LASIK Surgery

What is LASIK surgery?

LASIK, or laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a type of refractive eye surgery commonly used to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. This innovative procedure improves vision and can serve as an alternative to eyeglasses and contact lenses.

What makes LASIK unique is that the results are nearly immediate. Many patients report seeing more clearly within just a couple of days after their procedure. The Eye Surgeons Associates team can even “touch up” your LASIK results as you age to keep your vision as fresh as possible through the years.

What conditions does LASIK surgery treat?

LASIK is typically used to treat three major eye conditions:

Nearsightedness

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when your cornea has a sharp curve, or when your eyeball is longer than it should be. While you may see close objects clearly, anything in the distance likely seems foggy and blurred.

Farsightedness

Also called hyperopia, happens when your cornea is too flat, or your eyeball is shorter than average. This means objects in the distance are easy to see, but anything up close can be a blur.

Astigmatism

An astigmatism occurs when your cornea is irregularly shaped, causing blurred vision and distortion at any distance.

How is LASIK surgery performed?

Your Eye Surgeons Associates provider performs a thorough eye exam before the surgery to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for LASIK. Once you’ve completed the exam, the team can schedule you for a surgical appointment.

It’s important to avoid wearing eye makeup, creams, or serums on the day before and on the day of your procedure. You also need to schedule a ride to and from the procedure, as you will be tired and groggy from the sedation medication that your provider gives you to relax.

After placing numbing eye drops in your eyes, your doctor uses a special instrument to hold your eyes open throughout the procedure. They then use a suction ring in your eye and carefully make an incision in the corneal flap.

Next, your doctor uses a laser to cut a small flap away from your eye, allowing them to reshape your cornea with the laser. Finally, your doctor smoothes the flap back in place without stitches.

During the surgery, which typically takes no more than 30 minutes, your doctor will ask you to focus on a point of light to keep your eyes fixed while they reshape your cornea.

LASIK surgery is an excellent option if you’re a healthy individual who’s tired of wearing glasses and contacts. For more information, call the team at Eye Surgeons Associates or book an appointment online.