The LASIK Procedure
One of the most popular vision correction procedures today, LASIK (or Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism for a wide range of patients. LASIK corrects your vision by reshaping the cornea to focus light more precisely on the retina. With the expertise of our staff and the advanced technology of iLASIK, you can reduce, and possibly eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Three Steps to Great Vision:
Creating the flap with IntraLase® technology
In the first step of your all-laser LASIK procedure, we use a computer-driven laser to create your customized corneal flap. IntraLase technology makes this first step in the LASIK process safer, more precise and truly customized to your eyes like never before.
Reshaping the cornea with VISX Star S4® with Iris Registration
In the next step of the procedure, your cornea is gently reshaped with a beam of light using the state-of-the-art VISX Star S4 laser with Iris Registration. Tiny imperfections in your eyes are identified, measured and corrected allowing images to be more sharply focused by the retina.
Lay the flap in place and start enjoying new vision
In the final step of your LASIK procedure, the doctor gently lays the corneal flap back in place and the procedure is complete. The healing process begins almost instantly and many patients report seeing results right away.
Am I a LASIK Candidate?
Today, advancements in laser vision correction technology have opened the door for patients who were previously not strong candidates for LASIK. However, candidacy must be determined by your individual vision needs and circumstances. Like a fingerprint, your eyes are unique. We’ve designed our complimentary LASIK evaluation to best determine if LASIK is right for you. After a thorough diagnostic evaluation, our board certified refractive surgeons will discuss with you what your options are and help you make the right choice for your eyes.
LASIK candidates must:
- be above age 21
- have had no prior eye surgery
- have had a stable prescription for two years
- have no signs of cataracts or glaucoma
- have healthy eyes (no scarring, disease or other health conditions)
What can I expect after LASIK?
Many patients say LASIK is one of the most important and BEST – decisions they have ever made so choosing the right surgeon is key. When selecting a LASIK surgeon it is important to choose one that can advise you of your vision needs, discuss what your options are and help you choose the best laser vision correction procedure for your eyes. In 98% of iLASIK cases, the visual outcome is 20/20 or better. Ultimately, our goal for your LASIK procedure is to reduce, or eliminate, your dependence on contact lenses and glasses.
However, LASIK is a surgical procedure and there are still some risks involved. It is important to know that LASIK does not always result in perfect 20/20 vision. Be sure that the doctor you choose for your procedure addresses your specific questions and concerns accurately, has experience you can trust, is thorough in the assessment of your vision needs and uses the best technology for your procedure.
What are the risks associated with LASIK?
It is essential that patients are well educated on the both the potential risks and benefits of the LASIK procedure. At your complimentary LASIK evaluation, you will have an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, learn what risks might be associated with the procedure given your specific vision needs and discuss any concerns with your surgeon. As your eyes are unique, so is our approach to your eye care. Your LASIK evaluation is the best way to determine what your vision needs are and if the procedure is right for you.
