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LASIK  
(Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)

This is the safest and most effective surgical technique for correction of myopia under 10 diopters and hyperopia and astigmatism under 6 diopters.  It is the most commonly used surgical procedure for the correction of these refractive errors since 90% of patients fall into these groups.

LASIK modifies the cornea's surface which in turn alters the refractive power allowing light rays to focus on the retina resulting in a clear image.  The cornea is the main optical structure of the eye.  It has three main layers: epithelium, stroma, and endothelium.  This procedure modifies the stroma's curvature in order to reshape the cornea.

An Argon-Fluoride Excimer-laser is used to correct refractive error with this technique.  This laser can sculpt the cornea and change its shape.  The advantage of LASIK over other laser procedures is that it sculpts the deep layers of the cornea.

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM LASIK?

Many people suffering from myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism will benefit from this procedure.  Best results are obtained in persons who are not comfortable with eyeglasses or contact lenses.  Persons over 40 years old must discuss the procedure with their eye doctor since they may not be completely satisfied with their near vision due to presbyopia.

IS THE PROCEDURE SAFE

In the hands of a good surgeon LASIK is extremely safe.  Just as any other surgical procedure, LASIK has risk.  One out of a hundred persons operated on with this technique has some sort of complication.  In almost every case there is a solution to the problem.  Severe complications are extremely rare.  These complications should be discussed by the surgeon.

Sometimes after LASIK surgery, the cornea heals with a wavy configuration.  This leads to distorted images similar to astigmatism.  Most of these cases within a year after surgery heal correctly by themselves.  If irregular astigmatism is still present then contact lenses may have to be worn.

There is usually minimal to no post-operative pain after LASIK surgery.  In some cases, soreness may be felt and a feeling of something in the eye may be present, but by the next the morning these sensations will be gone.

Night vision effects can also occur after surgery.  Halos around bright lights.  Some night time contrast sensitivity may be lost.  The amount lost is rarely significant and can be easily overcome by wearing night time vision glasses.

Infection is a rare occurrence in any refractive surgery, but if it happens it can easily be treated with antibiotics.  It is important to know the risk that sight may be lost.  Although this is extremely rare, the patient must be made aware of the possibility.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT

The final outcome depends primarily on visual acuity with eyeglasses or contact lenses prior to surgery.  As a general rule, vision without glasses after LASIK will be pretty much like vision with glasses or contact lenses before it.  Over 90% of people achieve a vision better than 20/40.  This vision is usually obtained one week after surgery.  Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon regarding their personal results from LASIK surgery.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOCTOR

I tell all of my patients who are considering LASIK, "don't trust your eyes to the lowest bidder".  There are literally thousands of ads in magazines, television, and on radio hawking LASIK Surgery.  Prices around the country range from approximately $700 per eye up to $3000 per eye.  Consider first, who is going to perform the surgery.  Is the ophthalmologist board certified, what is the surgeons specific training in the procedure, what are his outcomes, what is his reputation, are there patients you can call to discuss their experience with them?  These are all questions you need to weigh prior to making the decision to have LASIK.  Secondly, is the excimer laser the latest in technology.  Ask about the type of laser the surgeon uses. 

The success of LASIK in our office is a direct result of choosing the right doctor, using the most advanced laser system available, and selecting the best candidates for LASIK.  When making your decision, don't be impulsive, take your time, weigh all of your options, and make that decision based on fact and not on emotion.

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