• LASIK is a laser procedure intended to reduce or eliminate your dependence upon glasses or contact lenses.
• LASIK is always performed on an out-patient basis.
• With LASIK the laser changes the shape of the cornea allowing light rays to focus more directly on the retina.
• Since the LASIK procedure is elective, the decision to have surgery is based upon your desire to reduce your dependence on corrective eye wear and the results of your consultation with your doctor.

What is LASIK and How Does It Re-shape Your Eye? LASIK combines the precision of the excimer laser delivery system with the benefits of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK) proven to treat a wide range of refractive errors.

To correct myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism, your doctor will change the curve of your cornea. First, a portion of the top section of the cornea in the center of your eye is lifted away. This flap, or cap, of the cornea remains attached on one side. The flap is made with a special instrument called a microkeratome. The computer controlled excimer laser delivers a programmed number of pulses to the exposed eye surface. Each pulse changes a microscopic layer of the cornea over the pupil. The corneal cap is then put back into place and the epithelium and endothelium act as a suction pump to close the opening without the need for sutures. The center of the cornea has now been changed. As a result the light rays are focused more directly on the retina and the images are clear.

What to Expect During the evaluation your doctor will perform several tests. Among them will be a refraction test to measure the amount of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism present. Further tests will determine the curve and thickness of the cornea. A glaucoma test to determine fluid pressure within the eye will also be made. Finally, we will need to know your medical history including your age, sex, general health and known allergies.

The Procedure During the LASIK procedure the cornea is reshaped to help improve low to severe myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism. We use only the latest technology-the VISX S4 laser with Wavefront scanning is used for all procedures. The procedure generally takes less than twenty minutes so you can be in and out of the office in about two hours.

After Surgery You may be surprised to find that the procedure is over and you are alert and ready to go home. Many people return to work the day after surgery and resume normal activities within one day following treatment, but this may differ depending upon your occupation. The results and rate of vision improvement may vary due to individual rates of healing and different degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism.

Risks LASIK is an entirely elective procedure. As with any medical procedure there are some risks involved. LASIK does not always produce 20/20 vision. LASIK does not correct presbyopia - a condition that many times requires bifocals in patients over 40 years of age. After LASIK some patients may require reading glasses for close-up work. It is important to have realistic expectations and base your decision on facts and not hopes or misconceptions.

Benefits Occupations that require good vision without glasses such as pilots, firefighters, and policemen, may especially benefit from LASIK. The cosmetic, recreational, and psychological aspects of LASIK are all positive.

If you desire to proceed with LASIK, please contact our office at 829-5511 to make arrangements for your comprehensive eye evaluation. Or sign up for an appointment online now.