Click to Receive a Free LASIK screening

Laser procedures have made significant improvements in the treatment of eye disorders.  Prior to the late 1970's, countless numbers of people were unable to live the lives they wanted due to vision abnormalities.  All of this has changed with the advent of refractive surgery.  Patients no longer have to depend on glasses and contact lenses for vision correction.  Refractive surgery is helping people lead more active lives.

LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS  (LASIK)

The LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea, combining the precision of excimer laser delivery system with the benefits of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK) proven to treat a wide range of refractive errors beginning with improving the eye's ability to refract light.  The surgeon begins by sliding a microkeratomic across the cornea, folding back its outermost layer.  The excimer laser emits a "cool" laser light that removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue with extreme precision.  The excimer laser sends gentle pulses of ultraviolet light to reshape the cornea.  The laser can be adjusted to account for serious myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Once the cornea has been reshaped, its outermost layer is replaced.  Patients usually recover very quickly from a LASIK procedure due to the cornea's extraordinary ability to heal.  LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately one-half hour.  The surgeon will apply an "eye drop" anesthesia to ensure a painless process.

Following the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, although this is usually alleviated through medication.  The vast majority of patients experience significant improvement in their sight within the first 24 hours.  A small percentage of patients may have blurred or fluctuating vision, halos, or night vision difficulties.  Patients are usually able to return to work and resume their normal activities a day after surgery.

THE BEST CANDIDATE

LASIK is ideal for patients past the age of 20 whose corneas are healthy and strong.  If your prescription has increased significantly within the past year, you should consider delaying your LASIK procedure.  The LASIK procedure should not be performed on patients who suffer from certain medical conditions or on pregnant women.

EXPECTATIONS

The decision to undergo a LASIK procedure is a personal one.  Before undergoing LASIK, it is important to know the risks involved and to have realistic expectations.  A LASIK procedure can drastically improve, but not perfect, your vision.  Nor does LASIK correct presbyopia, an aging of the eye that typically requires people to use reading glasses.  Many patients past the age of 40 may need to continue to wear reading glasses once LASIK has been performed.  For further information on whether you are a good candidate or to schedule an appointment for LASIK, contact our LASER VISION CORRECTION COORDINATOR at (801) 399-1149.

WHAT'S THE FIRST STEP?

When considering LASIK, a FREE LASIK screening appointment is recommended to determine your level of refractive error.  If your refractive error falls within the parameters considered appropriate for LASIK, a comprehensive eye exam is necessary for more extensive tests to be performed.  It is important that all contact lens wearers be out of their contacts for one to three weeks before their comprehensive eye exam.  If it is determined that you are not a candidate, you may still be able to pursue other refractive procedures for vision correction.

MYOPIA

Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a condition whereby light rays focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on the retina.

ASTIGMATISM

Astigmatism is a condition in which light rays focus on multiple points of the retina.

HYPEROPIA

Hyperopia, commonly referred to as farsightedness, is a condition whereby light rays focus behind the retina, instead of directly on the retina.