LASIK is the most popular laser vision correction technique that specifically addresses the vision problems of people who have high degrees of nearsightedness (myopia), are farsighted (hyperopia) and/or have astigmatism. LASIK can greatly reduce the dependence on glasses and return the freedom that comes with good vision.
LASIK is an outpatient procedure performed with the excimer laser. A hansatome is an instrument used to create a protective corneal flap, which is then folded back. Then the computer-controlled laser emits a cool beam of light to gently reshape the underlying cornea, thereby reducing the refractive error. The corneal flap is returned to its original position, quickly adhering without stitches. Once the corneal flap is replaced, it acts as a "bandage" to make healing virtually painless.
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PRK is similar to LASIK except that no corneal flap is made. Instead, the laser reshapes the outer cornea. PRK is usually not the preferred method of treatment because it can only treat a low amount of nearsightedness, it has a longer healing period, and it is generally more uncomfortable for the patient.
| LASIK | |||
| Time of Procedure: | 10-15 min. | ||
| Pain During Procedure: | None | ||
| Pain After Surgery: | Minimal to none | ||
| Recovery & Return to Work: | 1-3 days | ||
| Visual Recovery: | 24-48 hrs. | ||
| Treatment of Second Eye: | Simultaneous | ||
| Fluctuation of Vision | Minimal | ||
| Structural Integrity: | Excellent |
Candidacy
The best candidates for LASIK have the following qualifications. They:
General Risks
Loss of
Vision: LASIK can possibly cause loss of best-corrected vision, due to infection, irregular
scarring, or other causes. Chances of this happening are rare.
Visual
Side Effects: These include double vision, hazy vision, fluctuating
vision, sensitivity to light, ghosting, and glare and halos around
lights. Chances of these happening are common during the healing period.
Over- or Under-Correction: It may be that LASIK will
not give you the result you desired. Sometimes it can result
in over- or under-correction and necessitate another surgery
to enhance the results. Chances of this happening are about
one in 30.
Other
Risks: Loss or damage to corneal flap, flap decentration
and progressive corneal thinning are all possible risks,
as well as potential side effects due to anesthesia and medications.
Chances of these happening are rare.
Custom LASIK uses the advanced Wavescan Wavefront guided system to provide individualized laser vision correction. The advanced wavefront technology produces a detailed map of the eye, which is important because much like a fingerprint, no two eyes are the same. In fact, the Wavescan Wavefront identifies and measures imperfections in the eye 25 times more precisely than standard methods for glasses and contacts. The custom LASIK procedure can then precisely treat each person’s unique refractive errors.
Can Treat Those Who Weren’t Candidates Before: Custom LASIK has allowed more individuals to benefit from laser vision correction.
Improved Quality of Vision: In addition, Custom LASIK has the potential to not only get patients to 20/20 or better, but it was designed to also improve the quality of vision. This means that people often experience improved contrast sensitivity and are able to see fine detail better.
To find out if you are a candidate for Custom LASIK call our office for a FREE consultation. You can reach us Monday through Thursday from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 810-732-2272. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and give you information on your best options for vision correction.
We invite you to schedule a free consultation to see if you are a candidate for refractive surgery. Click here to fill out our quick email form or call our office at 810-732-2272.
