Adelson Eye - LASIK Laser Vision Correction

LASIK, or Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis, offers a number of benefits over other forms of laser vision correction because it is performed under a protective layer of corneal tissue. As a result, there is less risk of corneal haze, less postoperative discomfort, less post-operative need for medications, and vision returns more rapidly, often within a few days or so. LASIK can also treat a higher range of vision errors. Although postoperative results vary, most patients are able to pass a drivers' license test without their glasses or contacts.

Refractive Errors and The LASIK Procedure

After your eye has been completely numbed using "eye drop" anesthesia, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to prevent you from blinking.

Next, and instrument known as a microkeratome makes a protective flap in the cornea. During this process you may feel a little pressure, but no discomfort. You will be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes the cornea, usually in less than a minute.

LASIK Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness occurs when the cornea is too curved or the eye is too long. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision.

To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea.

LASIK Farsightedness

Farsightedness occurs when the cornea is too flat in relation to the length of the eye, causing light to focus at a point beyond the retina, cuasing blurry vision up-close.

To treat farsightedness, the central cornea must be made steeper by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area.

LASIK Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is curved in one direction more than another. This causes light to focus on more than one point on the retina, resulting in blurry and distorted vision.

To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical by removing tissue in one direction more than the other.

Once the procedure has been completed, the protective flap is gently folded back into place where it bonds securely without the need for stitches.

After LASIK, some patients report a slight discomfort that usually goes away within 12 to 24 hours.

The Ideal LASIK Candidate

In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK is over 18 years of age and has healthy corneas. Candidates must not have had a significant increase in their prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or woman who are pregnant may not be good candidates for LASIK.

Realistic Expectations

The decision to have LASIK is an important one that, ultimately, only you can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not always create 20/20 vision, and it cannot correct presbyopia, or aging of the eye. This normally occurs around the age of 40 and may require the use of reading glasses. In fact, people over 40 who have their distance vision improved with LASIK may find the need for reading glasses after the procedure. Dr. Adelson will be happy to provide you with additional information that will allow you to make an informed decision.