LASIK
What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most common forms of laser vision correction (LVC). This procedure use the excimer laser to reshape the corneal curvature.
Reshaping the corneal surface allows the light to properly focus on the retina (as with glasses and contacts), providing clear vision. Laser eye surgery is becoming increasingly popular as people discover how much it can change their lives.
Is LASIK right for me?
If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate for LASIK.
- Are you nearsighted, farsighted, or do you have an astigmatism?
- Do you want to lessen your dependence on reading glasses or contact lenses?
- Are you having trouble with distance vision?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LASIK hurt?
Because the cornea is numbed with eye drop anesthesia, patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience some scratchiness or grittiness for a few hours following while others did not experience any discomfort at all. We ask everyone to go home and take a nap immediately after his or her LASIK procedure. For any discomfort that remains after your nap, Advil or Tylenol is usually sufficient.
When will I be able to see?
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision and have functional vision the very next day. Full visual results are typically reached within one to three weeks but individual results do vary.
When can I return to work, drive, and do my normal activities?
You can resume most normal activities such as driving, working or walking, the day after your procedure. Exercising and more vigorous activities can be resumed after the first week. For women, eye makeup cannot be worn for one week and they should purchase new mascara to avoid bacteria. Swimming or contact sports such as basketball or racquetball should be delayed for three weeks.
What’s the difference between PRK vs. LASIK?
PRK and LASIK are both eye procedures to reshape the cornea with the objective to produce clearer vision. In LASIK surgery, the surgeon creates a corneal flap in the first step of the procedure. However, with PRK, the surgeon instead removes the cornea’s outer membrane (called the epithelium). In both procedures the second step is performed in the same manner, with an excimer laser reshaping the cornea.
Why wouldn’t I qualify for LASIK?
Patients with thin corneas are typically better candidates for PRK. In fact, many patients choose PRK over LASIK in part to avoid potential problems associated with creating the corneal flap, especially those with hobbies like boxing and martial arts.
