• Take advantage of your FLEX spending account
• The fee for the surgery center needs to be paid the day of surgery. Financing is available for those who are unable to pay in full for the surgery through Vision Fee Plan. Click here to apply online.