LASIK
Your eye is made of
several parts, one of which is the cornea - the front surface on the outside
of your eye. If the eye is shaped correctly, it "refracts" or bends the
light to focus light onto the retina. However, if the eye is
incorrectly shaped, it creates an out-of-focus image. That's where LASIK
comes in.
LASIK (Laser Assisted
In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that uses an excimer laser to
reshape the cornea - and thus the shape of the eye - with extreme
accuracy removing the microscopic layers of corneal tissue. Using the
skills we have developed over the years, we can precisely guide the
excimer laser through a short yet thorough procedure hat corrects
nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
What
Do Your LASIK Options Look Like
One in four people are good candidates for LASIK. For example, LASIK
cannot correct presbyopia, or the natural aging of the eye, which occurs
after the age of 40 and often necessitates the use of reading glasses.
Before you can be considered for LASIK, we
need to know what type of vision you have. Your family eye doctor
usually has a comprehensive history. He or she knows whether you have
,
,
or
. Of equal importance is
whether or not your vision prescription has changed significantly in the
past year.
Once we've determined that you are a
candidate, Grossnickle Eye Center will then carefully map and measure
your eye to ensure a precise outcome. Next, we'll determine whether your
refractive error falls within the corrective range of LASIK. Lastly,
we'll make certain that you have healthy corneas and good overall
health. Once these issues are resolved, it's time to take the next step.
The
LASIK Procedure
The LASIK procedure
takes only 10 to 15 minutes to perform, but it will take several hours
to prepare you for the outpatient surgery.
First, you'll be given
a mild relaxant to relieve any anxiety or stress. Since you'll be awake
through the procedure, its important that you be relaxed and calm.
Your eyes will then be
anesthetized with special drops prior to the procedure. You may
experience a very mild pressure sensation as the doctor creates the
flap. The surgeon then gently sculpts the
cornea with the excimer laser, and replaces the flap.
What
are the Risks?
While the risks of LASIK are minimal, we feel that it’s important for
our patients to understand that it is a surgical procedure. As with any
surgery these risks will be discussed in depth with you prior to the
surgery.
Most patients find that the most common minor complication is eye
dryness, which is preventatively treated with drops and in more extreme
cases by plugging the tear ducts. There is also the risk of an infection
or a complication of the corneal flap.
Grossnickle Eye Center’s complication rate is
less than one percent. All the more reason to rely upon the experience
and advanced technology available at Grossnickle Eye Center.
What Does the Future
Look Like Afterward?
 |
We all know that there are no guarantees
in life, but you should have some expectations. LASIK can not
guarantee 20/20 vision, though the majority of patients can expect
their vision will be restored, lessening their dependence on
eyeglasses or contacts. The vision correction you receive is
considered permanent.
In short, chances are good that
you'll see immediate results. Over the next three months as your
eyes adjust to the reshaping of the cornea, your vision will
stabilize. In a small percentage of cases, our patients need
additional correction with the laser to achieve their desired
vision.
Still for most patients, LASIK will
mean seeing the world in a whole different way.
|
 |
 |
Additional Information
Food
and Drug Administration
www.fda.org
American
Academy of Ophthalmology
www.aao.org
Academy of
Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
www.ascrs.org
International
Society of Refractive Surgeons
www.locateanisrsdoctor.com
Books:
The Complete Book of Laser Surgery by Stephen Slade, M.D. with Richard
N. Baker, O.D. and Dorothy Kay Brockman.
