LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK, laser eye surgery, corrective vision surgery, permanent corrective vision

What is LASIK?

LASIK corrective eye surgeryLASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is corrective laser eye surgery enabling better vision without having to rely on corrective lenses or glasses.

Are you a candidate for LASIK eye surgery?

  • Candidate must be at least 18 years old (to ensure proper eye development)
  • Vision must be stable for at least one year prior to surgery.
  • No eye infection or injury within the past year.
  • Candidate must not be affected by an autoimmune disorder
  • No history of herpes infections in the eye
  • No scarring may be present on the cornea to be considered for LASIK.
  • Candidate must understand the risks of LASIK surgery and have realistic expectations regarding the results that can be achieved.
  • Candidate may not be nursing or pregnant on the date of surgery.
  • Individuals with dry eye syndrome are not good LASIK candidates.
  • Individuals with pupils that dilate beyond seven millimeters in the dark are not good candidates for LASIK.

How is LASIK eye surgery performed?

A thin, circular flap is created with a laser in the cornea. The flap is folded back out of the way and some of the corneal tissue removed. The cornea is then reshaped with a laser, which provides more focused light into the eye and onto the retina, providing clearer vision. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed.

Who can benefit from LASIK?

Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from the LASIK procedure. With nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. LASIK lasers can also correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.

Is LASIK right for you?

In order to be a candidate for LASIK, you must first have a vision exam to determine your eye health, and to determine what type of corrective vision you need.

The LASIK procedure

Lasik is an ambulatory procedure; you walk into the surgery center, have the procedure and walk out again. The actual surgery usually takes less than five minutes, and you're awake the whole time. Most people don't feel pain during LASIK surgery. Your eyes are first anesthetized with special drops and the doctor may give you a mild oral sedative beforehand.

After LASIK surgery

With LASIK surgery, most people's vision improves right away, but some find that their vision gradually improves even more over the next few days or even weeks.

Better Vision with LASIK

Most people achieve 20/20 or better vision with LASIK. Some may achieve only 20/40.

Some patients may still need glasses or contact lenses following laser vision correction, though their prescription level typically will be much lower than before.

Even if you see perfectly after laser eye surgery, you may still need reading glasses or bifocal contact lenses once you hit your 40s. This is because of a condition called presbyopia, which begins to develop in most people when they're between the ages of 38 and 42. Your distance vision will probably remain crisp, but seeing up close will be more difficult.

Schedule your LASIK corrective vision surgery today with Lansdowne Med SpaSchedule a LASIK corrective eye surgery consultation with Lansdowne MedSpa

 Lasik performed in conjuction with Dulles Eye Associates