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Eye Information |
LASIK Vision Correction
The cornea and lens combine to focus visual images on the back of the eye. When the overall shape of the eye is incorrect or when the curvature of the cornea is incorrect, the visual images are not in focus. The cornea accounts for approximately 2/3rds of the focusing power of the eye. By surgically changing the corneal curvature, most or all of the blur can be eliminated.
Laser In Situ Keratomileusisis a surgical technique which utilize lasers to reshape or change the curvature of the cornea.
LASIK had its origins about thirty years ago and was originally developed to treat patients who had very poor vision due to corneal disease. It has now evolved into a successful technique for correcting refractive errors. The current procedure, done on an outpatient basis, involves both the use of conventional and laser surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK can correct a much higher degree of nearsightedness with or without astigmatism than any other refractive procedure, with excellent results.
In performing LASIK, eye drop anesthetic is used to numb the eye. The surgeon then uses a special instrument to cut into and behind a layer of the cornea. A portion of the cornea is peeled back to create a flap and expose the inner portions of corneal tissue. The eye is then positioned under the excimer laser which has been computer programmed to remove microscopic amounts of the internal corneal tissue. Removal of the tissue changes the curvature of the cornea. If the patient is nearsighted, tissue closer to the central part of the cornea is removed to decrease the curvature or flatten the cornea. If a patient is farsighted, tissue in the peripheral part of the cornea is removed to increase the curvature of the cornea. To correct for astigmatism, selected tissue at certain angles is removed to insure that the cornea curves equally in all directions. After the laser has been used, the flap is returned to its original position. The corneal tissue has extraordinary natural bonding qualities that allow effective healing without the use of stitches.
Since only local anesthetic is used, patients remain awake during the procedure. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes. Improved vision is often possible on the day following the surgery. Eye drops and night protection are necessary for designated periods of time.
Advantages of LASIK include:
Does LASIK Hurt?
Because the cornea is easily numbed with "eye drop" anesthesia, patients report little, if any, discomfort both during and after the procedure.
When will I be able to see after the procedure?
Results vary from patient to patient. Most patients have functional vision in 1 to 3 days. Full visual results are usually recognized within 1 to 4 weeks after surgery.
Will I have 20/20 vision?
Over 90 percent of patients get 20/20 vision, but as with any medical procedure, there is no guarantee that you will have perfect vision or that you will not need distance or reading glasses again. However, almost everyone experiences improved vision, and most see well enough to pass a driver's test without corrective lenses.
When can I go back to work?
Most patients will take 1 or 2 days off after surgery before returning to work or other activities.
What about my contacts?
Contact lenses should be removed prior to surgery. Soft contact lenses should not be worn at least 3 days prior to surgery. Rigid Gas Permeable/Hard contacts should not be worn for at least 3 weeks prior to surgery.
Can I participate in sports or other activities?
We recommend that patients refrain from strenuous physical activity for two weeks after surgery. When involvement in sporting activities does occur, protection should be worn for the first 3 months following surgery.
How long do I take drops for?
Medicated drops are taken for the first 5 days post surgery. Lubrication drops will be used for the next several months to aid in stabilizing vision and to relieve dryness. Lubrication gel is also recommended at bedtime to help alleviate dryness.
How do I wear the protective shield for after surgery?
The protective eye shield is worn at bedtime for the first 3 weeks after surgery.
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