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LASIK (Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis)

Glossary:  laser vision correction and laser eye surgery are synonyms, LASIK and PRK are specific, but different subtypes of laser eye surgery.  CustomVision™ is a refinement of custom laser eye surgery by Stahl Vision to achieve high contrast vision and can be done with both LASIK and PRK.

At a glance:  LASIK     LASIK is the most popular choice for people undergoing refractive surgery. With LASIK, a thin flap of cornea cells are lifted, and the laser is then used to precisely remodel the undersurface.  Following the procedure, the corneal flap is repositioned, where is quickly seals itself into place. Vision improvement is quick, hours to days, with minimal to no discomfort..

      Prior to 1995 millions of people in the United States who had common eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism really only had two vision correction options-they could wear eyeglasses, or they could wear contact lenses-to enable them to see clearly. Eye care professionals had in fact been using contact lens vision correction and spectacle vision correction for hundreds of years in order to provide myopic patients, hyperopic patients and those patients with astigmatism the ability to conduct their lives with clear vision.

     LASIK Eye Surgery is the most advanced type of laser eye surgery used today to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK eye surgery is also the most common type of laser vision correction performed around the world for patients with these vision problems.

     LASIK is actually an abbreviation for the medical term, Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis which describes a procedure whereby a laser is used to reshape the cornea from within. This type of laser eye surgery is called “lamellar eye surgery” because it is performed between the layers of the cornea.

    In performing the LASIK procedure, the LASIK surgeon begins by placing a few eye drops in your eyes to numb the surface of your eye. This is to make sure you are comfortable during your treatment. In fact, you will not experience any discomfort during your procedure.

     A lid holder is used during surgery to keep you from blinking during your procedure.  A device called a microkeratome is used to create a very thin layer, which is a called a “flap” of clear tissue in the center of the cornea. The surgeon is then able to gently fold the flap over and allow access to the undersurface of the cornea so that the laser can be applied. The application of the laser can take anywhere from 60-90 seconds depending on the type of prescription to be corrected. The laser and its application time are carefully controlled by a computer in the laser that has been precisely measured and determined by the LASIK surgeon and staff.  This is based on many measurements and calculations gathered from your LASIK consultation.

     After the laser has been applied, the corneal curvature will have the new shape necessary to correct your vision. The LASIK surgeon can then replace the flap into its original position. The cornea is a remarkable tissue in that it has extraordinary natural bonding qualities so that the flap adheres to the underlying the cornea. The makes the healing and visual recover process very quick for most patients.

     During the first few days after your LASIK surgery, it is important to avoid bumping or rubbing your eyes. It is normal and expected for you to have a mild scratchy or dry sensation.  Our LASIK surgeons and staff will be giving you detailed instructions regarding eye drops to use to assist with the healing process. Please follow them carefully. Also you will be required to return for a number of follow-up visits to check the healing process. Most patients are able to pass a drivers’ eye test without eyeglasses or contacts within a day or so of their LASIK Eye Surgery.

     It is most important to discuss all of your concerns and questions with the LASIK surgeons and staff at Stahl Vision so that they can take the time to explain any information that you may be uncertain about. As you prepare to schedule your LASIK eye surgery consultation, take a moment to think about the specific things in your everyday life that you would enjoy more if you weren’t dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Share these details with the Stahl Vision staff so that together you can set realistic expectations for your LASIK surgery. The LASIK surgeons at Stahl Vision are dedicated to learning about your personal vision correction goals and making sure that they help you achieve them.

  Stahl Vision- building better vision, one patient at a time...