Discover Lasik

Purpose
What if life were different for you? You awake each morning to the face of a loved one - without first reaching for your glasses. You can actually read the time on your bedside clock. You can see to drive without your glasses or contact lenses. You can work or play in windy, dusty conditions without discomfort from contact lenses. You feel confident in your activities, such as biking, camping, skiing, golfing, or splashing in the pool with your child.
All this and more is possible.

Steps to LASIK
A procedure called LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) can reshape the surface of your eye using a laser, so that images focus more clearly. The result is a dramatic improvement in your vision - and your lifestyles.



1. First, a thin layer of cornea is made with a microkeratome. The flap is lifted away but stays attached to the cornea by a hinge.

2. Then, the laser delivers energy pulses onto the newly exposed cornea. Each pulse removes a microscopic layer.

3. Finally, the corneal flap is put back into place. Stitches are not necessary.

The curve of the cornea is now changed, so light rays are focused more directly on the retina, and images are in better focus.

What to Expect?

Initial Consultation
A good candidate must be free of eye diseases and have stable vision for at least one year. All candidates must be at least 18 years of age.

Our board-certified ophthalmologists will examine your eyes to make sure LASIK or another laser vision correction procedure is right for you. Your refraction will be measured and your eyes will be dilated. They will also examine your cornea, take measurements of its shape (topography) and its thickness (pachymetry). A discussion about the risks and benefits of LASIK as well as the recommended surgical procedure will be discussed with you until you are confortable to proceed.

Surgical Day
The procedure is performed in the office using numbing eye drops. You may be given Valium to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. After the procedure, you will be escorted to the exam room to make sure the corneal flaps are aligned. Instructions will be given to ensure the proper care will be given to your eyes. The vision will be hazy and you will not be able to drive home, so you should arrange to have someone accompany you on surgery day.

Post Operative Care
You will be asked to return the next day for follow up. Most patients will be able to see well enough to drive themselves to the office, but vision may still fluctuate for several weeks after surgery. Please be careful when behind the wheel! Regular scheduled visits will be arranged to ensure that the healing is going as planned.