Caring For Your Eyes
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 tissue from an area of the cornea.
LASIK
Refractive surgery is an exciting option for the correction of most cases of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. 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, but PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) is another laser option for some patients who aren't candidates for LASIK. As technologies continue to advance, we remain dedicated to keeping abreast of the latest developments in Vision Corrective Surgery.
The LASIK Procedure
LASIK (Laser in-Situ-Keratomileusis), also known as Laser Vision Correction (LVC), is a procedure that can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, your dependence on glasses. During the procedure the eye is made comfortable using eye drop "anesthesia" and an eyelid holder is placed to prevent blinking. Using a special instrument called a microkeratome, a protective flap is created on the corneal surface. During this part of the procedure, the vision may dim slightly and one 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 the cornea. 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 function 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. Visual improvement is most often noticed by the first day, and generally continues to improve over the next few weeks.
An eye that is nearsighted focuses images in front of the retina, within the eye, 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 behind the retina, making the images blurry. During treatment for farsightedness, the laser makes the central cornea steeper by removing tissue in a circular pattern around the central cornea, causing light to be focused on the retina.
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 is shaped more 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.
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 even eliminate your dependence on glasses. 20/20 vision is not guaranteed, but achieved with a high level of frequency. 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 40-50. 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. To address the issue of presbyopia by LASIK, one may consider having one eye treated to provide distance vision and the opposite eye corrected for near vision. Such treatment is know as "monovision", that is, one eye for each position of focus.
Please write down any questions you may have regarding Laser Vision Correction. The doctors and our qualified staff at the Visalia Eye Center will be happy to answer your questions regarding LASIK. Please call our LASIK Coordinator to schedule an appointment for a complimentary, private consultation. ■