At Center for Sight Southwest Florida, we believe in the transformative power of LASIK Eye Surgery to enhance your vision and improve your quality of life. Serving the communities of Naples, Brantley Road, San Carlos Boulevard, Port Charlotte, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers, FL, USA, our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your LASIK journey.
What is LASIK surgery?
LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a safe and effective laser vision correction procedure for correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. There are also variations available for cataract removal surgery.
Using advanced laser technology, our experienced ophthalmologists reshape the cornea to improve the focusing of light onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Conditions Treated by LASIK
- Nearsightedness (myopia): A condition where the eyeball is slightly longer than typical or the cornea curves too sharply.
- Farsightedness (hyperopia): In this condition, the eyeball is shorter than average, or the cornea is too flat.
- Astigmatism: In astigmatism, the cornea curves or flattens unevenly.
Eligibility for LASIK
Ideal candidates for LASIK:
- Age 18 or older (ideally, over 21 years old, when vision is more likely to stop changing).
- Stable vision prescription over the last year.
- Refractive error is suitable for LASIK treatment.
- Thick, healthy corneas
- Overall good eye health
Ineligibility for LASIK
LASIK may not be suitable for individuals with:
- An unstable (changing) refractive error
- Extreme levels of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
- Severe dry eye
- Corneas that are too thin
- Corneal scars or disease
- Keratoconus (cone-shaped cornea)
- Advanced Glaucoma
- A cataract affecting vision
- A history of certain eye infections
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Some side effects are common with LASIK treatment for eyes that are rarely long-term and clear up in a few weeks or months. These include:
- Dry eyes.
- Glare, halos, and double vision.
Other more serious risks include:
- Undercorrections
- Overcorrections
- Astigmatism
- Flap problems
- Regression
- Vision loss or changes
Preparing For LASIK treatment
- Understand costs and insurance coverage
- Arrange for a ride home. After surgery, you may still feel the effects of any medicine you received, and your vision may be blurry.
- Don’t wear any eye makeup. Eye makeup, creams, perfumes, or lotions on the day before and day of surgery to reduce infection risk
Before LASIK
Comprehensive eye exams to determine suitability and check for other problems that may affect surgery.
The ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough exam to determine if your vision prescription has not changed since the last exam, to see how high your refractive error is, and to determine whether LASIK is the best treatment option. Your eyes will also be examined for signs of eye infection, inflammation, dry eyes, large pupils, or high eye pressure.
Corneas will be measured and mapped.
Your ophthalmologist will measure the shape, contour, and thickness of your corneas and look for irregularities. They use this data to program the laser during your surgery.
During LASIK
LASIK Eye Surgery is a brief outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.
Before the procedure begins, numbing eye drops are applied to ensure comfort. You may be given medicine to help you relax, and your provider may use an instrument to hold your eyelids open. Your provider will then place a suction ring on your eye to keep it from moving. You will feel pressure from this, and your vision may dim or go black.
Using a precision laser, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea’s outer layer, gently folds it back, and reshapes the underlying tissue to correct your vision. You will be asked to stare at a target light so that your eyes will not move, and you may hear a clicking sound as the laser works.
Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is carefully repositioned, where it adheres naturally without suturing.
After LASIK
Expect initial discomfort, such as a scratchy or burning sensation. Don’t be alarmed if your vision is blurred. You may be prescribed medicated eye drops to alleviate dryness and help your eye heal, or pain medicine to help keep you comfortable.
Following LASIK surgery, our team at the Center for Sight Southwest Florida will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes during the healing process.
The ophthalmologist may place a clear protector over your eye or ask you to wear a shield while sleeping for a few days. This is to help protect your eye while it heals. You should plan to go home and take a nap or just relax after the surgery.
We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure your eyes heal properly.
It’s important to attend these appointments as scheduled and to follow any additional instructions provided by your surgeon to optimize your results and minimize the risk of complications.
Life After LASIK
One of the most rewarding aspects of LASIK surgery is its newfound freedom and convenience. Say goodbye to the hassle of glasses and contact lenses and hello to spontaneous adventures and clear, unobstructed vision.
According to the American Academy of Opthalmology, 9 out of 10 people (90%) with LASIK have vision between 20/20 and 20/40 without glasses or contact lenses.
Ready to schedule your LASIK consultation?
If you’re ready to experience the life-changing benefits of LASIK surgery, schedule your consultation today with the Center for Sight in Southwest Florida and take the first step toward a brighter future.
**Please note that the suggestions provided in this blog are for general informational purposes only and may not be suitable for your specific insurance plan and LASIK needs. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.**
