LASIK
LASIK - Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
LASIK is a surgical procedure capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
Am I a candidate for Lasik?
Anyone over the age of 18 year who has healthy corneas and stable vision, with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism is a candidate for Lasik. People with certain medical conditions or expectant mothers may not be good candidates. With Lasik, the need for reading glasses that frequently occurs later in life cannot be eliminated.
How do I prepare for this procedure?
Prior to the procedure, you will be screened for eye disease, keratoconus, or retinal problems. If you are free of complications, a refraction is performed so that we can get an accurate image of your present visual acuity. You must have ceased wearing soft contacts for at least one week prior to this visit, and hard contacts for at least two weeks. Further, to minimize the risk of some contact lens caused residual distortion in your cornea, you cannot wear contacts again between the exam and your surgery. Once you have been cleared as a candidate for surgery, a corneal topography , will be made of your eyes. This "map" of your eye will be used to help guide the surgeon in selecting the best possible program for the laser. Your refractive error will be verified to ensure that there were no isolated events affecting your vision.
What can I expect during the procedure?
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After placing a liquid anesthetic in your eye, your eyelids will be gently propped open. Your surgeon will then use water-soluble ink to mark the cornea and help guide the incision. |
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While your eye is immobilized utilizing suction, the platform for the microkeratome is put into place. The pressure is used to keep the eye stable, allow for a clean cut, and it also has the effect of dimming vision. |
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The microkeratome glides over the surface of the cornea making an incision. The instrument stops automatically, and leaves an uncut section at the end to act as a hinge. |
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After making the incision, the suction is turned off and the cutting device is removed. The surgeon will gently lift the "corneal flap" out of the way, exposing the underlying corneal layer that is going to be reshaped. |
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The surgeon will guide the laser over the surface of the cornea, reshaping it as needed. A computer program is utilized for maximum precision. For nearsightedness, the center of the cornea is reshaped; a doughnut shaped ring of tissue is removed to correct farsightedness; while an oval shape is used for astigmatism. |
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The flap is replaced, and will heal by itself, without the need for stitches. |
What type of results can I expect?
The goal of LASIK is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. While LASIK does not always create 20/20 vision, in FDA tests, over 90% of patients did not require any corrective devices to pass an eye exam for a driver's license, and a majority of patients achieved 20/20 or better vision. The success rate varies with the amount and type of correction required and the healing differences between patients.
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