LASIK

One of the most popular ways to correct vision is with a procedure called LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis), which uses a laser to change the curvature of the cornea (outer window of the eye). LASIK has quickly become the procedure of choice for most patients because they recover quickly and have fewer side effects and complications than with other methods of vision correction. In fact, most LASIK patients notice a significant improvement in their vision soon after surgery. LASIK removes tissue within the cornea to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

To treat nearsightedness, the steep cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from in front of the retina to directly on the retina.

Treating nearsightedness,
the cornea is made flatter

To treat farsightedness, the flat cornea is made steeper by removing tissue outside of the central optical zone of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from behind the retina to directly on the retina.

Treating farsightedness,
the cornea is made steeper

astigmatism, the cornea is made more spherical -- like a basketball instead of a football. This eliminates multiple focusing points within the eye and creates one point of focus on the retina. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Treating astigmatism,
the cornea is made more spherical

LASIK is for those who:

• want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
• are at least 18 years of age
• have had a stable eye prescription for at least six months
• have no health issues affecting their eyes

What to expect on surgery day:

	You will arrive at the laser center about an hour prior to your procedure

You will arrive at the laser center about an hour prior to your procedure. You will have been given a prescription for a mild relaxant to take prior to your arrival. You will then be prepared for surgery. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. Antibiotic eye drops will be used to protect you from infection. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. An eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure and allow you to fixate on a blinking red light. Dr. Burns will talk you through the entire procedure.

Next, an instrument called a microkeratome will create a hinged flap of thin corneal tissue, and your doctor will gently fold the flap out of the way. During this process, you may feel a little pressure, but no pain.  It is important to relax, center yourself with slow breathing and "allow things to happen."

You will then be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The Excimer laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed. To finish the procedure, the protective layer will be folded back into place where it will bond without the need for stitches.

Following your procedure, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. Then you will be given additional eye drops, and your eyes may be shielded for protection. Since you have taken a mild sedative and  because for the next several hours your vision will be blurry, someone will need to drive you home. You should go home and close your eyes for the next five hours. After that, avoid squeezing your eyes but normal blinking is encouraged. You may experience some discomfort for 12 to 24 hours, but this is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some people experience sensitivity to light, and watering or swelling of their eyes for a few days following their procedure.

Following your procedure, your
eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope

You will be asked to come back the next day for another examination of your eye(s). Most people can actually see well enough to drive the next day but it's best not to drive until you feel completely comfortable with your vision. You should be able to resume your normal activities the day after surgery.
Vision can fluctuate for up to six months, but most people can see well enough to pass a driver's license vision exam rather quickly following their procedure.

Testimonials:

	"...am I going to be able to function without any sort of contacts or glasses...that's what was most important to me." - Bryan Hass, PGA Professional
Bryan Hass Video Testimonial: 56K, DSL (View more testimonials)

Realistic expectations:

	The vast majority of our patients can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.

The decision to have LASIK is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire. The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their vision after LASIK and can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.

Serious complications with LASIK are extremely rare. LASIK is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Many of the risks and complications associated with this procedure can be reduced or eliminated through careful patient selection and thorough pre-operative testing using the latest diagnostic technology.

After LASIK, you may experience some visual side effects. These visual side effects are usually mild and diminish over time. But there is a slight chance that some of these side effects won't go away completely, such as feelings of dryness, glare and halos.

	Everyone heals somewhat differently

Since everyone heals somewhat differently, some patients may over react to the procedure and some may under react resulting in overcorrections and undercorrections. Once the eye has stablized (3 to 6 months) you and your doctor can discuss whether a re-treatment could help fine tune your vision if you are over or under corrected.

After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if LASIK is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction. If you would like additional information about risks and complications now, you may download our "consent for surgery" form by going to Patient Forms.

Be sure you have all your questions
answered to your satisfaction

Alternatives to LASIK

LASIK is not the only surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. To learn about other procedures go to the surgical and laser vision correction procedures section of our Web Site. If you would like to learn more about vision correction procedures from sources other than our practice, we encourage you to link to a number of Web sites we feel provide factual and up-to-date information. You may also choose to make an appointment, attend a seminar or request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.

We offer a number of finance options and affordable payment plans. It is easy to apply online and receive credit approval before you schedule an appointment.