Choosing LASIK is about more than improving one's vision and the convenience of freedom from eyeglasses or contact lenses. It is a meaningful step towards improving one's overall quality of life and making it easier to participate in all activities.
What is LASIK?
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Similar to the way eyeglasses or contact lenses bend light to correct a refractive error and better focus it on the lens and the retina, LASIK reshapes the cornea to accomplish the same thing.
Since its introduction a few decades ago, laser vision correction has rapidly evolved into an appealing and highly successful outpatient procedure that can reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses. With LASIK and other refractive surgeries, our eye doctors can correct many refractive errors involving nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
About the procedure
Before a LASIK procedure, we perform a comprehensive workup to map a patient's corneas, determine visual acuity, and assess other parameters. We also checked for the presence of any diseases or conditions that would contraindicate refractive surgery.
Typically, the procedure is relatively quick. Once a tiny corneal flap is raised, laser light pulses are applied to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. Depending on the amount of correction needed, laser correction for each eye can be completed in just a few minutes, and the corneal flap folded back into place.
Most people achieve 20/20 vision or clarity very close to that after LASIK eye surgery. However, since everyone heals differently, outcomes can vary. Our doctors will closely monitor the post-operative results and recommend any follow-up care as needed.
Other refractive surgeries
While LASIK is by far the most popular and widely performed refractive surgery, other types of refractive surgeries are available.
As skilled and experienced specialists, our doctors will determine whether you are a candidate for LASIK, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), RK (radial keratotomy), AK astigmatic keratotomy, ALK (automated lamellar keratoplasty), LTK (laser thermal keratoplasty), CK (conductive keratoplasty), Intacs (intracorneal rings), or other procedure to improve your vision.
