Bay Hill LASIK Consultation
LASIK (Laser in-situ keratomileusis) is a laser procedure for vision correction. LASIK can correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Laser vision correction has advantages over older techniques in that laser is much more accurate, and the correction does not seem to change with time as was seen with some of those older techniques. An advantage of LASIK is that the front surface of the eye is not treated with laser directly. This allows for a more rapid recovery after the procedure.
We consult with the following LASIK Doctors
Laser in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is considered safe and effective for patients with low to high myopia, with or without astigmatism, and low to moderate hyperopia. The ophthalmologist uses an automated microkeratome to cut a thin, hinged layer in the cornea, called a flap.
The flap is then laid back and the surgeon uses an excimer laser beam to flatten the underlying cornea by vaporizing a thin layer of tissue. The flap is gently put back in place. The cornea heals without any stitches.
It is expected that close to a million LASIK procedures will be done in 1999. LASIK has become the most popular refractive surgery due to the rapid healing and quick return of vision most patients experience. It is performed under a local anesthetic.
The excimer lasers used to perform LASIK are FDA-approved, but approval for the procedure itself is pending. An advisory panel recommended to the FDA in July of 1999 that LASIK be fully approved based on evidence gathered in clinical trials. These trials were conducted on 1,746 eyes, using two different types of excimer lasers. They revealed that 92%-95% of patients achieved 20/40 vision 6 months after surgery. People who needed less than 7 diopters of correction had better results, more than half of the people in that group achieved 20/20 vision or better.
About 3%-4% had mild complications, while more serious complications (such as loss of best corrected vision, flap infections or wrinkling, swelling, or uncontrolled pressure in the eye) each occurred in fewer than 1% of cases. No patients experienced haze combined with loss of vision. Some patients experienced glare, halos, night driving difficulty, or fluctuating vision after the surgery.
Are you a candidate for laser vision correction?
Do you rely on glasses or contact lenses for good vision? If so, you may be an ideal candidate for LASIK vision correction.
You may be a candidate for LASIK if:
- Myopic (nearsightedness), or
- Astigmatic, or
- Hyperopic (farsightedness)
- are over 18 years of age
- have generally healthy eyes
- have no significant increase in your prescription over the past year