Laser
vision correction or LASIK, as described on our LASIK page, and it reshapes the front surface of the eye (cornea).
These techniques can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness,
and astigmatism.
If
glasses or contact lenses are a burden and reduce enjoyment
of daily living, laser vision correction can help. From low
to severe nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness can
now be treated.
To determine whether laser vision correction is right for you,
we perform a thorough history including general and ocular health,
and a complete eye exam that will include visual acuity, dilated-exam
refraction, and microscopic examination of the front part of
the eye and the retina (light perceiving part of the eye). Certain
health and eye problems are contraindications for laser treatment.
We provide a complimentary screening consultation to determine
if laser vision correction is appropriate for you. We will discuss
the benefits, and the possibility of side effects. Any surgery
carries some risks. Laser vision correction has overall excellent
results and you should make an informed consent before deciding
to have refractive surgery.
What
is the expected outcome of refractive surgery?
The
goal of surgery is to reduce or eliminate the dependence on
glasses and contact lenses by improving uncorrected visual acuity.
LASIK can allow patients to achieve their normal daily activities
without having to use either glasses or contact lenses.
The
eye is anesthetized with eye drops. A very thin layer of the
cornea is reflected back (a flap) thereby exposing the inner
part of the cornea. This "flap" is made using a specialized
instrument named a microkeratome. The laser is subsequently
used to vaporize a precisely-calculated layer of the corneal
tissue. Each laser pulse removes approximately 0.25 micron of
corneal tissue. The procedure takes a few minutes.
The
pain with the surgery is almost non-existent. Your eye is numbed
using eye drops and you are awake during the LASIK procedure.
With LASIK, there is very little discomfort after the procedure.
An
eyelid holder keeps your eye open during the procedure. The
doctor can stop the procedure at any time during the laser treatment
if you look away from the fixation light. After repositioning
your eye, the doctor will continue the treatment where he left
off.
What
do I have to do before my eye exam for laser surgery?
If
you are wearing gas permeable contacts, they must not be worn
for at least three weeks before your comprehensive eye exam
to assess if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction.
If you are wearing soft contact lenses they must be removed
at least 72 hours before your eye exam. You should bring in
your glasses to your appointment.
For
nearsightedness (myopia), what is the possible range of
correction?
The
excimer laser PRK is approved for the treatment of nearsightedness
in the range of -1.00 to -13.00 diopters, and astigmatism in
the range of 0.75 to 4.00 diopters
Overcorrection,
undercorrection, regression, and haze are some possible side
effects. These will be discussed in detail during you comprehensive
eye examination.
