Laser Vision Correction
VILLAGE EYECARE partners with the Kraff Eye Institute to provide and co-manage laser vision correction treatment. Ask your eye doctor if lasik is right for you.
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
If a person has a refractive error, then light is not properly focusing on the retina in the back of the eye. People who have refractive errors may wish to consider LASIK as an alternative to wearing corrective lenses. LASIK is a surgical procedure that corrects refractive errors by changing the shape of the cornea, and thus the way the eye focuses light internally. This procedure delivers excellent results, with shorter recovery times compared to other procedures.
The goal of LASIK is to reduce or eliminate a person’s dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Although LASIK cannot guarantee 20/20 vision for every patient, it can significantly improve eyesight and generally reduce and in some cases eliminate the need for corrective lenses.
LASIK: Procedure Overview
LASIK surgery begins with you entering the laser room, and lying down in a relaxed position on the procedure bed. Next, anesthetic drops are applied to numb your eye. The surgeon will then position you properly under the laser machine. A painless lid-separating device, will keep you from having to worry about blinking or closing your eye during the procedure.
Next, your doctor will use an advanced automated device to create a thin flap of tissue on the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. Your doctor will then gently lift this flap and hinge it back, out of the way. You’ll be asked to fixate on a blinking, fuzzy red light, and your doctor will precisely align the laser beam with your eye.
When everything is just right, your doctor will activate the laser. Painlessly, computer-controlled laser light pulses will remove microscopic amounts of tissue, gently re-shaping the cornea. The pattern of laser treatment is determined by a sophisticated program and based on the detailed measurements, that were taken during your pre-operative examination.
Before you know it your procedure is over, and the surgeon will gently reposition the flap, smooth it with a special medical sponge, and allow it to dry for a short time.
LASIK: Post-Op
After the LASIK procedure, you will rest for a bit, and typically you can return home soon after. It’s important to understand that after the surgery, you may feel a temporary burning or itching sensation in your eyes. You should also expect some blurry vision and haziness immediately after the procedure, however, your vision should improve by the next morning. Your eyesight should stabilize and continue to improve within a few days, although in rare cases it may take several weeks or longer. For most people, vision improves immediately, and you may be able to go to work the next day, but in most cases a few days of rest is necessary.
It is usually recommended to stay away from strenuous activities for at least a week. These activities may include heavy lifting, exercise, or tasks in dusty environments, which can traumatize the eye and affect healing. Generally, you will return to see your eye doctor or surgeon the day after surgery for a follow-up exam. As with any other surgery, always follow your doctor’s instructions, and take any medication prescribed.
It also is important to refrain from rubbing your eye, as there is a small chance of dislodging the corneal flap. In most cases, LASIK is pain-free and can be completed within minutes for both eyes. If you are ready to embrace vision without the need for glasses or contacts, consider LASIK today.