VISION CONDITIONS THAT LASIK SURGERY CAN TREAT
Have you heard the term “LASIK”, but do not know exactly what it is or what vision conditions it is used to treat? Don’t worry. The LASIK surgeons at King LASIK are here to explain.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is an acronym that stands for “laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis”. LASIK is a type of refractive surgery, which means that it is used to correct refractive errors in the eye. A refractive error is characterized by an abnormally shaped cornea that prevents the eye from being able to focus light properly, so an individual has difficulty seeing either up close or in the distance.
As the name suggests, LASIK surgery involves using a laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea, thereby correcting the refractive error that is causing a patient’s vision problem.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before the actual LASIK procedure, the laser eye surgeon uses wavefront imaging technology to create a distinct map of the eye’s unique refractive errors. Thanks to the sophisticated wavefront technology, the surgeon is able to identify even the most subtle refractive errors, called “higher-order aberrations.” The surgeon then uses this information to calibrate the excimer laser used to re-contour the cornea.
After topical anesthetic eye drops have been administered to ensure the patient’s comfort, the ophthalmologist starts LASIK surgery by creating a small flap in the cornea. The corneal flap is gently lifted back to expose the underlying tissue. Using the excimer laser, the King LASIK surgeon removes microscopic particles of tissue to re-shape the curvature of the cornea. Once the surgeon is satisfied with the newly shaped cornea, he repositions the flap in its original place, where it naturally re-bonds to the eye without the need for sutures.
Patients generally experience a dramatic improvement in their vision within 24 to 48 hours of LASIK surgery. Many are able to reduce or eliminate their daily dependence on glasses or contact lenses, often achieving 20/20 vision or better.
The Vision Conditions That LASIK Treats
Generally, LASIK surgery can be used to treat:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism (a condition characterized by an uneven steepening of the cornea, which causes images to be irregularly focused on the retina, resulting in blurred vision)
- Presbyopia (the age-related inability to focus on objects and images up close)
Note: When performing LASIK surgery to treat presbyopia, the surgeon corrects one eye for distance vision and one eye for near vision, a strategy called “monovision.” Typically, the brain is eventually able to adapt to monovision, so the patient can see well at multiple distances.
To schedule a free consultation to learn more about LASIK surgery and the vision conditions it treats, please contact King LASIK by calling (877) 551-2020.