LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK Eye Surgery can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism with a quick visual recovery and minimal discomfort for patients who wish to see clearly at distance without needing glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK is “lamellar eye surgery” because it is performed between the layers of corneal tissue by gently creating a very thin flap of corneal tissue that can be lifted, the laser energy applied, and then the flap returned to its original position without the need for stitches.
Are You a LASIK Candidate?
Most people who wear glasses or contacts to see clearly at distance are usually LASIK candidates. But, there are a number of general guidelines we consider when we schedule and perform your LASIK consultation. Here are a few of these guidelines:
- You must be at least 18 years of age. Growth spurts can change the way children see, so it is best to wait until they reach adulthood.
- It is helpful to have a stable prescription so that the best-corrected vision can be achieved for you with your LASIK procedure.
- You should not have any health issues or prior diseases that could affect the healing process. In particular, connective tissue diseases, collagen vascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, or immunodeficiency conditions could make you a poor candidate. Some examples include certain types of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus Erythematosis, and HIV.
- A previous history of eye infections such as Herpes Zoster or Herpes Simplex may also make you a poor candidate and preclude you from having laser vision correction.
- Any signs of corneal problems such as a particularly thin cornea, dry eyes, irregular astigmatism, keratoconus or other corneal irregularities would probably eliminate you as a LASIK candidate. Also, having previously taken or current use of Accutane (Isotretinoin) for certain skin conditions may exclude you as a LASIK candidate.
- Consider your lifestyle! Think about how LASIK can change your life. For most people, having their vision corrected is quite a positive milestone in their lives. The decision to undergo laser vision correction is an extremely personal one. You must think about the things that you enjoy doing-such as outdoor activities, sports, occupation-and your reasons for having the procedure. We can help you weigh the pros and cons and this can help you set realistic goals and expectations for LASIK.
- Reading glasses are not correctable by any form of laser vision correction at this time, so if you primarily wear glasses or contacts for reading only, you might not be a good candidate.
- If you are pregnant, expecting to become pregnant in the near future, or nursing, it is not likely that you would be a good LASIK candidate.
After Your LASIK
LASIK provides a quick and predictable healing and visual recovery process for most patients. For a few days after your LASIK Surgery, you will need to be careful not to rub or bump your eyes. It is expected that you will have a mild “sandy” or “gritty” sensation during the first day or so after your LASIK surgery. This is normal. We will give you complete instructions regarding eye drops and medications to use to help the healing and visual recovery process. We will require that you return for scheduled follow-up visits to check the healing process, regardless of how well you think you are doing. Most LASIK patients at D’Ambrosio Eye Care are able to pass the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Eye Test without eyeglasses or contacts within a day or so after their LASIK Surgery.