Lasik
LASIK, laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most popular refractive surgery available today. It has become the premier surgery for vision correction because it is quick and there is little or no discomfort after the procedure. Vision recovery is usually rapid and some patients already see 20/20 the following day.
LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. With a special technique called monovision, it can also reduce the need for reading glasses among patients over age 40 who’s near vision has become difficult.
Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?
There are many factors that determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK, but you should be at least 21 years old, have healthy eyes, and have adequate corneal thickness. LASIK will correct your vision by removing tissue from your cornea to reshape your eye.
Chronic dry eye problems, corneal diseases, and other abnormalities may disqualify you from having LASIK surgery. In order to know for sure if you are a good candidate, a comprehensive eye exam is required. We are happy to provide free consultations with your eye exam for anyone interested in LASIK. Please call our office at (480) 991-0509.
The LASIK Procedure
LASIK is an ambulatory procedure. You walk in the surgery center, have the procedure, and walk out again. The actual surgery usually takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes, but expect to be at the surgery center for about two hours or more.
LASIK is a two-step procedure. In the first step, the surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap of tissue on your cornea with an instrument called a microkeratome or with a laser. After the flap is created, it is then folded back. The second step begins and involves the laser reshaping your eye. After the laser treatment, which usually takes less than a minute, the flap is repositioned and the surgeon moves on to your other eye.
After LASIK Surgery
After the procedure, your surgeon or an assistant will apply medicated eye drops and clear protective shields over your eyes. You can open your eyes and see well enough to walk without glasses, but you must have someone drive you home.
You will be expected to use medicated eye drops several times a day for a week or so to protect your eyes from infection and help them heal properly. You will also be told to use artificial tears frequently to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
You should rest and not use your eyes much when you get home from surgery that day. You may also be more comfortable if the lights in your house are dimmed.
The following day, you should be seeing well enough to resume most activities. Be careful, however, not to rub your eyes until your eye doctor tells you it is safe to do so.
After your surgery and from this point on, your post-operative care may be performed by an eye doctor other than the LASIK surgeon. When your post-operative care is provided by an eye doctor other than the surgeon, it is called co-management. We are happy to provide you with the care and convenience of having your post-operative appointments at our office. We have successfully cared for hundreds of patients after their LASIK procedure.
Eye Care After LASIK
It is crucial to maintain your routine eye exams after LASIK. Even if your vision seems perfect, it is still recommended that your eyes be examined on a regular basis to ensure the health of your eyes, provide early detection of any vision threatening conditions or diseases, and to make sure your vision stays stable after LASIK. At Optics, we are happy to serve all your eye care and eyewear needs after your LASIK surgery.
To find out more about LASIK and whether you are a candidate for the procedure, contact our office today at (480) 991-0509.
