LASIK is Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. LASIK is a surgical corrective procedure for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This computer driven laser treatment that can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. The laser is used to reshape the cornea to allow light to properly focus on the retina.
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LASIK is an outpatient procedure. You will receive eye drops to numb the eye and a gentle sedative by mouth to relax you. You lie under the laser instrument in a reclining surgical chair. The microkeratome is used to create the thin corneal flap. The flap is lifted and the computer-guided laser is used to reshape your cornea. The corneal flap is repositioned and allowed to seal itself back in place.
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Some patients experience nearly 20/20 vision within one day of their procedure. Others take several days to achieve their best vision. Your eyes may feel dry and scratchy during the first 24 hours, but pain is unusual. Driving is discouraged until your vision is clear and comfortable.
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Studies have shown that 96% of patients achieve 20/40 or better vision after LASIK. The majority of patients can drive and perform most activities without glasses. This percentage may differ if you have a high powered correction in your glasses, so please discuss this with Dr. Muller.
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Serious complications are uncommon with LASIK. However, complications can occur with any surgical procedure. Infection, damage to the flap, and epithelial ingrowth are some of the conditions that could require medical treatment or additional surgery. Risks include loss of vision, reduction of
the quality of vision, variable vision, double vision, glare, and halos.
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If you are over 40 years old, it is likely that you will still need reading glasses even after LASIK. As you get older, the lens of the eye stiffens, reducing the ability of the eye to focus up close. Some patients elect to undercorrect one eye, creating monovision. One eye will focus near and one eye will focus at a distance. Please discuss the limitations and benefits of this type of correction with your surgeon, especially regarding driving.
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Dr. Muller presents seminars to educate the public about LASIK. You can call our office to receive more information and to find out when the next seminar is scheduled.
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You will be at the laser facility for about one and one half hours. You will be in the laser room for about 15 minutes. The actual laser portion of the treatment typically takes less than one minute per eye.
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Yes, our patients have had no problem fixating on the light. Your head is held still with a special bean bag-like pillow. Your eye is held open to prevent blinking. You are asked to look at a red blinking light while the laser is performed. Your eye is anesthetized with a numbing drop so you cannot see or feel the laser as it sculpts your cornea into its new shape.
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Patients are given an antibiotic and a steroid eye drop to use 4 times a day for one week following LASIK. Artificial tear drops work well to make the eyes more comfortable and easier to focus for the first several weeks after the procedure.
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You will see your surgeon the day after surgery, approximately one week after surgery and then about 3-4 times over the next 12 months. One year's worth of visits is included in the cost of surgery.
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After three months, additional laser treatment can usually be applied. The flap is re-lifted without cutting and an additional laser treatment is applied. An enhancement procedure (additional laser) is included in the cost of the surgery. A small percentage of patients require glasses to function after LASIK and may need to purchase a thin pair of glasses to help with this.
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