What is LASIK?
LASIK is the acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis.

LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses the excimer laser to help correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. Introduced in 1988, this procedure creates a thin flap of corneal tissue which is lifted back to allow the laser beam to sculpt the inner tissue to just the right amount of correction. When the procedure is finished, the flap is gently replaced over the treated area where it adheres without any sutures. The cornea's new shape allows the light images to focus more clearly on the retina.

What are the risks with LASIK?                                                               There are risks with any surgical procedure. Although complications with LASIK are rare, you need to be aware of them. Potential problems include complications with the corneal flap, infection, removing too much or too little tissue with the laser beam, the need for reading glasses, microscopic surface irregularities, halo effect, vision gradually returning to the way it was before LASIK, inability to wear contact lenses, and other remote risks.

How long will I be off work?

The amount of time you are off work often depends on how important good vision is to performing your tasks, but most people miss only 1 or 2 days. If scheduling permits, we are able to do your procedure on Friday and you can return to work on Monday.

Will I have to wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery?

LASIK is not a miracle procedure. It does not promise perfect vision or that everyone will be totally free of corrective lenses. The more correction you require, the greater the chance that you may still need glasses or contacts for certain activities.

If I don't get full correction, can I be retreated?

Correction may be fine-tuned with retreatment, known as enhancement, and is generally performed within the first three months. With an enhancement, the flap is simply lifted back to allow the laser beam to remove a little more tissue. Then the flap is gently smoothed back into place again. Although retreatment may further improve your ability to see, perfect vision is still impossible to guarantee.

Do I need to use eye drops after the procedure?

You will use medicated eye drops for 1 week after your treatment, and artificial tears are recommended up to 1 month.

Are my eyes patched after surgery?

Your eyes are not patched after LASIK, but you will be given clear plastic eye shields to wear during the first night.

Will I feel any pain or discomfort during LASIK?

There is no pain during the actual treatment since eye drops numb your eyes. If needed, you may also be given a mild sedative. You will feel some pressure when a tiny instrument is placed on your eye and your vision may dim for a few seconds while the flap is being created, but you should not feel any pain. After the procedure, some people experience mild irritation, light sensitivity and watery eyes for a few days.

How long does the procedure take?

Since both eyes are usually treated during the same appointment, you are in the LASIK suite for approximately 15 minutes. However, the procedure takes less than 5 minutes for each eye.

Do you treat both eyes on the same day or separately?

Generally, both eyes are treated the same day.

How long have MCOA surgeons been doing LASIK?

Surgeons at Medical Center Ophthalmology have been performing LASIK since early 1998, soon after the excimer laser was approved for use in the USA.

Has anyone ever gone blind?

In the many thousands of LASIK cases performed worldwide, we know of no recorded incidence of anyone losing their eyesight due to this procedure.

What are the long term effects of LASIK?
Since LASIK is a relatively new procedure, no one knows with absolute certainty what the long term effects are. However, since LASIK was first introduced, clinical studies have been unable to show any negative effects on the eye. If a problem does develop, it will most likely occur within the first few months after the procedure, not years later.