Laser Vision Correction

Dr. Stan Feil performing laser corrective surgery. Refractive Surgery is an exciting option for the correction of most cases of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Dr. David Feil has been performing Vision Corrective Surgery since 1985. Radial keratotomy was the refractive procedure of choice until the Excimer laser became available to practicing surgeons. Since FDA approval of the Excimer Laser in 1995, the Visalia Eye Center has offered Laser Vision Correction. PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) was the most popular type of laser vision correction until FDA approval of LASIK (Laser in-Situ-Keratomileusis). LASIK is now the most common type of refractive surgery performed by the Visalia Eye Center surgeons. As technologies advance, we remain dedicated to keeping abreast of the latest developments in Vision Corrective Surgery.

How Lasik Works
LASIK (Laser in-Situ-Keratomileusis) is a procedure that can reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses. Your eye is made comfortable using eye drop "anesthesia" and an eyelid holder is then placed to keep you from blinking. Using a special instrument called a microkeratome, a protective flap is created on the corneal surface. During this part of the procedure, your vision will dim and you may feel a little pressure. The flap is then lifted, exposing the underlying central corneal tissue, and the cool beam Excimer laser is used to change the shape of your cornea.

	An eye that is nearsighted focuses images in front of the retina, making images blurry. During treatment for nearsightedness, the laser makes the cornea flatter by removing tissue from the central cornea, allowing images to be focused directly on the retina.
	An eye that is farsighted focuses images "beyond" the retina, making the images blurry. During treatment for farsightedness, the laser makes the central cornea steeper by removing tissue from the area adjacent to the central cornea.
	An eye with astigmatism causes images to be focused in different areas away from the retina, causing distortion and blurring. During treatment of astigmatism, the cornea needs to become spherical. This is accomplished by changing the pattern of the laser beam to selectively remove more tissue in one area of the cornea relative to another.

Once the laser treatment is finished, the corneal flap is returned to its protective position, providing a smooth surface over the treated cornea. Through the natural functions of the cornea, the flap is able to reattach securely in place without the need for stitches. The entire procedure is completed in less than 10 minutes for each eye. A mild scratchy feeling may be experienced for a few hours, but this is usually gone by the next morning. Visual improvement is noticed by the first day, and generally continues to improve over the next few weeks.

Realistic expectations are important when undergoing LASIK surgery. The ultimate decision to have surgery should be based on an understanding of the procedure, it's benefits as well as its limitations. The goal of Laser Vision Correction is to reduce, or possibly eliminate your dependence on glasses. 20/20 vision is not guaranteed. All questions and concerns regarding the procedure should be discussed with Dr. Feil before the surgery.

LASIK does not correct presbyopia, a normal "aging" condition of the eye, which usually begins around the age of 40. Presbyopia leads to a need for reading glasses to see things up close, and gradually worsens with time. Some patients who undergo refractive surgery, who are over 40 years of age, may discover the need for reading glasses after the refractive procedure, even if they did not need them prior to the surgery.

Please write down any questions you may have regarding Laser Vision Correction. The Doctors' and staff at the Visalia Eye Center will be happy to answer your questions. Please call us to make an appointment for a complimentary, private consultation.

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