LASIK Co-Management

LASIK Refractive Surgery

Reasons for refractive surgery

• Clear vision without visual aids
• Independence from glasses and contact lenses
• Being able to wear sunglasses
• Convenience
• Long-lasting results
• Quick results and recovery

LASIK

LASIK (laser-assisted keratomilieusis) is a quick and painless form of refractive surgery. During the procedure, a flap is created from the outermost layer of the clear part of the eye (the cornea) and a deeper layer of the cornea is then reshaped in order to correct your refractive error. LASIK can be a good option for patients with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK has a high success rate where over 95% of patients achieve 20/20 vision immediately after surgery. It is important to have a discussion with our doctor to determine if LASIK is a good option for you and attend pre-operative evaluation as directed.

Contraindications for refractive surgery

• Unstable glasses prescription
• < 18 years of age
• Prescription that lies outside the recommended parameters for LASIK
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Pregnant or nursing
• Thin corneas
• Dry Eye
• Corneal scars
• Amblyopia

Post op care

After surgery, we will schedule follow-up appointments where we can monitor you closely. These follow-up appointments are scheduled:

• 1 day after surgery
• 1 week after surgery
• 1 month after surgery
• 3 months after surgery
• 6 months after surgery

Setting expectations

It is important to set realistic expectations for your LASIK outcome. While LASIK is an incredible option for many patients and has a very high success rate, it is very important to understand is that having LASIK does not mean that glasses or contact lenses will not be needed in the future. For example, at the age of 40 years of age, everyone will experience presbyopia which causes the lens inside the eye to lose focusing ability. With that being said, reading glasses will likely be needed due to age-related changes. Our staff and our doctors are happy to answer any questions you may have and support you through the entire process.

Other Refractive Surgery Options

PRK

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is another form of refractive surgery that reshapes the clear part of the eye (the cornea) in order to correct refractive error. Unlike LASIK, PRK surgery does not involve a corneal flap. Therefore, after surgery a contact lens will be place over your eye to act as a bandage as your cornea heals. Unlike LASIK, recovery from PRK is usually takes a few days as you may experience some pain and discomfort. These symptoms can be well managed with the medication drops that will be prescribed to you after the surgery. With PRK, vision usually takes about a few weeks for it to reach its maximum potential. It is important to have a discussion with our doctor to determine if PRK is a good option for you.

Indications for PRK

• Thin corneas
• Irregular corneas

ICL

ICL (Implantable collamer lens) involves implanting an artificial lens inside the eye in front of the eyes' natural lens. The ICL lens is inserted through a self-healing incision and no stitches are necessary. Vision continues improving a few days after surgery until optimum visual clarity is achieved. It is important to have a discussion with our doctor to determine if ICL is a good option for you.

Indications for ICL

• moderate to severe myopia
• moderate to severe astigmatism
• dry eye
• reversible treatment

Lens replacement surgery / cataract surgery

Lens replacement surgery (cataract surgery) involves replacing the eyes' natural lens and implanting an artificial lens with your unique prescription. Usually the surgery is not performed on both eyes at the same time and the surgeon will choose how far apart to operate one eye from the other. Patients usually have great vision immediately after surgery. It is important to have a discussion with our doctor to determine if lens replacement surgery is a good option for you.

Indications for lens replacement surgery

• Cataracts
• Presbyopia

Post of Care

After surgery, we will schedule follow-up appointments where we can monitor you closely. These follow-up appointments are scheduled:

• 1 day after surgery
• 1 week after surgery
• 1 month after surgery
• 3 months after surgery
• 6 months after surgery