What is LASIK?
LASIK surgery (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is the most frequently performed laser vision correction procedure.
It lasts about 5 to 15 minutes, with minimal discomfort, a short recovery time, and almost immediate results.
How does LASIK work?
LASIK laser eye surgeries work by reshaping the curvature of the cornea. This changes the way light travels through to the retina – the back of the eye – so that light rays focus more precisely on it. When this happens, the eye’s focusing power is improved. The result is sharper, clearer vision.
What to expect with LASIK
The procedure takes about 5 to 15 minutes. Your LASIK surgeon will place anesthetic drops in your eyes, and then use a state-of-the-art instrument to create a thin, hinged flap in your cornea. This flap is folded back, and laser ablation is performed in the deeper layers of the cornea. Your LASIK surgeon uses a computer to monitor and track your eye, and to direct and operate the laser.
After the cornea is reshaped, the eye’s focusing power is improved. The flap is put back in place without the need for sutures.
Immediately After LASIK
Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in their eyesight after LASIK vision correction. Healing occurs quickly. Rest is recommended for the first 24 hours, and most people return to work the following day.
Traditional LASIK advantages
Age 40 or younger (eventually will use readers in mid-forties)
Over age 40, but seeking the most “perfect” distance vision possible for sports or night driving
Being “okay” with needing over-the-counter reading glasses for close work (usually after age 43)
Tried Monovision with contact lens trial, but did not like it
Difficulty adapting to changes to vision (new bifocals, new glasses prescription) or just “feeling” that Monovision will not work for you
Having a very large amount of Farsightedness
Having a weak/lazy eye (amblyopia)