LASIK, an acronym for Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical vision procedure that corrects the refractive errors of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. LASIK uses the ultraviolet excimer laser, first approved for use in the United States in 1996, to reshape the cornea without any damage to adjacent tissues.
For anyone with a strong desire to reduce or eliminate their dependency on corrective lenses, LASIK is safe and effective. A good LASIK surgeon will screen you thoroughly to make sure you are a good candidate, and that is in your interests as well as his. If you are not eligible for LASIK, other vision correction procedures may be more suitable.
LASIK and Pain
“Does it hurt?” is a question LASIK surgeons frequently answer. The answer is that LASIK does not hurt. LASIK patients receive a topical anesthetic in the form of eye drops to thoroughly numb the eye. The patient feels no pain during the procedure. A sensation of pressure may be temporarily felt when the surgeon applies the vacuum ring to stabilize the eye during the procedure.
Many are fearful of the microkeratome blade, a precision surgical instrument used to create the corneal flap. After all, the idea of someone surgically altering our eyes is an uncomfortable concept for most. But the blade causes no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Many patients report a mild burning sensation for several hours after the procedure. This is not severe and is similar to how your eyes might feel after swimming in chlorinated water.
Immediately after the surgery is finished you would be escorted to a comfortable place to sit for a while and encouraged to keep your eyes closed. Your eye surgeon will check you again before giving permission for you to be driven home. Within a few hours or perhaps by the following morning you will be feeling normal and astounded at your new clear eyesight.
The Best LASIK Candidates
Is LASIK right for you? This can only be determined by a highly trained eye surgeon during a thorough vision evaluation.
The ideal candidate is over the age of 18 and has:
• A stable vision prescription for at least two years
• Sufficient corneal thickness (to safely create a flap of appropriate depth)
• Nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism
• No eye disease that could affect healing or surgery effectiveness
• A good understanding of the benefits and risks of LASIK
Over ninety percent of LASIK patients with average nearsightedness will enjoy 20/40 vision after surgery. More than fifty percent will achieve 20/20 vision or better. While there is no guarantee regarding how much LASIK can improve your vision, it is a safe, painless, proven method for helping to reduce or eliminate dependency on contact lenses or eyeglasses. This is enough for millions of people who every year decide LASIK is right for them.
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