LASIK Procedure is the common name for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and is often referred to as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction. This procedure is a form of refractive surgery. Ophthalmologists who undertake LASIK use a laser or microkeratome to reshape the eye’s cornea to enable light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer, improved vision.
Who Should Consider LASIK Procedure?
If you are short sighted, far sighted or have astigmatism you should consider undergoing LASIK treatment. Patients with myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism can benefit from this tremendously. LASIK procedures are the most common surgical treatment for these sight defects.
How Do They Work?
For nearsighted people, LASIK aims to flatten the cornea. With farsighted people, a steeper cornea is created using a LASIK procedure. It can also correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
What Happens Before Treatment?
Your ophthalmologist or eye specialist will undertake a thorough eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy and suitable for treatment. This examination will evaluate the following: the thickness and shape of your corneas, pupil sizes, refractive errors and any other relevant eye conditions.
Your eye moisture levels will also be evaluated and treatment may be recommended to reduce the risk of developing dry eyes after treatment. Before your procedure it is normal for the doctor to use a corneal topographer to create a corneal map and measure the curvature of the front surface of your eye. You also are likely to undergo analysis that sends light waves through the eye to provide an even more precise map of aberrations affecting your vision.
What happens during the LASIK Procedure?
When performing the treatment your surgeon begins by creating a thin, circular “flap” in the cornea. In the second stage of the procedure this flap is then held back to allow access to the underlying cornea for removal of some corneal tissue using a computer controlled laser.
LASIK procedures use a specialized laser that produces a cool ultraviolet light beam to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to reshape it, refocusing light entering the eye for improved vision. After LASIK treatment the flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. Then the cornea acts like a natural bandage and is allowed to heal naturally.
What are the long-term results of LASIK Procedure?
LASIK Procedures can dramatically improve your quality of life. Most patients that undergo this procedure achieve 20/20 vision or better after the surgery. You may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses following the procedure, though your prescription level typically will be much lower than before.
While the LASIK procedure has an excellent safety profile, minor post-operative complications can occur and it is important that you discuss all facets of this with your doctor prior to consenting. However, you should not experience any complications.
Dr. Hakimzadeh, is a leading Rochester Hills eye doctor who has successfully treated many LASIK patients as well as cataract surgery patients. Her expertise and experience as well as the best technologies ensure patient safety and satisfaction.
