What is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK is refractive surgery that utilizes a special laser able to reshape the cornea (the clear globe that surrounds the eye).

Reshaping the eye covering provides better focus for patients with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. The result is improved vision and clarity that’s permanent for most patients. That means the majority of people who opt for the LASIK procedure no longer need corrective lenses.

How is LASIK performed?

The LASIK eye surgery procedure is similar to other forms of refractive surgery with a few minor differences that set it apart. After securing the eye with a device to ensure there’s no movement during the procedure, the staff place drops in to moisten the cornea.

The doctor then cuts a small flap into the surface of the eye to open the cornea so they can reshape the soft corneal tissue to the desired specifications using a laser. Toward the end of the procedure, the surgeon closes the flap to seal the cornea. A protective cover made of either clear plastic or metal is placed over the eye for protection. The procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye.

Is LASIK eye surgery safe?

Like any invasive procedure, there are some risks, but they’re minimal with LASIK. Some possible complications include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Excess tears
  • Inflammation
  • Halos
  • Double vision
  • Astigmatism

There’s always the possibility of over or under correction, too. That may leave the patient with a vision that’s worse than before the surgery. In some cases, vision problems return later. Those complications rarely happen, though.

Who is LASIK right for?

The patient’s health and medical history are factors that Dr. Raffa and Dr. Ragsdale take into account before recommending the procedure. For example, you shouldn’t get LASIK if you have any of the following preconditions:

  • Under 18 years of age
  • Currently pregnant or nursing
  • Taking medication that affects the eyes

The procedure also isn’t right for patients with unhealthy eyes, those who have an eye disease, and those with recurring dry eyes. It’s up to one of the specialists at Founders Eyecare to determine if LASIK is right for you, so they’ll conduct a comprehensive exam before even recommending the surgery.

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