LASIK Surgery Co-Management
What is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK, which stands for Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a type of refractive surgery used to correct vision problems caused by refractive errors. If LASIK has been recommended for you, this means that you are a candidate for refractive surgery. LASIK is commonly used for patients with sufficient corneal thickness, who have an average level of near – or far – sightedness and any level of astigmatism. This has been the most common option for patients over the last 15 years.
The goal is to potentially eliminate or significantly reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses. During LASIK, a specialized laser creates a thin flap in the cornea. The underlying corneal tissue is then sculpted by the laser to correct the specific refractive error. Finally, the corneal flap is repositioned and heals naturally.
After LASIK, you can expect:
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Fastest visual recovery time.
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Patients usually report excellent vision
Within 24 hours.
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Light sensitivity, scratchiness, tearing
For 4-5 hours following the procedure.
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Risk for dry eye, can be noticeable up to
1 year
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Same accuracy and likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision (95%).
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Treats mild to severe levels of nearsightedness
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Combines the procedures of ALK and PRK
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Uses a microkeratome to lift a thin layer of corneal tissue from the surface of the eye and treats the revealed underlying surface with the excimer laser; self-healing flap is immediately replaced
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Requires only a local anesthetic in the form of eye drops
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Procedure takes about 10 minutes
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Patient sees noticeable improvement in vision within hours
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Heals faster than PRK since epithelium is not disturbed
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Postoperative drops need to be used for one week only