| What is LASIK surgery? |
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LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Our doctors are experts in the co-management of LASIK procedures and our office is equipped with all of the newest and most advanced technology to ensure exceptional LASIK results.
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. LASIK is performed by one of two methods using either a mechanical microkeratome (a blade device) or a laser keratome (a laser device) to cut a flap in the cornea. The flap is pulled back revealing the inner surface of the cornea called the stroma. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize portions of the stroma to correct your prescription. The flap is then replaced and lays down nicely like a band-aid over the treated stroma.
There are other techniques and many new terms related to LASIK that you may hear about. The following are a list of some of the types of LASIK surgeries that are available today: |
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Traditional Microkeratome LASIK
In tradition LASIK surgery, a special blade cutting device called a microkeratome is used to create a flap of the superficial cornea. This flap is then pulled back to reveal the inner surface of the cornea referred to as the stroma. An excimer laser is used to vaporize areas of the stroma to correct your vision and the flap is then replaced and acts as a band-aid over the treated stroma. The illustration to the right is a depiction of traditional microkeratome LASIK surgery. The flap is made in step
two using the microkeratome. It is then pulled back in step four. The area is treated with the excimer laser in step five and then the flap is replaced over the treated zone in steps six, seven, and eight. |
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Bladeless, Blade-Free, or All-Laser LASIK |
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In bladeless or blade-free LASIK a laser is used in the place of the traditional microkeratome blade cutting device hence the term “bladeless.” Many patients feel more comfortable with this type of LASIK because no blade is used in this process. The results obtained with both microkeratome and bladeless LASIK are equally exceptional and your eye care physician will help explain which procedure is best for you. |
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Bladeless, Blade-Free, or All-Laser LASIK |
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In bladeless or blade-free LASIK a laser is used in the place of the traditional microkeratome blade cutting device hence the term “bladeless.” Many patients feel more comfortable with this type of LASIK because no blade is used in this process. The results obtained with both microkeratome and bladeless LASIK are equally exceptional and your eye care physician will help explain which procedure is best for you. |
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Wavefront LASIK |
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This type of LASIK is also referred to as wavefront-guided, wavefront-assisted, or custom LASIK. Wavefront LASIK incorporates ultra-modern analysis, known as wavefront, to precisely measure how light travels through your eye. Excimer lasers with built-in wavefront analysis detect and automatically adjust for subtle vision errors during surgery. Wavefront LASIK has been shown to reduce the risk of nighttime glare after surgery. |
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| Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK? |
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Our Doctors are specialists in determining your candidacy for LASIK surgery and your candidacy examination is free of charge. There are several additional tests that are performed for a LASIK candidacy examination that are not included in your yearly eye health check up. Once this testing has been completed, our Doctor’s will review your results and determine which LASIK surgery is the best choice for you. |
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| When is LASIK not for me? |
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You may not be a good candidate for LASIK if any of the following apply: |
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- Your prescription has not been stable at your last few eye examinations
- You have a disease that affects the healing process such as uncontrolled diabetes
- You are not 18 years of age, current lasers are not approved for use on children under 18
- Special consideration should also be taken in patients with the following
- Glaucoma
- Chronic eye diseases such as uveitis or Keratoconus
- Eye injuries
- Large pupils
- Thin corneas
- Previous refractive surgery
- Dry Eye Syndrome
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Your eye care physician will determine on a case by case basis whether you are a candidate for LASIK surgery should you have a history of the above mentioned conditions. |
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| What are the risk factors and complications involved with LASIK surgery? |
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- Halos, glare, and possible doubling of vision that may affect nighttime vision
- Under or over treatment-you may require additional “enhancement” treatments to achieve better vision following surgery however these enhancements do not guarantee perfect 20/20 vision
- Development of significant dry eye symptoms
- In very rare cases, some patient may lose lines of vision on the vision chart that cannot be corrected with glasses, contacts, or further surgery
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