LASIK

Imagine being able to work, drive, read the clock, play sports - do just about everything- with much less dependence on your spectacles or contact lenses. A procedure called LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) could make this a reality for you. The result can be a dramatic change in your vision - and your lifestyle.

The success of LASIK depends mainly on your eyes. LASIK may be right for you if your vision has not changed for at least 1 year, you are over 21 years of age, and you have myopia (nearsightedness) or mild to moderate astigmatism. Although Hyperopia (farsightedness) is approved for LASIK, there may be more regression and future vision changes with these patients.

As with any surgery, there is risk. More common risks include over or under correction which might need more treatment, night glare, and the fact that results may not be long lasting. Although current data does not support any eye concerns with LASIK, long-term effects are not known. For other risks, and considerations, refer to our "checklist of considerations" and other provided links by the FDA concerning LASIK below. If you have any questions after reading this information, or would like to schedule a screening to determine your candidacy for this procedure, please contact our Center Director at your earliest convenience.

  • What to expect BEFORE surgery.
  • What to expect DURING surgery.
  • What to expect AFTER surgery.
  • Glossary of Terms.
  • Checklist of Considerations

A vast majority of our patients experience clear, comfortable vision following LASIK. There are some patients, however, that do not achieve their expectation. A website illustrating such patients, which includes actual patient experiences, can be reviewed at www.surgicaleyes.com.

LASIK - Preparation for Surgery

Normal Eye Image This is a normal eye before any type of refractive procedure. The dark purple layer on the outer part of the cornea is called the epithelium. This protective outer layer is left intact with LASIK but is always removed when performing PRK.

Image of Eye Numbing Before the LASIK eye surgery, numbing (anaesthetic) drops are instilled. The LASIK procedure is performed while you lie on your back on the laser table.

A speculum will be placed on your eye to hold your eyelid open. This will prevent you from blinking, and this is considered the most uncomfortable part of the LASIK procedure.

Image of device use to make reference marks. A device is used to make reference marks which the doctor uses for correctly aligning the flap after the LASIK laser procedure has been performed.

LASIK - Checklist

Is LASIK right for you?

  • Career Impact - does your job prohibit refractive surgery?
  • Cost - can you really afford this procedure?
  • Medical Conditions - e.g., do you have an autoimmune disease or other major illness? Do you have a chronic illness that might slow or alter healing?
  • Eye Conditions - do you have or have you ever had any problems with your eyes other than needing glasses or contacts?
  • Medications - do you take steroids or other drugs that might prevent healing?
  • Stable Refraction - has your prescription changed in the last year?
  • High or Low Refractive Error - do you use glasses/contacts only some of the time? Do you need an unusually strong prescription?
  • Pupil Size - are your pupils extra large in dim conditions?
  • Corneal Thickness - do you have thin corneas?

Know the risk & procedure limitations

  • Overtreatment or Undertreatment - are you willing and able to have more than one surgery to get the desired result?
  • May Still Need Reading Glasses - do you have presbyopia?
  • Results May Not Be Lasting - do you think this is the last correction you will ever need? Do you realize that long-term results are not known?
  • May Permanently Lose Vision - do you know some patients may lose some vision or experience blindness?
  • Development of Visual Symptoms - do you know about glare, halos, starbursts, etc. and that night driving might be difficult?
  • Contrast Sensitivity - do you know your vision could be significantly reduced in dim light conditions?
  • Bilateral Treatment - do you know the additional risks of having both eyes treated at the same time?
  • Patient Information - have you read the patient information booklet about the laser being used for your procedure?

How do I prepare for surgery?

  • No contact lenses prior to evaluation and surgery - can you go for an extended period of time without wearing contact lenses?
  • Have a thorough exam - have you arranged not to drive or work after the exam?
  • Read and understand the informed consent - has your doctor given you an informed consent form to take home and answered all your questions?
  • No makeup before surgery - can you go 24-36 hours without makeup prior to surgery?
  • Arrange for transportation - can someone drive you home after surgery?
  • Plan to take a few days to recover - can you take time off to take it easy for a couple of days if necessary?
  • Expect not to see clearly for a few days - do you know you will not see clearly immediately?
  • Know sights, smells, sounds of surgery - has your doctor made you feel comfortable with the actual steps of the procedure?
  • Be prepared to take drops/medications - are you willing and able to put drops in your eyes at regular intervals?
  • Be prepared to wear an eye shield - do you know you need to protect the eye for a period of time after surgery to avoid injury?
  • Expect some pain/discomfort - do you know how much pain to expect?
  • Know when to seek help - do you understand what problems could occur and when to seek medical intervention?
  • Know when to expect your vision to stop changing - are you aware that final results could take months?
  • Make sure your refraction is stable before any further surgery - if you don't get the desired result, do you know not to have an enhancement until the prescription stops changing?