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LASIK is a procedure used to correct or reduce myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. In LASIK, the surgeon combines the use of a keratome and the excimer laser to remove a thin layer of tissue from the center of the cornea. By removing the tissue, the central cornea is flattened and myopia is reduced.

	In LASIK, the surgeon creates a flap in the cornea using a surgical instrument called a microkeratome.
	The surgeon uses the laser to remove a micro-thin layer of tissue from the exposed corneal surface.
	The flap is replaced without the need for sutures.

The Excimer Laser uses a 'cold' beam of light to take off approximately 0.25microns with each pulse. This is precise enough to make distinct cuts into a human hair !

(Excimer Laser cuts in a human hair)

Who qualifies for LASIK?

You must have a thorough eye exam by a qualified ophthalmic surgeon and patients must meet the following criteria:

• At least 18 years old
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Not taking one or more of the following medications:

• Accutane (isotretinoin)
• Cordarone (amiodarone)
• Imitrex (sumatriptan)

• Stable vision for the past 6 months
• Eyes free from complicating injuries and diseases
• No history of ocular herpes simplex or herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• Nearsightedness between -1.00 and -12.00 diopters with no more than -4.00 diopters of astigmatism.
• Farsightedness between +1.00 diopter and +6.00 siopters along with as much as 1.00 diopter of astigmatism.

Can you guarantee 20/20 vision from LASIK?

No. We cannot absolutely guarantee a certain result from the surgery. Most patients achieve 20/40 or better uncorrected vision. Persons with lower degrees of correction have a higher rate of obtaining 20/20 uncorrected than do those with larger amounts of correction. Although vision without glasses is generally improved for all eyes, some still need glasses or contact lenses for some tasks after laser vision correction. Vision usually improves within twenty-four hours of LASIK. LASIK does not eliminate the need for reading glasses. You may need reading glasses after surgery even if you did not wear them before. Discuss this with your ophthalmologist.

How successful has laser vision correction been?

More than 1,000,000 people have had their vision corrected successfully with excimer lasers around the world. While we cannot promise perfect 20/20 vision for everyone, studies indicate that almost all patients had improvement in their nearsightedness. Among nearsighted patients, more than 94% of patients were corrected to 20/40 or better, which is sufficient to pass a driver's license test without corrective lens restrictions.

What are some risks and side effects of LASIK?

• Irregular astigmatism, resulting in a decrease in best corrected vision
• Glare
• Halo effects from bright lights at night
• Loss of contrast sensitivity
• Dry eyes
• Corneal haze
• Over-correction
• Under-correction
• Inability to wear contact lenses
• Loss of corneal cap, requiring a corneal graft
• Corneal scarring, infection, and loss of vision

Is the procedure painful?

Anesthetic eyedrops are used to eliminate any pain sensation during LASIK. A pressure sensation may be felt, but not pain. Dryness, mild burning, and sensitivity to light may be experience during the first few post-operative days.

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Call if you would like to arrange a consultation with a certified LASIK surgeon: 329-0286.