LASIK
Introduction
LASIK actually stands for Laser in-situ keratomileusis, which is the most commonly performed type of laser eye surgery. This procedure is generally safe, effective, and has very few side effects. LASIK eye surgery is a great option for many individuals considering laser vision correction for a variety of very personal and professional reasons. LASIK surgery may not promise perfect vision, however; it is a highly successful procedure that can at the very least reduce a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The lifestyle benefits can be tremendous for active and social people. These benefits can enable people to more freely pursue their hobbies, sports activities, or career options. If you are wondering about getting LASIK, our LASIK surgeons proudly serve the Hollywood, Weston and surrounding Florida areas with LASIK surgery. Schedule your consultation today!
The Excimer LASER
LASIK involves the use of an excimer laser to permanently change the shape of the cornea, or the outer layer of the eye. The EXCIMER laser, which is a specific type of “cool” laser, generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range. It cannot be visualized by the human eye. Because the laser does not generate any heat, there is no tissue damage as a result of the laser light. As the treatment with the laser proceeds, microscopic layers of tissue, approximately 1/10th the width of a human hair are removed. The laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired result.
The LASIK Procedure
During LASIK the surgeon first applies anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye for surgery. The cornea is then marked with water-soluble ink to guide the replacement of the flap. Next, a suction ring is applied that is designed to hold the eye steady and also confirms the pressure of the eye. The surgeon then creates a thin corneal flap using a device called a microkeratome. The surgeon tests for laser alignment and walks the patient through the fixation process. The corneal flap is lifted up, and the laser beam is applied to the exposed interior surface of the cornea to reshape the tissue. The computer-controlled excimer laser removes the tissue under the flap and reshapes the cornea of the affected eye. In less than 60 seconds, high-energy pulses from the excimer laser actually reshape the internal cornea with accuracy up to 0.25 microns, or 1/4000 of a millimeter. The flap is then replaced over the treated area. This corneal flap serves as a natural bandage, which eliminates the discomfort associated with other types of refractive surgery, and expedites the healing process. Your doctor will then watch the eye for five minutes to ensure proper healing. Because of the extraordinary bonding properties of the corneal tissue, stitches are not needed to keep the flap in place postoperatively.
Risks
LASIK is a surgical procedure conducted on the cornea of the eye, and it is crucial that patients are well educated on the potential benefits and risks of this procedure. As with any type of surgery, risks are involved. After your pre-operative evaluation, you will have a good idea about the risks and what they imply to your specific situation. It is important to discuss any concerns with your surgeon at Eye Surgery Associates and weigh the risks and potential benefits. Each patient’s vision is different and different treatment options are available in order to give the best possible results.
Click here for a review of the risks listed by the FDA.
Are You a Candidate?
Determining your LASIK candidacy is the first step to understanding what the future possibilities of vision correction could mean to you. Because your eyes are extremely unique there is no way to actually determine your candidacy 100% until you visit your eye doctor for a pre-operative evaluation. The pre-operative evaluation will involve a series of diagnostic tests to determine the stability of your vision. After a thorough evaluation of your cornea, our doctors will be able to determine if you are a candidate.
Take our self-test to see if you are a good candidate for LASIK.
Below is a list of some items that are typically involved with the evaluation process.
- The measurement of corneal thickness, including corneal topography
- Complete review of overall eye health
- The measurement of your prescription or refractive errors
- Custom LASIK measurement for higher order aberrations.
- Dry eye test
- Complete dilation to view the back of the eye or the retina
- Glasses or contact lens history review
- Measurement of pupil size
