If you have questions about LASIK and what it involves, there are answers available you should know. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about LASIK eye surgery.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a surgical vision correction procedure that utilizes a beam of light to gently reshape the cornea, which is the surface of the eye to correct vision that would usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue to flatten the cornea for the correction of myopia or nearsightedness. For the correction of hyperopia or farsightedness the laser is used make the cornea steeper. For the correction of astigmatism the laser is used to smooth out irregularities in the cornea.
The use of a laser to reshape the cornea makes the eye focus on images better for sharper vision. LASIK is just one of the laser vision correction procedures available to create these changes in the eye and vision.
Is LASIK safe?
The FDA has approved LASIK and the FDA recognizes LASIK to be a proven, safe, and effective procedure for correcting eye anomalies. The laser used in the vision correction procedure is a cool [not thermal] beam of light that is computer controlled, and can be turned on and off by the surgeon. There are numerous safeguards in place to reduce the risk of error. There are some risks however, associated with the surgical procedure.
Studies suggest that minor difficulties such as dry eyes and nighttime glare is around 3 to 5 percent. The risk of the serious nature, such as loss of vision is thought to be less than 1 percent. To date there are no know cases of blindness caused by LASIK.
Can I have the procedure performed on both eyes at the same time?
The majority of
LASIK eye surgeons perform the procedure on both eyes at the same time
Does laser vision correction hurt?
Your surgeon will place anesthetic drops into your eyes, which will prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure. Following the procedure the surgeon my prescribe medication if you should feel any pain or discomfort associated with the procedure. A number of LASIK patients have stated there was nothing more than mild discomfort for a day or so. Many times there is an itchy feeling, as if sand were in the eye.
How long does the LASIK surgery last?
The laser treatment takes less than a minute, while the entire process takes around 15 minutes per eye.
To learn more about LASIK as well as
PRK,
CK (conductive keratoplasty),
glaucoma treatment, and
cataract surgery, it is important to visit our
laser vision correction office near Tacoma and Gig Harbor.