Eye surgeons and researchers began developing a Laser Eye Surgery technique whereby rather than applying the Excimer laser to the surface of the cornea as in PRK, they could apply the Laser between the layers of the cornea. This was accomplished by first creating a very thin flap of corneal tissue that could be readily be replaced. This type of Laser Eye Surgery is called “lamellar eye surgery” because it is performed between the layers. The most common type of lamellar eye surgery for correcting common eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism is called Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomlieusis or LASIK. LASIK Eye Surgery is the most common type of Laser Eye Surgery today and one of the most common surgical procedures performed overall.
LASIK Surgery is the most advanced type of laser eye surgery used today to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK is actually short for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, which is a term used to describe the procedure whereby a laser is used to reshape the cornea from within its layers.
In order to perform LASIK, Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. will direct the staff to place a few eye drops in your eyes to numb the surface of your eye. This will make you quite comfortable during your treatment.
You will then be escorted inside the Excimer laser suite at D’Ambrosio Eye Care and asked to position yourself comfortably on the laser system bed. Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. will gently place a small instrument between your eyelids to help you remember to keep them open during your LASIK surgery.
Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. will then create a very thin layer, which is a “flap” of clear tissue in the center of the cornea. He will then carefully fold the flap over and allow the inner layer of the cornea to be visible so that the laser can be applied
The actual Laser treatment may take anywhere from a minute to a minute and a half depending on the degree of prescription to be corrected. Based on your examination, your prescription and other measurements and calculations collected at your LASIK consultation, information is programmed into a computer that will monitor and control the actual application of the laser. Upon completion of the laser application, the curvature of your cornea will be altered with the shape necessary to correct your vision.
Dr. D’Ambrosio will then gently and carefully place the “flap” back into its proper position. Since the cornea is able to bond to itself, replacing the “flap” requires no sutures be used to hold it in place. LASIK surgery has the desirable characteristics of allowing the healing and visual recover process to be very quick for most patients. For a few days after your LASIK Eye Surgery, be careful not to rub or bump your eyes too much. It is expected that you will have a mild “sandy” or “gritty” sensation during the first day or so after your LASIK surgery.
Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. and his staff will give you complete instructions regarding eye drops to use to facilitate the healing and visual recovery process.
YOU NEED TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Even if you think that you are doing well, it is necessary for you to return for your scheduled follow-up visits to check the healing process. Most LASIK patients at D’Ambrosio Eye Care are able to pass the Massachusetts driver’s eye test without eyeglasses or contacts within a day or so after their LASIK Surgery.
You should feel free to discuss all of your concerns and ask all of your questions about LASIK or any Laser Eye Surgery with staff at D’Ambrosio Eye Care. The staff and Refractive Surgery Coordinator will be pleased to spend whatever time is necessary to review any information about the LASIK procedure, what to expect on LASIK surgery day, follow-up care, fees and affordable payment plans that will fit into your budget.
The only way to really be sure that you are a good candidate for LASIK is to schedule a free LASIK consultation at D’Ambrosio Eye Care. When you schedule your LASIK consultation, begin to think about all the things in your life that would be more convenient or more comfortable if you didn’t have to depend on eyeglasses or contact lenses to do them. Then, at your LASIK consultation tell our Refractive Surgery Coordinator about what you would like to be able to do without eyeglasses and contacts staff so that together you can set realistic expectations for your LASIK surgery.
For a complete review of Laser Eye Surgery including LASIK, LASIK risks, LASIK complications, contraindications to having LASIK, possible LASIK problems and LASIK side effects you may visit www.fda.gov or www.seewithlasik.com.
D’Ambrosio Eye Care under the direction of Boston LASIK Surgeon Francis D’Ambrosio Jr., M.D. provides LASIK Eye Surgery for vision correction in greater Boston Massachusetts and is conveniently located for Massachusetts Cataract patients from Lancaster, Acton, Gardner, Athol, Clinton, Harvard, Fitchburg, Westminster, Templeton, Worcester, Milford, Marlborough, Boxborough, Westborough, Lowell, Lexington, Leominster, Lunenburg, Shirley, Winchendon. Sterling, Littleton, Boylston, Hudson, Berlin, Bolton, Stowe, Sudbury, Chelmsford, Groton and Concord Massachusetts. To schedule an appointment for a Consultation for LASIK Eye Surgery for vision correction please call us at 1.800.325.3937.
If you are considering having LASIK in Massachusetts, and especially LASIK in Boston or any type of specialized LASIK Eye Surgery in Boston, please fee free to contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 1.800.325.EYES for a Free LASIK Surgery Consultation in Boston.
