LASIK Surgery:   Advanced Refractive Eye Surgery

Preparation is an important part of ensuring a smooth LASIK experience. Our refractive eye surgeon will guide you through several pre-surgical steps designed to maximize your safety and the effectiveness of the procedure:

• Contact Lens Cessation: If you currently wear contact lenses, you must stop wearing them for a set period before your evaluation. Soft lenses typically require a one-week break, whereas hard or gas permeable lenses need to be discontinued for about two weeks.
• Eye Examination: A comprehensive evaluation will be performed, including tests like corneal topography, tomography, and pupil measurements. These tests provide a detailed map of your eye, ensuring that the laser can be programmed with high precision.
• Discussing Expectations and Lifestyle: During your consultation, our refractive eye surgeon will discuss your day-to-day needs and desired outcomes. Whether you participate in sports, drive frequently, or need crisp distance vision for your work, we tailor our approach to meet your expectations.
• Pre-Surgery Instructions: You may be advised to avoid certain eye makeup, lotions, or other products on the day before and the day of your surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
• Additionally, arranging transportation for the day of the surgery is recommended since your vision may be temporarily affected by sedative medications.

Taking these steps seriously allows our LASIK team to deliver an experience that is safe, comfortable, and results in the best possible visual outcomes. Never hesitate to call our office if you have any concerns or questions about your preparation; we are here to support you every step of the way.

While LASIK is one of the most well-known procedures for vision correction, it is part of a broader family of refractive surgeries. Alternatives such as Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), and implantable corrective lenses also offer solutions for common refractive errors. However, LASIK has remained the gold standard for many reasons:

• Broader Range of Correction: LASIK is effective for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, offering a versatile treatment option that suits a wide range of refractive errors.
• Quick Visual Recovery: LASIK patients typically experience significant improvements in their vision within the first 24 hours after surgery, allowing them to return to daily activities rapidly.
• Customized Treatments: With wavefront-guided and topography-guided LASIK options, our refractive eye surgeon can tailor the surgery to your unique corneal profile, ensuring precise vision correction.
• Long-Established Safety Record: LASIK has been performed for decades with proven safety and success rates, supported by thousands of research studies and clinical trials.

It’s essential to have an in-depth discussion with our refractive eye surgeon about the best vision correction option for your particular needs. They will assess your eye health, lifestyle, and personal vision goals to help determine whether LASIK is the ideal choice or if an alternative procedure might serve you better.

On the day of your LASIK procedure, our dedicated team ensures that you feel comfortable and informed from start to finish. Here’s a brief overview of your experience:

• Arrival and Preparation: Upon arriving at our state-of-the-art LASIK center, you will be greeted by friendly staff who will guide you through the check-in and pre-operative process. You’ll change into a surgical gown and settle into a comfortable environment.
• Pre-Surgery Medications: Numbing eye drops are administered to ensure you experience no pain during the procedure. A mild sedative may also be provided to help you relax. Our team will carefully secure your eyelids and ensure your eye remains still throughout the surgery with a speculum and suction ring.
• The Procedure: The LASIK process begins with the creation of a thin corneal flap using either a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome, followed by the excimer laser reshaping the cornea. You will be asked to focus on a small light, which helps guide the procedure as the laser delivers swift, accurate pulses to reshape your cornea.
• Post-Surgery Care: After the laser has done its work, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned, and you will be given a brief period to rest while our staff monitors your initial recovery. Protective shields may be placed over your eyes to minimize the risk of debris or accidental rubbing.

This carefully orchestrated process ensures that your LASIK procedure is as smooth, efficient, and comfortable as possible. Remember that our team is always available to address any questions you might have on the day of your surgery.