LASIK Surgery
What is LASIK?
LASIK, or Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis, is a procedure that corrects vision problems by reshaping the cornea with a laser beam. This procedure can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. For most people, 20/20 vision is restored, and it is no longer necessary to wear glasses or contact lenses.
What are the advantages of LASIK?
LASIK is a vast improvement over other methods of vision correction, such as RK (refractive keratectomy) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) surgeries. LASIK is performed under a protective layer of corneal tissue. As a result, there is less surface area to heal, less risk of scarring, less risk of corneal haze, less postoperative discomfort, less postoperative need for medications, and vision returns more rapidly, often within a day or so.
How does LASIK work?
First, an anesthesia is administered with eye drops to numb your eyes. Next, an eyelid holder is placed between your eyelids to prevent blinking.
A portion of the cornea is cut as a flap with an instrument called a microkeratome, then lifted back. You may feel pressure during this process, but should not feel any pain. You are asked to look at a target light while the laser beam reshapes the cornea.
To correct nearsightedness, the cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. For farsightedness, the cornea is made steeper and for astigmatism, the cornea is made more spherical. The laser is typically applied for less than one minute. The protective flap is folded back and bonds securely without stitches.
Some discomfort may occur within twelve to twenty-four hours after surgery. Most people return to their daily activities the following day.
Why have LASIK?
LASIK is a procedure that corrects vision problems by reshaping the cornea with a laser beam. This procedure can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. For most people, 20/20 vision is restored, and it is no longer necessary to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Should you have LASIK?
The best way to find out whether the benefits of LASIK laser vision correction would be helpful to you is to make an appointment at The Eye Centers of Racine and Kenosha for a consultation. We will discuss the procedure with you in detail and help you determine whether LASIK laser surgery is a good alternative for you.
How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK?
The ideal candidate for LASIK is over eighteen years old, has healthy corneas and has not had a significant increase in the prescription for corrective lenses in the last twelve months. Your vision must be stable for the past three years, and you cannot have any recurring eye problems or inflammation. You also cannot have any health issues affecting your eyes.
The goal for the results of the LASIK procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. You may not have 20/20 vision or even 20/40 vision, however. LASIK cannot correct presbyopia, aging of the eye, which normally occurs around age 40 and requires the use of reading glasses. People over 40 who have LASIK vision correction surgery to improve their distance vision sometimes need glasses for reading after the procedure.
Find out if you are a candidate for LASIK vision correction surgery by scheduling a personal consultation with your eye doctor.
