LASIK eye surgery or (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) uses an excimer laser to correct the common refractive errors of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism by changing the shape of the cornea. The goal of LASIK surgery is to safely reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses.
In the last several decades millions of patients around the world have benefited from LASIK eye surgery. It is a safe, painless, and effective means to enjoy a lens-free lifestyle.
Basics Of LASIK
In order to enjoy clear vision, it is necessary for light to enter the eye through the cornea and focus precisely on the retina. Refractive surgery / Lasik may be a good fit or you if you wear glasses or contact lenses, you have one or more of the common refractive errors, and your vision is blurry.
With nearsightedness, or myopia, the cornea is too steep and light comes to a point and focuses in front of the retina. In this case, a patient clearly sees objects in their close vision, but has difficulty seeing in the distance.
With farsightedness, or hyperopia, the cornea is too flat, and light focuses behind or beyond the retina. This patient can see better in the distance, but cannot focus on objects in their near vision.
When a patient has astigmatism, the cornea is misshapen or has an irregular surface and light rests on multiple places on the cornea. This patient has blurry vision at all distances.
LASIK Eye Surgery – 3 Step Process
In order to correct these three refractive issues, successful LASIK surgery changes the shape of the inner cornea. The popularity of LASIK stems from preserving the outer cells of the cornea by creating a replaceable flap.
- A miniscule thin flap is created on the cornea. At South Texas Eye Institute we use a femtosecond laser to create the flap. This is known as Intralase or the all-laser LASIK procedure. Once the flap is created it is lifted to reveal the inner cornea for treatment.
- During the second step the inner cornea is treated with a computer guided cool ultraviolet excimer laser to reshape the cornea for clearer vision.
- The flap is then replaced and begins to heal.
You can learn more about common LASIK questions in this video.
By preserving the outer cells of the cornea, patients heal faster and with less, if any, discomfort. The entire procedure is painless and is completed usually in less than 20 minutes. Patients return for post-operative appointments to monitor their healing process.
The doctors at South Texas Eye Institute will conduct extensive tests to be certain you are a qualified candidate for LASIK.
Don’t spend another day with blurry vision.
Call 210.692.1388 or request an appointment.
