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Informative
Facts About LASIK Vision Correction
 Below
is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to call
our office if you need additional information. We are always pleased
to assist you.
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What
is Laser Vision Correction? |
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It is an
outpatient treatment first performed in 1987 that uses a light beam to
gently reshape the surface of the eye (the cornea) and improve
vision. The light gently pulses to remove microscopic amounts of
tissue, altering the curvature of the cornea and allowing visual
images to be more sharply focused on the retina.
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What
are the benefits of laser vision correction? |
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Laser
vision correction reduces or eliminates nearsightedness,
farsightedness or astigmatism and, with it, the need for glasses or
contacts.
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What
is nearsightedness? |
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The normal eye
is a perfect sphere, where the cornea and lens focus light to form an
image on the back inside surface of the eye, known as the
retina. With nearsightedness (myopia), the cornea's curvature is
too steep for the shape of the eye. The light is focused in
front of the retina, causing images of distant objects to appear
blurry.
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What
is farsightedness? |
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In a farsighted
(hyperopia) eye, the image focuses beyond the retina. In our
youth, the innate accommodating (focusing) power of the eyes often
compensates for farsightedness. But as we age, our eyes become
less able to accommodate. For this reason, farsightedness most
commonly becomes a problem later in life. Many farsighted eyes
do not need correction until the individuals reach their forties or
fifties.
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What
is astigmatism? |
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The front of
the astigmatic eye has an irregular shape, more oval, like a
football. Incoming light focuses at multiple points instead of
one. Astigmatism can make wearing contact lenses difficult or
even impossible. Laser vision correction with an excimer laser
is now an FDA approved option for people with astigmatism.
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How
does laser vision correction improve nearsightedness, farsightedness,
and astigmatism? |
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The cool beam
of light gently reshapes the surface of the cornea, making it more
like a normal eye. Light can then focus at the back of the eye,
on the retina, making images on the retina clear, thereby improving
vision.
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Is laser vision correction safe? |
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The FDA has
approved the excimer laser for the treatment of nearsightedness,
farsightedness, and astigmatism for eligible patients. Millions
of patients worldwide have undergone successful laser vision
correction procedures, and over one million excimer laser procedures
have been performed in the U.S. since the FDA approval in 1996.
Virtually all people treated experience an improvement in vision that
would allow them to pass a drivers' license exam without the aid of
glasses or contacts.
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Does laser vision correction hurt? |
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The procedure
itself is painless. Your eye is numbed with eye drops that are
instilled prior to the procedure and no general anesthetic is
necessary. Some patients have described having a slightly
"sandy" feeling in their eyes immediately after the
procedure, however this feeling will go away as soon as eye drops are
administered.
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Do
I have to wait for my regular eye exam? |
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No. You
can have laser vision correction as soon as you're ready for it.
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What
happens before the treatment? |
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Your physician will
conduct a thorough examination to determine whether your eyes are
healthy and suitable for the procedure. Then your eyes will be
photographed and a computerized map (corneal topography) will be
created. This "map" will assess the shape of your
cornea and is one of the many diagnostic tests we use to help plan
your procedure.
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What
can I expect on the day of treatment? |
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Laser vision
correction is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately minutes
to complete for most patients. Your entire visit will be
complete in about an hour.
First, you will relax in a reclining
chair. Anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye and your head
will be positioned your head under a laser. A retainer will be
used to gently and comfortably hold your eyelids open during the
procedure. You will be asked to focus on a blinking light for a minute
or less. The doctor will view your eye directly through a
surgical microscope to ensure that you are fixating properly and can
pause at any time. Once finished, you will get up, receive
instructions from the staff, and rest for a few minutes.
Afterward, you'll go home to rest and
relax for several hours.
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How
well will I see after laser vision correction? |
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Results vary
with each individual. Nearly all patients having the procedure
report that they could pass a state driver's exam without glasses or
contact lenses. Vision usually improves immediately after
treatment though it's normal that some patients may experience small
visual changes during the first several months.
Your physician will consult with you prior
to undergoing the procedure to discuss the benefits and risks to LASIK.
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How
soon can I return to work? |
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Some people
return the day after treatment. Two or three days of rest are
suggested.
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How
do I know whether I can have laser vision correction? |
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Your physician will
advise you if laser vision correction is right for you. Some basic
guidelines are:
- You must have healthy eyes, and be
at least 18 years old to undergo the procedure for nearsightedness.
You must be 21 years old for the farsightedness or astigmatism
procedures.
- Your vision must be stable for at
least one year before the laser procedure.
- You are not a good candidate if you
have degenerative or autoimmune diseases, if you're pregnant or
nursing, or if you have a condition that deters or slows healing.
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Are
there any risks? |
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There are risks
that accompany all surgical procedures. Laser vision correction
is performed using a computer-controlled light beam under the guidance
of a trained and certified eye doctor. Your physician will be
pleased to discuss with you the risks and benefits of laser vision
correction.
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