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 LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly.
During the procedure, a device called a microkeratome cuts a thin flap in the surface of the cornea. Patients are given anesthesia so they can't feel the instruments. Next, the flap is then lifted and an excimer laser beam reshapes the cornea's curvature to improve vision. The flap is then closed and covered with a protective contact lens.
The entire procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye, and patients are often ready to leave within an hour or two. The flap heals on its own within a few days with no need for stitches.
A common complaint after surgery is sensitivity to light, but this will subside. Antibiotic eye drops will be prescribed for a few days, along with any other post-operative instructions. Full recovery takes a few weeks.
When you come in for an evaluation, your eyes will be examined to determine whether LASIK or another refractive procedure is appropriate for you, and whether you are at risk for any complications.
The ideal LASIK candidate:
- Is over 18 years old;
- Has had stable vision for at least six months;
- Has a healthy cornea thick enough for a flap;
- Has refractive error(s) that fall within the treatable range;
- Does not have a disease or condition that could impair the procedure or healing process;
- Has been educated about the procedure including its risks and benefits.
- Understands that the goal of surgery is to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
 Custom LASIK, also known as wavefront LASIK, is quickly becoming the new standard in laser vision correction as it offers the most accurate, individualized results for each patient. This FDA-approved procedure uses three-dimensional measurements of the eye to help guide the laser as it reshapes the cornea and corrects your vision.
Custom LASIK lets patients benefit from a higher chance of achieving 20/20 vision, with many patients achieving vision that is better than 20/20, a feat often unachievable with traditional LASIK or glasses or contacts. Custom LASIK also reduces the risk of poor night vision and glare, side effects that are common with traditional LASIK.
During this procedure, a wavefront device transmits a ray of light into your eye that is received and arranged into a unique pattern to create a 3-D map of your eye, including both lower and higher order aberrations. This information is then transferred to the laser and applied to your eye's position, allowing your doctor to achieve customized vision correction for your individual needs.
 LASEK,or Laser Assisted Subepithelial Keratomileusis, is a modification of the LASIK procedure for patients with very thin or very steep corneas. First, the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is cut with a trephine. The trephine has a much finer blade than the microkeratome used in LASIK. Next, the eye is bathed in a special alcohol solution that loosens the edges of the epithelial flap. The flap is lifted so the central cornea may be exposed and treated with an excimer laser. After treatment, the flap is replaced and allowed to heal. A contact lens may be worn for a few days until recovery is complete.
More of the cornea is exposed for treatment with LASEK than with LASIK, making LASEK a better choice for patients who require greater vision correction. However, it also requires a longer recovery time.
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