Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to depend on glasses or contacts to see things clearly? Have you been considering LASIK but aren’t sure where to start? The doctors at Primary EyeCare are skillfully trained in providing no obligation LASIK consultations to any of our patients considering this well-known procedure.
Any surgery-related procedure begins with proper education and screening, and LASIK vision correction is no different. During the LASIK consultation one of our skilled doctors will take you through a detailed screening and evaluation to identify whether you are a LASIK candidate. You will then be referred to a top notch facility that will perform the actual vision correction surgery. Any follow-up care can be completed back at our office. Depending upon the specific procedure, you can expect follow up check-ups at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
What is LASIK?
LASIK, the most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery, is a reshaping of the cornea to correct for a refractive error such as an astigmatism, near-sightedness, or hyperopia, to prevent the need for glasses or contacts. It is a generally safe, effective procedure that has very few side effects. While LASIK does not promise you perfect vision, it does typically reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is a great option for those considering vision correction for a variety of reasons, such as a more active lifestyle with sports, hobbies and more.
Who is a candidate for LASIK?
Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, which is why a pre-screening and evaluation are a must. We recommend that before you move ahead with a LASIK consultation you be 21 years of age or older, and have a prescription that has been stable for at least one year. The only way to determine if LASIK is the right option for you is to contact us and schedule a LASIK consultation with one of our doctors.
The LASIK Procedure
The LASIK procedure begins by the surgeon placing numbing drops in the patient’s eyes. The area around the eyes will be cleaned and a lid speculum will be applied to keep the eyelid open. Using a water-soluble ink, the surgeon will then mark the cornea to serve as a guide for the replacement of the flap.
The surgeon will next apply a suction ring that is designed to hold the eye steady and confirm eye pressure. Vision may dim, and the patient may feel slight pressure and discomfort during this portion of the procedure. A thin flap will then be cut into the cornea using a microkeratome. The flap will be lifted back and a laser will then be positioned over the eye. At this point the surgeon will check for alignment and direct the patient on where to fixate during the remaining part of the procedure. Once the eye is in the correct position, the laser beam is exposed to the interior surface. The computer-controlled laser removes the tissue under the flap and reshapes the cornea of the affected eye. The flap is then replaced over the treated area.
The corneal flap serves as a natural bandage, which eliminates the discomfort often associated with other types of refractive surgery, and expedites the healing process. Due to the remarkable bonding properties of the corneal tissue, stitches are not needed to keep the flap in place postoperatively. A shield however, may be placed over the eye at the end of the procedure as protection. It is important for the patient wear this shield to prevent from rubbing or putting pressure on the eye.
The actual LASIK procedure takes around 15 minutes, and patients are usually able to return to normal activity within 24 – 48 hours.
Additional Resources on LASIK Vision: