LASIK

For over 25 years, doctors made incisions in the cornea to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In the early 1980's they began using lasers to improve the precision and predictability of altering the shape of the cornea. Researchers found that the Excimer laser could remove tissue with up to 0.25 microns of accuracy.

Now, in its third decade of use, the technologically advanced Excimer laser has added tremendous precision, control and safety to the surgical correction of refractive errors. It can also treat a wider range of refractive errors. Using this remarkable technology, the cornea is reshaped to conform to the glasses or contact lens prescription, thereby reducing or eliminating a lifetime of dependence on corrective lenses.

With the introduction of the WaveScan® technology, the procedure is tailored more uniquely to the individual patient. Much like a fingerprint, no two eyes are exactly alike. WaveScan captures imperfections in the patient's vision and then produces a detailed and unique map of the eye. The digitized treatment information is then transferred to the VISX STAR S4™ IR Excimer Laser, which gently reshapes the cornea to remove microscopic amounts of tissue - less than the thickness of a human hair.

LASIK, or Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis, offers a number of benefits over other forms of laser vision correction because it is performed under a layer of protective corneal tissue. As a result, there is less surface area to heal, less risk of scarring or corneal haze, less postoperative discomfort and less need for medications. Vision clears more rapidly, often within a day or so.

Although postoperative results vary, most patients are able to pass a drivers license test without their glasses or contact lenses.

In order to get a better picture of what to expect, click here to watch a short video about the WaveFront LASIK process. To return to this page, simply use your browser's BACK button.

The LASIK Difference

After the eye has been completely anesthetized using eye drops, an eyelid holder is placed between the eyelids to prevent blinking. Next, an instrument known as a microkeratome makes a protective flap in the cornea. During this process the patient may feel a little pressure, but no discomfort. While the patient looks directly at a target light, the laser reshapes the cornea, usually in less than a minute. Then the protective flap is folded back into place, where it bonds securely without the need for stitches. After LASIK, some patients report slight discomfort that goes away within twelve to twenty-four hours.

Are You a Candidate for LASIK?

To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. To treat farsightedness, the central cornea must be made steeper. This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around the outer edge of the cornea. To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By changing the pattern of the beam, more tissue is removed in one direction than the other.

The Procedure

The Ideal Candidate

In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK is over 21 years of age, has healthy corneas, and has had no significant change in lens prescription in the last twelve months. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates for LASIK.

Realistic Expectations

The decision to have LASIK is one that ultimately only you can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, not misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. It cannot correct a condition known as presbyopia, which occurs around age 40 and causes the need for reading glasses. In fact, people over 40 who have their distance vision improved with LASIK may still need reading glasses after the procedure. Your doctor will provide additional information that will help you make an informed decision.

In the Blink of an Eye

It takes only seconds to treat a lifetime of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Find out if you are a candidate for this life changing procedure by calling Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Augusta P.C. to schedule a personal consultation. Should your vision fall within the range of correction for LASIK, more comprehensive tests will be performed to determine your specific needs.

LASIK Results at Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Augusta, P.C.

At Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Augusta P.C., LASIK surgery has proven to be very effective for our patients. Our refractive team has completed over 5187 refractive surgeries. Of that 5187, over 2800 of those refractive surgeries have been the LASIK procedure.

96% of our patients, either myopic or hyperopic, have 20/30 or better uncorrected vision after LASIK surgery.

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