What is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a revolutionary refractive surgery that uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems. At Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, we provide comprehensive LASIK consultations, pre-operative evaluations, and post-operative care in partnership with leading refractive surgeons in the Phoenix area.
LASIK has helped millions of people worldwide achieve clearer vision and reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The procedure typically takes only minutes per eye and offers rapid recovery with minimal discomfort.
Conditions Treated with LASIK
LASIK can effectively correct several common vision problems:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty seeing close objects clearly
- Astigmatism: Blurred vision at all distances due to irregular corneal shape
- Presbyopia: Age-related reading difficulties (with advanced LASIK techniques)
How LASIK Works
The LASIK procedure involves several precise steps:
- Corneal Flap Creation: A thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea using a femtosecond laser or microkeratome
- Corneal Reshaping: An excimer laser precisely removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea
- Flap Repositioning: The corneal flap is carefully repositioned and begins to heal naturally without stitches
- Natural Healing: The eye begins healing immediately, with most patients experiencing improved vision within 24 hours
Benefits of LASIK Surgery
LASIK offers numerous advantages for suitable candidates:
- Freedom from Glasses and Contacts: Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
- Quick Recovery: Most people return to normal activities within 24-48 hours
- Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is virtually painless with rapid healing
- Long-lasting Results: Vision correction is typically permanent
- Cost-effective: Eliminates ongoing costs of glasses and contact lenses
- Enhanced Lifestyle: Improved performance in sports and outdoor activities
- Proven Safety: Millions of successful procedures with high satisfaction rates
Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Good LASIK candidates typically meet these criteria:
- Age 18 or older (preferably 21+)
- Stable prescription for at least 12 months
- Healthy eyes with no significant eye diseases
- Adequate corneal thickness
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
- Not pregnant or nursing
- No autoimmune diseases that affect healing
- No severe dry eye syndrome
Factors That May Disqualify Candidates:
- Thin or irregular corneas
- Severe dry eye syndrome
- Unstable prescriptions
- Certain medications (isotretinoin, amiodarone)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Pregnancy or nursing
- Certain eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, keratoconus)
Our LASIK Consultation Process
Your journey to better vision begins with a comprehensive evaluation:
Initial Consultation
- Complete Eye Examination: Thorough assessment of your eye health and vision
- Corneal Topography: Detailed mapping of your corneal surface
- Pupil Measurements: Assessment of pupil size in different lighting conditions
- Tear Film Evaluation: Testing for dry eye syndrome
- Wavefront Analysis: Measurement of optical aberrations
- Pachymetry: Corneal thickness measurement
Candidacy Determination
- Review of test results and medical history
- Discussion of expectations and lifestyle factors
- Education about the procedure and alternatives
- Referral to trusted refractive surgeons if appropriate
Types of LASIK Procedures
Several LASIK techniques are available to meet different needs:
- Traditional LASIK: Standard procedure using excimer laser for vision correction
- Bladeless LASIK (All-Laser): Uses femtosecond laser for flap creation
- Custom Wavefront LASIK: Personalized treatment based on your eye's unique characteristics
- Topography-Guided LASIK: Uses corneal mapping for irregular astigmatism
- SMILE: Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for certain prescriptions
Post-LASIK Care and Follow-up
Proper post-operative care is crucial for optimal results:
Immediate Post-Op (First 24-48 hours)
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities
- Use prescribed eye drops as directed
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
- Wear protective eyewear when sleeping
- Attend your next-day follow-up appointment
Recovery Timeline
- 1 Day: Initial healing check, vision assessment
- 1 Week: Evaluation of healing progress
- 1 Month: Assessment of visual stability
- 3-6 Months: Final outcome evaluation
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While LASIK is very safe, it's important to understand potential risks:
- Dry eyes (usually temporary)
- Glare, halos, or starbursts around lights
- Under-correction or over-correction
- Regression of vision correction over time
- Flap complications (rare with modern techniques)
- Infection (extremely rare)
- Vision loss (very rare)
Alternatives to LASIK
If you're not a candidate for LASIK, other options may be available:
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Surface laser treatment without flap creation
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses): Lens implants for high prescriptions
- Refractive Lens Exchange: Replacement of natural lens with artificial lens
- Corneal Cross-linking: For progressive keratoconus
Why Choose Arizona's Vision for LASIK?
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluations
- Partnerships with top refractive surgeons
- State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment
- Personalized care and attention
- Complete post-operative follow-up
- Honest assessment of candidacy
- Support throughout your LASIK journey