This is clearly on of our most asked question about LASIK. The way we can figure out if you are a candidate is if you come in for a free LASIK consultation. During your free consultation, our refractive counselor and staff will discuss your particular situation and help determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.
PRK was the first Excimer laser procedure approved for use in the United States. In PRK, the surface of the cornea (epithelium) is scraped or ablated along with the corneal tissue underneath. This scrapping removes the microscopic layers of the cornea to correct refractive error. In contrast, LASIK reshapes the inner layers of the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In LASIK, a special instrument called the microkeratome gently folds back and lifts a thin layer of the cornea. Our laser will then precisely reshapes the inner surface of the cornea to enable light rays to focus more directly on the retina so images are in better focus. Today, LASIK is the most widely used refractive procedure performed in the United States. Most patients report a very high comfort level following the procedure and you will quickly notice improvements in visual acuity.
Most patients who wear glasses are good candidates for LASIK. Patients with virtually every degree of nearsightedness are enjoying good outcomes with LASIK. In most mild to moderate degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism we are able to treat it with a LASIK procedure. However, for more extreme nearsightedness and farsightedness, lens implants may be an option. During your LASIK consultation, our counselor will discuss the best option for you.
Approximately two hours. The longest part of this procedure is the pre-op. The time in the surgery suite with the doctor is 15 to 20 minutes. The actual laser treatment time is approximately one minute per eye.
The procedure itself is not painful since oral and topical anesthetic medication is administered to you prior to the procedure. This medication will make you feel comfortable and you will feel very little during the surgery. Post operatively, most patients experience little or no discomfort. After the procedure, your eyes may feel scratchy, gritty, or watery. Keep in mind that these symptoms are temporary and are not a problem for most patients. You will be given eye drops to help alleviate any of these symptoms you may experience.
We offer various financing options, with approved credit, and are here to help find the right option for you. Our counselors will be happy to go over the details with you when you come in for your free consultation.
Because of the advanced technology associated with Laser Vision Correction, both eyes are most often treated at the same time. However, it is possible that the second eye may be done anywhere from one day to a few days to months after the first eye. This is unlikely but this can be discussed with your eye doctor.
Refractive surgery, or Laser Vision Correction, is considered to be a permanent procedure. However, refractive surgery will not prevent any age related conditions such as presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) or cataracts, and they would be treated in their normal matter.
Most patients can return to their normal activities the day following the procedure. The refractive counselor can give you more details on what you can expect when you come in for an evaluation.
This is one of the most important LASIK questions. Our refractive counselor can discuss with you the benefits, risks, and side-effects of the surgery, and what you may be able to expect from the procedure. For additional information about risks associated with refractive surgery, click on this FDA link.
