What to Consider When Choosing LASIK Surgery

Smiling young man in park.

If you’re someone who wears eyeglasses or corrective lenses, you may have considered LASIK surgery. Over 164 million Americans currently wear a form of corrective eyewear, and many of those people would be candidates for laser refractive surgery (LASIK). If you’ve ever wanted to experience freedom from the hassle of eyeglasses or contact lenses, then LASIK may be right for you. Many people ask “Is LASIK right for me? How do I know?” As a premier destination for quality vision care, our LASIK team at Medical Eye Center is the most experienced in our region. Here are some things to consider as you decide on the optimal time to take this important step:

What is LASIK?

Typically, patients with a slightly irregular-shaped cornea wear corrective lenses to help refract (bend) light to sharpen images. The shape of the cornea is what determines the sharpness of images, and the imperfections in the focusing of the eye are called refractive errors. There are three main types of refractive errors:

  • Myopia- Also known as nearsightedness. Patients have trouble seeing things that are far away as clearly as things that are near.
  • Hyperopia- Also known as farsightedness. Patients have trouble seeing nearby objects as clearly as things that are far away.
  • Astigmatism- This is a distorted image on the retina due to an irregular cornea or lens. (Source)

LASIK is a generalized term used to describe laser eye surgery done to reshape the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue. This helps correct the way that the eye focuses light and creates images.

What happens during LASIK surgery?

Our compassionate and experienced team will meet with you before you schedule your surgery to determine if you’re a good candidate for the surgery and to assess your overall eye health. They will also take detailed measurements of your eye. If our surgeons decide it’s a great fit for you, they will guide you through what you might expect on the day of your scheduled procedure. Here at Medical Eye Center, we offer the most advanced technology in laser vision correction. We utilize all-laser technology that is safe, effective and the most customizable for our patient’s unique needs. It allows our eye care providers to correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

On the day of your procedure, you can expect to take a mild sedative before your procedure to help you relax, and our team will help you lie down comfortably. You will then be administered eye drops that will numb your eye. Then, the eye care provider will use the laser to alter the shape of the cornea to either flatten the curve or make it steeper. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities soon after. Most can return to driving or the workplace the next day.

Our surgeons use a precise blade-free system. Our Wavelight EX500 uses advanced mapping technology to create a customizable treatment based on your specific refractive error. It moves at a rate of 500 laser pulses per second, which makes it fast and accurate. It also prevents excess dehydration in the cornea, which can speed up the healing process and reduce the risks of complications. (Learn more about our Wavelight machine).

Who is a good candidate for LASIK?

Many people are candidates for this life-changing procedure and those who undergo LASIK report positive results, such as seeing more clearly during activities like fishing, reading, or being outdoors. We generally categorize patients who are good candidates for LASIK as being: Over the age of 21, with good general and eye health, and with a current vision prescription that has been stable for at least one year. If you don’t fit these criteria, our empathetic staff is happy to consult with you to determine if another type of solution or procedure might fit your needs.

Why should I choose Medical Eye Center over other eye care providers?

At Medical Eye Center, we have worked hard to become the premier destination for LASIK surgery. With over 20 years of experience (and happy patient testimonials), we understand the nuances of the procedure and have served a wide breadth of people from all walks of life or professions. To become certified to perform LASIK surgery, many providers undergo just one day of LASIK-specific training. In contrast, our eye care providers, Dr. Matt Oliva and Dr. John Welling are fellowship-trained cornea specialists. This means that after medical school, they underwent an additional year of training specific to the cornea, and have performed thousands of LASIK procedures. Their extensive experience can give you peace of mind as you decide if LASIK is right for you.

If you’re considering LASIK, our experienced team can guide you through deciding when the surgery might be optimal for you. With a combination of compassion and knowledge, we want you to feel comfortable and confident in your eye care experience, and we aim to make our patients feel right at home in our state-of-the-art facility. Lastly, we offer competitive pricing plans that will make quality care attainable for those who need it. When it comes to your eye health, entrust your vision to a team that truly sees you and your unique needs: make Medical Eye Center your LASIK destination today.

Please note that the below information is intended to be observed as guidelines and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor with any questions you may have regarding LASIK or a medical condition.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
en_USEnglish