Lasik Refractive Eye Surgery
LASIK is short for "laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis." It is the most
commonly performed refractive surgery procedure -- partly because of the relative lack of pain immediately afterward and partly because good vision is usually achieved by the very next day, if not before.
An instrument called a microkeratome is used in LASIK eye surgery to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea. The surgeon folds the flap back out of the way, then removes some corneal tissue underneath using an excimer laser. The laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove ("ablate") very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea to reshape it. When you reshape the cornea in the right way, it works better to focus light into the eye and onto the retina, providing clearer vision than before. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from LASIK surgery. With nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. Also, excimer lasers can correct astigmatism, by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
Answers to Common LASIK Questions
Can you guarantee 20/20 vision after laser eye surgery?
With any form of surgery there are no guarantees. All patients undergoing the LASIK procedure are required to view our LASIK video, which outlines the inherent risks of the procedure. You will be given the opportunity to closely review and sign our consent for surgery document. This form outlines the risks, benefits and alternatives to LASIK. Presently 98% of our patients are able to drive an automobile without glasses or contact lenses after successful LASIK treatment. Complications are uncommon and rare. In fact, the complication rate is lower than most other common eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery. We take pride in providing thorough information to assist in making an informed decision.
Does insurance cover the cost of LASIK?
Most insurance companies do not cover the fees associated with LASIK. however, more and more companies are beginning to understand the importance of this procedure and the impact it has on their employees' quality of life both at work and at home. Regardless, it is the patient's responsibility to handle all the communication with insurance companies and file insurance as it related to LASIK. The vast majority of insurance companies still consider LASIK a cosmetic procedure; therefore, full payment from the patient is due at the time of the procedure regardless of insurance. We so not accept assignment from insurance companies and we do not accept insurance companies guarantee of payment.
What is a excimer and how does it work?
With unparalleled precision, the excimer laser is a computer assisted instrument that uses ultraviolet or cool light to remove 39 millionths of an inch of tissue in 12 billions of a second. This allows the laser to be used to reshape the cornea with exact precision and detail.
Should I be out of my contact lenses prior to my pre-surgery LASIK evaluation?
ABSOLUTELY!
* Daily soft contact lenses MUST be removed 10 days prior to the initial evaluation and 10 days prior to surgery.
* Extended wear soft contact lenses MUST be removed 21 days prior to the initial evaluation and 21 days prior to surgery.
* Hard contact lenses or rigid gas perm contact lenses must be removed at least one month prior to the initial evaluation and one month prior to surgery.
What can I expect at my pre-operative examination?
A comprehensive ocular examination will be performed that includes a through eye health evaluation, corneal analysis, refractive state determination, dilated evaluation, and cycoplegic refraction. Plan on spending at least 2+ hours at the doctor's office for the pre-operative examination. If you are deemed a candidate for LASIK, a laser center appointment and surgical date will be given. Your eyes will be dilated at the pre-surgical evaluation, so please have a driver available.
Glasses or contact lenses after laser vision correction (LASIK)?
In order to achieve the best vision AFTER laser vision correction, glasses or contact lenses may be required. The goal of LASIK is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses and the procedure may, in certain circumstances, even completely eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
What happens on the day of my laser treatment (LASIK)?
Expect to spend several hours at the laser center on the day of your treatment. Avoid any form of planned task, meetings, or responsibilities on your surgical date. Please have an acquaintance accompany you and DO NOT BE IN A RUSH!!!
Please arrive at your scheduled time. A technician will check your vision, perform a computerized corneal map, measure the corneal thickness and check your eye pressure. Next, we will examine your corneas and confirm the accuracy of the data. You will be escorted to the laser center and prepared for the laser treatment. Please dress warm and comfortable because the temperature in the laser suite is roughly 62 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid perfumes, colognes, facial lotions, makeup and any cosmetic formulations.
LASIK surgery on both eyes usually takes 12 to 15 minutes and family members are welcome to observe the LASIK procedure in the family viewing area. After the procedure is completed, the surgical ophthalmologist will look at your corneas through the microscope and give final after treatment instructions. You will be instructed to go home and sleep/relax for several hours following the procedure. Protective goggles will be worn until you are evaluated the next day following your treatment. Protective goggles need to be worn while sleeping or napping for a minimum of 2 weeks.
How often am I seen for after surgery care?
Typically, we will evaluate your eyes the next day after LASIK treatment. If your condition is stable, the routine visits occur at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months respectively.
Enhancements (often called "fine tuning"):
If your surgery does not produce 20/40 or better vision, you may be a candidate for an enhancement. Routinely, there is no "cutting" with an enhancement. The microscopic flap is lifted and laser surgery is applied to the surface of the eye. In certain cases, an enhancement may be preformed AFTER the eye becomes stable from the initial laser treatment. This may be as soon as a few weeks or as great as 6 months or longer after treatment.
What is refloat?
Following your laser eye treatment, it may be necessary to lift the flap end rinse the eye with sterile water. This is NOT a complication and you should NOT be alarmed if we decide to "refloat the flap". This simple maneuver assists in obtaining the best possible visual outcome.
Can I go in a tanning bed after the procedure?
Yes, but we recommend wearing protective eye goggles and covering your face with a towel while tanning for at least 2 weeks after LASIK.
How about swimming, scuba diving, hot tubs, Jacuzzis?
None of the above activities are allowed for two weeks following your laser treatment.
How about makeup, eyeliner, blush, and other forms of make up?
Absolutely avoid all forms of eye makeup including eyeliner for a minimum of two weeks following treatment. Mascara brushes can cause severe infectious disease if used improperly. Other facial makeup is tolerated as long as the eyes are not involved.
Dry eye syndrome and contact lens intolerance?
If you have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome or a poor tear film, which results in contact lens related problems, you're a great candidate for punctual plugs prior to LASIK treatment. This simple in-office procedure performed by your local eye doctor will allow tears to stay on the surface of the eye rather than being drained away. For several weeks to months after LASIK surgery your eyes will be dry and tear production reduced. Thus, implantation of punctal plugs sometimes are needed to improve your overall comfort and lessen your dependence on artificial tears after LASIK treatment.
Dry eye syndrome is a medical condition and the majority of medical insurances typically cover costs associated with treating this problem. Check with your eye doctor to see if you're a good candidate for punctal plugs prior to LASIK. The cost associated with punctal plugs are NOT included in the total package price for LASIK.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
Your doctor can tell you if you're a candidate for Laser Vision Correction. But in addition to medical factors, the decision should be based on your lifestyle and how you feel about various vision correction options. This short self-test will help you to identify and explore some of these considerations.
* Are you ever bothered by your glasses or contacts?
* Do you ever go anywhere without your glasses or contacts?
* If you lost your glasses or contacts and didn't have a spare pair with you, would you be frightened?
* Have you ever had problems with wearing contact lenses?
* Do you like the way you look in glasses?
* Do you consider your glasses to be part of your personality?
* Would you like it if when you wake up, you could immediately see clearly?
* Do glasses or contacts ever bother you when participating in sports or hobbies?
* Are you unable to wear contact lenses?
If you think that LASIK may be for you, please contact one of our clinics and let us help you see better. 1-800-421-1889
Special financial credit card entity available for Lasik Surgery.
Helpful Links:
FDA Lasik Eye Surgery Information
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