LASIK Surgery What to Expect with LASIK

Refractive surgery procedures have been performed to correct vission problems (like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) since the early 1970s. With the advent of the laser for refractive surgery (photo-refractive keratectomy or PRK), a new era in eye care started to unfold! The excimer laser procedure combined with the creation of a corneal flap (Lamellar Keratoplasty or LK) is an excellent technique for reshaping the surface of the cornea to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. The combination of both procedures, Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) offers the accuracy of refractive lasers with the benefits of the LK procedure's speedy recovery. A staff member will pre-screen you as a candidate for laser vision correction. Next you will meet with Dr. Rice or Dr. Wasserstrom for an ophthalmologist's examination for LASIK. Dr. Rice or Dr. Wasserstrom will discuss aspects of the procedure that are specific to your vision, what you will need to do during and after the procedure. After the doctor has confirmed that you qualify for LASIK, the procedure is fairly straightforward. With laser vision procedures, qualified eye specialists program the computer-controlled laser to remove very fine layers of tissue from the cornea to change its shape and improve its focusing capability. The procedure itself is completely painless, only requiring an "eye drop" anesthetic to numb the eye for painless surgery, and usualy only takes 15 minutes per eye. LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis but you will need to bring a companion to drive you home. As the covering on the eye heals over the next few hours, some patients experience mild discomfort when blinking. Medicated eye drops are used for discomfort or scratchiness, to prevent infection and to promote healing, and an eye patch may be placed on the eye for temporary protection and to keep the patient from rubbing the eyes during sleep. After the LASIK prodedure, you will be scheduled to visit your eye physician for a post-operative examination within 24 hours of your surgery. The majority of patients are able to pass a driver's license test withglasses or contacts. Most patients report an immediate improvement of vision within the first day. Contact us to set up a free appointment to see if you quality for LASIK. <-- Back To LASIK Main Page