Since the 1990s, LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) has been providing successful laser vision correction to people suffering from myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. As of 2011, over 11 million eye care surgeries have been performed in the U.S alone.

The purpose of LASIK is to reshape the cornea to achieve 20/20 vision, flattening a steep cornea with nearsightedness or providing a steeper cornea, as in the case of farsightedness. During surgery, the ophthalmologist cuts a thin flap in the cornea using a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. Folding back the flap, the surgeon can then remove corneal tissue using an excimer laser. The flap is then repositioned over the treatment area, remaining in place by natural adhesion.

Around 96% of patients have achieved their desired vision using LASIK. There’s very little pain, and vision is often corrected immediately, or within a day of surgery. When vision changes occur, adjustments can be made years later.

Some patients do experience discomfort in the first 24 to 48 hours of LASIK surgery, side effects including blurred vision, glare, halos, fluctuating vision, dry eyes and difficulty driving at night. Precautionary treatments, however, can be used to reduce the risk of developing dry eye after LASIK.

Anyone with dry eyes syndrome will be advised against LASIK surgery, because of the temporary decrease in tear production after surgery. LASIK may also be inadvisable if your corneas are too thin or if the corneal surface is too irregular; although there are laser treatments like LASIK which permits the removal of thinner layers of the cornea.

Before scheduling an appointment for surgery, the eye surgeon will thoroughly examine your eyes, measuring corneal thickness, refractive errors, air pressure, pupil dilation and corneal mapping, used to measure the curvature of the front surface of your eye.

In preparation for surgery, you will need to refrain from using your contact lenses for at least two weeks since lenses can alter the natural shape of the eye. The surgery itself is performed with the patient placed under local anesthesia, and takes about ten minutes for both eyes. Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection and to keep eyes moist.

Achieving visual acuity without eyeglasses or contact lenses can be easy with LASIK surgery. Talk to our eye care professionals at 877-871-1684 to see if LASIK is right for you and how it can give you the vision you’ve always wanted.

 

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