Lasik
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 is a great option for many individuals considering laser vision correction for a variety of very personal and professional reasons. LASIK 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.
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 the 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 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 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.
Custom LASIK
“Custom LASIK” or “Wavefront-Driven LASIK” is a recent advancement in laser vision technology that allows the surgeon to personalize the procedure and to potentially improve the already excellent results obtained with traditional laser vision correction. Wavefront technology provides new diagnostic information previously unattainable. Wavefront analysis works by measuring the distortion or irregularities of the eye, known as high-order aberrations. Because each patient has a unique visual optical system, the Wavefront data has been likened to a fingerprint.
Are You a Candidate?
Not everyone is a candidate for the LASIK procedure. Each individual person has extremely unique eyes. No 2 cornea maps are the same just like with a Fingerprint or DNA sample. This is why a pre-operative exam is absolutely necessary. Before LASIK is performed you will be required to undergo a series of diagnostic tests to determine the stability of your vision. After a thorough evaluation of your cornea, the doctors will be able to determine if you are a candidate. This thorough diagnostic evaluation is the first step in creating a positive outcome for your best possible visual outcome or personal best vision.
Expectations
Your decision to have LASIK laser vision correction is a serious decision. Ultimately, you will be the one to make the final decision. When electing a LASIK surgeon it is important to select a surgeon that can honestly explain your visual needs. In 98% of lasik cases the visual outcome is 20/40 or better, however, this is a surgical procedure and risk is still involved. This is why selecting a surgeon with a vast amount experience is important. The ultimate goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. LASIK does not always create perfect 20/20 vision, though most cases are successful in improving vision. Ask the right questions before selecting you surgeon. Make sure that your surgeon of choice has the right answers, the best technology and the experience under his belt to ensure a safe and effective procedure. It is possible that this is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. This is your eyes and your life.
Risks
LASIK is a surgical procedure conducted on the cornea part 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 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. The only way to determine if LASIK is right for you is to come in and discuss your options with our LASIK coordinator.
Click here for a review of the risks listed by the FDA.
Selecting a LASIK surgeon
Are you having trouble selecting a LASIK surgeonthat you feel comfortable with? Asking the right questions is very important when selecting a quality LASIK surgeon. Kennedy Vision has developed this list of questions on our website to better educate LASIK candidates as to what they should look for when selecting a LASIK surgeon.
- How many LASIK eye surgery procedures have you and your practice performed?
- Do you prefer performing PRK, LASIK, epi-LASIK, and why?
- How long have you been doing laser vision correction
- Help me understand my possible refractive surgery options
- What's your success rate with LASIK or other types ofrefractive surgery
- What type of excimer laser does your practice USE and is this approved by the FDA.
- Do you have some patients that I can speak with about their experience with your practice?
Frequently Asked Questions LASIK Eye Surgery
It is very normal that you would have questions regarding LASIK eye surgery. After all, these are the only two eyes that you have and seeing is a very critical part of our lives. This is why you should only trust your eyes to proven LASIK eye surgery experts. We have listed some frequently asked questions about LASIK laser vision correction below. If you have additional questions please make sure to contact us directly using this website.
Is there any pain associated with LASIK eye surgery?
There is NO pain with lasik eye surgery. Most patients say it is far less painful than a cleaning at the dentist office. You may feel a slight amount of discomfort during the procedure but no pain. After the procedure you might also feel a small amount of discomfort that will decrease over the first few post-operative days.
What are the side effects of LASIK eye surgery?
Side effects of LASIK surgery may include dry eyes, corneal scarring, corneal edema, persistent eye pain, glares, halos, and decreased night vision.
What results can I expect from laser eye surgery?
The Eye Surgery Education Council and the ASCRS (The American Society of Refractive& Cataract Surgery) explains that more than 90% of patients who choose to have LASIK eye surgery experience 20/40 post-surgery vision (the minimum standard for driving a car or playing a sport without corrective eyewear), while 56 percent of LASIK patients find that their vision has been improved to 20/20. LASIK laser eye surgery will not prevent degenerative eye diseases (such as presbyopia or macular degeneration), but its results are permanent.
Why not go to a discount Laser Vision Correction center?
With laser vision correction, safety, outcomes, and patient satisfaction should be the deciding factor behind the center you choose, not cost. Many discount centers will have hidden costs as well.
Can I go blind from LASIK eye surgery?
There are NO reported cases of any LASIK patient going blind
Is Laser Vision Correction for everyone?
Laser Vision Correction is not necessarily for everyone. The best way to determine your candidacy is with a proper screening and thorough evaluation.
I am very busy. What type of commitment is needed to have LASIK?
This is a state-of-the-art procedure, which requires minimal time for the patient. The actual procedure lasts under 10 minutes per eye. Most patients can go back to work the very next day.
Can I drive immediately after LASIK surgery?
Because your vision will be blurred for a few hours after the procedure, we will ask you to have someone escort you from our office after your laser eye surgery. You should plan to not drive for at least the first 24 hours. After the first 24hours your vision will start to improve drastically and your driving vision should be much better than before surgery.
Will I be able to see up close after LASIK surgery?
If you are under age 40, you will most likely not experience problems seeing close up after LASIK surgery. However, some patients over age 40 have difficulty reading fine print and require reading glasses. This is not to be confused with the actual surgery but is a common condition known as presbyopia. This problem will develop whether or not you have LASIK; it is not linked to laser eye surgery.
Payment Options
Kennedy Vision has a variety of payment options designed to make this decision more of a reality for all of our prospective patients.
CareCredit – LASIK eye surgery financing
Care Credit has very easy to use healthcare financing. You can contact care credit with one of our LASIK coordinators or you can call them directly at 800.859.9975.
Capitol One Healthcare Finance
- No Down Payment
- No Prepayment Penalty
- Low Fixed Rates
Credit Cards Accepted:
- VISA
- MasterCard
- American Express