813-265-6940 |
|
|
|
www.citysearch.com |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Download our newsletter here |
 |
 |
|
|
|
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)LASIK (Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is an elective eye "re-shaping" surgical procedure used to improve the refractive state of the eye and decrease the dependency on contact lenses or glasses. It is used on nearsighted, farsighted and astigmatic eyes. LASIK surgery typically results in rapid recovery of vision. It is the most commonly performed refractive eye surgery.The Procedure Potential LASIK candidates will receive a complete and thorough eye exam. Very careful refraction tests will be performed to determine the precise refractive error of the operative eye. In order to rule out possible irregular corneal defects, a detailed surface map of the cornea will be performed. Prior to the surgery, an Excimer laser instrument is customized and pre-programmed to treat the specific refractive error of the patient. During the LASIK procedure, anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb the eyeball and corneal surface. The patient should experience no discomfort. An instrument called a speculum is placed on the eyelids to prevent blinking and eye movement. A ring will be placed on the eye to hold it steady. A thin surface flap of the cornea is made using a microkeratome -- a precision surgical blade. The flap is lifted like a hinged door exposing the underlying corneal tissue.  The surgeon then
applies the Excimer laser beam to the exposed corneal
layer. This laser "ablation", which usually
takes less than one minute, removes targeted
inner-corneal tissue, reshaping its surface and giving
it a more normal curvature. The thin, outer flap
is then replaced. The surgeon observes the eye
under a microscope for a few minutes to make sure the
flap is securely in its place. The speculum is
removed and the patient usually leaves the eye center
within an hour after surgery.Visual Results with LASIK Surgical results are often dramatic, with most patients noticing a very rapid increase in visual acuity. Same or next day improvements in vision are common. Vision usually continues to improve for3-4 weeks as the cornea heals. In some cases, it may take a few months to realize final visual acuity gains. The overwhelming majority of cases result in vision improvements good enough to eliminate distance glasses. Although technology continues to improve LASIK's success, it should be stated that not all patients can expect to see well without glasses or contact lenses postoperatively. Patients with large amounts of myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism should avoid expectations of "perfect" vision. LASIK Candidates LASIK is used to treat refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. LASIK candidates are those patients with moderate levels of refractive error. The candidate should be one who no longer wishes to wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is an elective procedure that carries, like any surgical procedure, a certain amount of risk and benefits. The patient should be counseled regarding outcome expectations and be willing to accept these the potential risks. Possible Complications The most common complications include
postoperative glare, halos or starbursts around lights
at night, corneal infection. Complications that
threaten the vision and eye itself are very rare.
Like LASIK,
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a corneal
"re-shaping" surgical procedure intended to reduce the
patients need for glasses or contact lenses. The PRK
procedure also employs an Excimer laser. PRK may be used
to treat myopia (nearsightedness),
hyperopia
(farsightedness), or
astigmatism. |
| HOME |
ABOUT BAEI |
CONTACT US |
TESTIMONIALS |
DR. BERGER |
PATIENT
EDUCATION | LINKS
| NEWS | SEARCH
| PRIVACY POLICY |
PATIENT FORMS Bay Area Eye Institute - 813.265.6940 LATISSE is a registered trademark of Allergan Inc.
|
