Today certain vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can be reduced or eliminated surgically. LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) offers a number of benefits over other forms of laser vision correction because it is performed under a protective layer of corneal tissue. As a result, there is less surface area to heal, less risk of scarring, less risk of corneal haze, less postoperative discomfort, less postoperative need for medications, and vision returns more rapidly, often within a day or so. LASIK can also treat a higher range of vision errors. Although postoperative results vary, most patients are able to pass a driver’s license test without their glasses or contact lenses.

What is your refractive error?

A refractive error is a defect in the way light passes through the eye. In normal vision, light enters the eye through the cornea and is focused at a single point on the retina at the back of the eye. With a refractive error, light rays do not refract (bend) properly to achieve a single focus point. Instead, light rays focus in front or behind the retina, or at two different points. Refractive errors usually result from a defect in the length of the eye or shape of the cornea.

What is nearsightedness? (Myopia)

In nearsightedness the cornea is often too steep and light rays focus in front of the retina. Near vision is clear and distant vision is blurry

What is farsightedness? (Hyperopia)

In farsightedness the cornea is often too flat and light rays focus behind the retina. Both near and distant vision are usually blurry.

What is astigmatism

With astigmatism the curve of the cornea is irregular and egg shaped, causing light rays to focus at multiple points and resulting in blurred or double vision at all distances.

What is presbyopia?

At birth, the focusing lens inside the eye is soft and flexible allowing it to change shape to focus on either near objects or distant objects. As we age, the lens gradually hardens, becoming resistant to changes in shape. About 35 to 45 years of age, the eye has increasing difficulty focusing. This loss of focusing ability, or presbyopia, results in blurred or distorted reading or near vision. Bifocals or reading glasses are used by people with presbyopia.

Are you a LASIK candidate?

You are a good candidate if...

• You are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism.
• Your eyes are in good health.
• Your vision is stable and you are at least 18 to 21 years of age.
• You are in good general health.
• Corrective lenses interfere with your occupation or the lifestyle you want to live.
• You are contact lens intolerant.
• Your occupation does not allow you to wear contact lenses.

Before the procedure

Thorough testing is performed before surgery to determine the amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism and the diameter, thickness, shape and health of the cornea. From this information a surgical treatment plan is developed to achieve the desired optical correction.

Your LASIK experience

LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis using an eye drop anesthetic to numb the eye for painless surgery. LASIK normally takes less than 30 minutes and the patient leaves shortly thereafter. Eye shields or goggles will be placed over the eye for temporary protection and to keep you from rubbing the eye in your sleep. Medication drops are used for pain relief, to prevent infection and promote healing. After LASIK, patients usually return to their normal lifestyle quickly with very few restrictions during the short healing period.

What results can I expect?

Laser vision correction surgery has corrected or improved the vision of millions of people. The goal of LASIK is to provide functional vision. Most patients will notice a significant difference in their vision on the day following the procedure. Approximately 80% of your visual recovery occurs within that first 2-3 days, with the last 20% improving over the next few weeks to months. Your outcome will depend on how you heal and on the amount of correction which was performed. Please remember that if you are wearing a bifocal or reading glasses, LASIK is designed to give you your distance vision and refractive surgery does not alleviate the need for reading glasses.

Refractive surgery is a choice you will make only after a complete medical eye examination and counseling on the benefits and risks of laser vision correction.

For more information on LASIK, visit www.visx.com.