The goal of LASIK laser surgery is to correct nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia) with or without astigmatism. In performing this procedure we use the excimer laser system. This system has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for laser treatment of the cornea.
LASIK permanently changes the shape of your cornea. The surgery is performed under a topical anesthetic (drops in the eye), which is the same medication we put in the eye for a normal eye exam. The procedure involves folding back a thin layer of corneal tissue (corneal flap) and then reshaping the cornea with the cool beam excimer laser. After the cornea has been sculpted, the flap (corneal flap) is replaced and bonds back into place usually without the need for stitches.
The result of reshaping the cornea is to change the focusing power of the cornea, thereby giving you good vision. Although the goal of LASIK is to improve vision to the point of not being dependent on glasses or contact lenses, or to the point of wearing thinner (or weaker) glasses, this result is not guaranteed.
It’s helpful to know that LASIK surgery will not prevent you from developing naturally occurring eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal degeneration or detachment.
Also, LASIK does not correct the condition known as presbyopia (or aging of the eye) which occurs to most people around age 40 and may require them to wear reading glasses for near tasks. People over 40 that have their nearsightedness corrected may find that they need reading glasses for clear, close vision.
During pregnancy, your refractive error can fluctuate which could influence your results. If you know you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant within the next three months, it is important that you advise your doctor immediately. You should also tell your doctor about any medications that you are taking such as hormone replacement therapy, birth-control pills or antihistamines as they may influence healing.
LASIK laser surgery is performed one eye at a time. Generally, both eyes are treated sequentially at the same session, but each eye can be treated at separate times.
Are there other options to correct my nearsightedness/farsightedness/astigmatism?
YES! SMILE, clear lens exchange (CLE), Visian ICL are all options.
Dr. Crews receiving successful LASIK surgery
