LASIK

<h2>Laser Vision Correction with LASIK</h2><p>Experience the freedom!</p><p>Nearsighted patients and patients with astigmatism have been treated successfully with a manual refractive surgery called RK since the early 1970s. RK allowed many of them to experience new lifestyles, free from the dependence on corrective eyewear. Now, LASIK laser vision correction with the EXCIMER LASER is performed by our doctor for patients in our region. This allows us to take corrective corneal refractive surgery to a new level of precise correction not possible with manual incisional surgery.</p><p><img  src="/upload/images/procedures/lasik/lasik1.jpg" border="0"></p><h2>What is LASIK?</h2><p>LASIK combines the computer controlled accuracy of the excimer laser with the comfort and quick recovery provided by the flap of a Lamellar Keratoplasty or LK. LASIK is quickly becoming the refractive procedure of choice by many refractive surgeons. Although LASIK will reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear, the results may not always be 20/20. It cannot correct presbyopia, a normal condition affecting most of us when we reach our 40s. Some patients over 40 that have their distance vision corrected find that they may need to wear reading glasses after LASIK. The decision to have refractive surgery is an important one that only you can make. We want you to understand your options so you can make an informed decision. Please ask our physician any questions that may be of concern to you.</p><p><img  src="/upload/images/procedures/lasik/lasik3.jpg" border="0"> </p><h2>Who can have LASIK?</h2>You may be a candidate for LASIK if you are over 18 years of age and have healthy corneas. Patients who have had a prescription change in their eyewear in the last twelve months, are pregnant or who have certain other medical conditions may not be good candidates for LASIK. <h2>How successful is LASIK?</h2>Very successful. Most patients who have had LASIK vision correction are able to pass a driver's test without the aid of glasses or contacts. However, some patients with a high degree of correction will require touch up procedures to fine tune their correction. <h2>Will LASIK correct my vision?</h2>The first step in answering this question is having a thorough eye exam by your eye doctor to determine your refractive error and the health of your eyes. Should your refractive error fall within the acceptable limits for LASIK, more tests will be performed to complete the evaluation. <h2>What is the LASIK procedure like? </h2><p>Our doctor performs LASIK as an out-patient procedure, and it takes less than an hour. It is performed using eye drop anesthesia in an excimer surgery suite. First, using an instrument called a microkeratome, the surgeon gently lifts a thin layer of cornea called the corneal "cap". Then in less than 30 seconds, the high energy ultraviolet light from the excimer laser reshapes the cornea. This new shape correctly refocuses or refracts the light entering the eye. The degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism treated is controlled by the computer program in the excimer laser. After the cornea has been reshaped, the corneal cap is replaced in its original position. Healing is rapid and does not require stitches. Post-operative discomfort is minimal and can be alleviated with medications. Many of our patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision the first day. For others, some degree of blurry vision may persist for several weeks or more. However, most patients resume normal activities within a day or two.</p><p><img  src="/upload/images/procedures/lasik/lasik2.jpg" border="0"><em></em></p>

Laser Vision Correction with LASIK

Experience the freedom!

Nearsighted patients and patients with astigmatism have been treated successfully with a manual refractive surgery called RK since the early 1970s. RK allowed many of them to experience new lifestyles, free from the dependence on corrective eyewear. Now, LASIK laser vision correction with the EXCIMER LASER is performed by our doctor for patients in our region. This allows us to take corrective corneal refractive surgery to a new level of precise correction not possible with manual incisional surgery.

What is LASIK?

LASIK combines the computer controlled accuracy of the excimer laser with the comfort and quick recovery provided by the flap of a Lamellar Keratoplasty or LK. LASIK is quickly becoming the refractive procedure of choice by many refractive surgeons. Although LASIK will reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear, the results may not always be 20/20. It cannot correct presbyopia, a normal condition affecting most of us when we reach our 40s. Some patients over 40 that have their distance vision corrected find that they may need to wear reading glasses after LASIK. The decision to have refractive surgery is an important one that only you can make. We want you to understand your options so you can make an informed decision. Please ask our physician any questions that may be of concern to you.

Who can have LASIK?

You may be a candidate for LASIK if you are over 18 years of age and have healthy corneas. Patients who have had a prescription change in their eyewear in the last twelve months, are pregnant or who have certain other medical conditions may not be good candidates for LASIK.

How successful is LASIK?

Very successful. Most patients who have had LASIK vision correction are able to pass a driver's test without the aid of glasses or contacts. However, some patients with a high degree of correction will require touch up procedures to fine tune their correction.

Will LASIK correct my vision?

The first step in answering this question is having a thorough eye exam by your eye doctor to determine your refractive error and the health of your eyes. Should your refractive error fall within the acceptable limits for LASIK, more tests will be performed to complete the evaluation.

What is the LASIK procedure like?

Our doctor performs LASIK as an out-patient procedure, and it takes less than an hour. It is performed using eye drop anesthesia in an excimer surgery suite. First, using an instrument called a microkeratome, the surgeon gently lifts a thin layer of cornea called the corneal "cap". Then in less than 30 seconds, the high energy ultraviolet light from the excimer laser reshapes the cornea. This new shape correctly refocuses or refracts the light entering the eye. The degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism treated is controlled by the computer program in the excimer laser. After the cornea has been reshaped, the corneal cap is replaced in its original position. Healing is rapid and does not require stitches. Post-operative discomfort is minimal and can be alleviated with medications. Many of our patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision the first day. For others, some degree of blurry vision may persist for several weeks or more. However, most patients resume normal activities within a day or two.