LASIK Surgery has been performed since the early 1970's, refractive surgery procedures improve vision due to nearsightedness (myopia), and farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. With the advent of the laser for refractive surgery (photorefractive keratechomy or PRK), a new era in eye care is unfolding.
LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis using an eye drop anesthetic for painless surgery. Normally the procedure takes less than 30 minutes. After the procedure patients return to their lifestyle with very few restrictions and a short healing period.
Consultation with one of our doctors can determine if the procedure is right for you.
What is Refractive error?
In normal vision, light enters the eye through the cornea and is focused at a single point on the retina at the back of the eye.With refractive error, there is a defect in the way ligh passes throught the eye. Light rays do not refract (bend) properly to achieve a single focus of the retina (Myopia - nearsighted), behind the retina (Hyperopia - farsighted) or at two diffrent points (asigmatism).
Refractive errors usually result from a defect in the length of the eye or shape of the cornea.
Outpatient Surgery
Lasik is performed on an outpatient basis using an "eye drop" anesthetic to numb the eye for painless surgery. Lasik normally takes a bit less than 30 minutes and the patient leaves shortly after the proceedure. An eye shiled may be placed on the eye for temporary protection and to keep you from rubbing your eye in your sleep. After Lasik, patients usually return to their normal lifestyle quickly with very few restrictions during the short healing period.
Is Lasik of everyone?
To be eligable for Lasik they eye must be in good health and vision must be stable. However, some people are better candidates than others and some are better suited to another refractive surgery technique or combination of techniques. Consultation with the doctor prior to surgery is important to determine estimated benefits and possible complications.