LASIK (Laser In-situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery is a common type of refractive surgery, that is vision correction surgery, in which the cornea of the eye is reshaped in order to allow light to be focused properly onto the retina in the back of the eye. By reshaping the cornea during surgery, the eye function is improved and the need for prescription eyewear is drastically reduced or eliminated. Contact our eye doctors to learn more about LASIK.
LASIK Eye Surgery Outpatient Procedure
LASIK eye surgery is done to correct nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism (blurry vision), and farsightedness (hyperopia).
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- One can see close-up objects clearly, but distant objects are blurry.
- Eye surgery corrects nearsighted vision (myopia) by increasing the corneal curvature.
Astigmatism (Blurry Vision)
- One has blurry vision at all distances,
- Eye surgery surgery corrects the imperfection in the curvature of the surface of your eye or the lens.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
- One can see distant objects clearly, but objects close-up are blurry.
- Eye surgery corrects farsighted vision (hyperopia) by flattening the cornea.
Presbyopia (Age Related Farsightedness)
- Presbyopia is an eye disorder associated with aging in which the eye progressively loses ability to focus on near objects due to the natural hardening of the eye’s lens.
- Presbyopia begins in your 40s and signs of presbyopia include straining of your eyes to see in dim light, small print and small objects.
- LASIK is not used for presbyopia.
Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery
The main benefit of LASIK eye surgery is having your vision greatly improved. Approximately 96% of patients who undergo surgery report that they experienced the vision they were desiring from the procedure. Additional benefits of LASIK eye surgery are:
- Fast, almost immediate, results
- Less dependence on eyewear
- Little discomfort
- No stitches or bandages
- Safe and effective
- Short recovery time
LASIK Eye Surgery Procedure
During eye surgery, you will be sitting in a comfortable surgical chair that reclines to allow you to relax and your doctor to access your eyes easily.
- Topical anesthetic or numbing eye drops will be placed in your eyes and your eyelids will be propped open with a special instrument (lid speculum).
- A thin flap is cut in the cornea, and your vision will be blurry for a few minutes.
- Your doctor reshapes the cornea with a laser. The doctors at Fort Worth Eye Associates utilize a computer-controlled FDA-approved VISX Star 4 excimer laser when performing this surgery. During the reshaping of the cornea, you may feel mild pressure, but the procedure is not painful.
- Once the cornea shape has been corrected, the corneal flap is repositioned and the cornea begins to heal.
- The surgery procedure takes only about 10-15 minutes, with your entire doctor visit typically being less than 2 hours, including preparation and reexamination of your eyes after surgery. Your doctor will give you detailed postoperative instructions to follow, and you will need to have someone drive you home after your eye surgery.
Recovery from LASIK Eye Surgery
Recovery from LASIK eye surgery will take a relatively short amount of time. Most patients enjoy noticeably improved vision within 24 hours, although your vision should continue to sharpen for up to a few weeks. You may experience dry or red eyes or blurry vision during the first day, which is normal. You will be given eye drops to help expedite the healing process.
Your doctor will evaluate your progress at your first follow-up appointment, which will be shortly after your procedure (usually 2-3 days). Occasional check-ups are recommended during the first 6 months after your LASIK to ensure that your surgery continues to be successful or to determine if any adjustments are needed.
LASIK Eye Surgery Risks
While LASIK eye surgery is considered to be an extremely safe and effective vision correction procedure, as with any surgery, some risk is involved. In rare cases, problems can occur during the procedure which can affect vision permanently or cause “best vision” (the highest vision achieved with corrective eyewear) loss. Other rare side effects can include:
- Vision fluctuation
- Dry eyes
- Night vision difficulty
- Problems with glare or halos
Choosing an experienced LASIK surgeon will lessen the risk of complications during eye surgery. At Fort Worth Eye Associates, we offer eye surgery performed by highly skilled professional ophthalmologists trained in the latest advancements in LASIK technology.
Requirements for LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery has helped millions of people achieve clear vision, however, not everyone who wears glasses or contact lenses is a good candidate for the procedure. At Fort Worth Eye Associates, we recommend eye surgery for our patients who fully meet LASIK qualifications. Candidates for undergoing LASIK include patients who:
- Are 21 years old or older
- Are farsighted, nearsighted, or have astigmatism
If you meet the basic qualifications, your doctor will review your eye health history and administer some additional tests to further determine if LASIK is your best vision solution. The evaluation will include:
- Measuring corneal thickness and pupil size
- Dry eye test
- Retinal examination by dilating the eyes
- Review of your eyewear prescription
Once your doctor determines that LASIK surgery is a good choice of vision correction for you, your procedure can be scheduled.
Financing
Please visit Care Credit for LASIK Eye Surgery financing options.
To find out if LASIK eye surgery is right for your vision needs, contact our office for a complimentary consultation. Please call our Fort Worth office at 817-732-5593