LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK Eye Surgery in Columbus

Have you been considering LASIK eye surgery? Well, there is no better time than now to find out if you are a candidate!

In fact, if you have been previously told that you are not a candidate for LASIK, you now could be!

This is because of the combination of two of the latest Laser Vision Correction technologies…CustomVue and IntraLase = iLASIK!

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is an outpatient refractive surgery procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

With the LASIK procedure, your surgeon creates a thin flap in the cornea using a laser. The surgeon then folds back the flap and precisely removes a very specific amount of corneal tissue under the flap using a laser.

The flap is then carefully laid back into its original position where it heals in place. The procedure can be performed on both eyes on the same day.

LASIK Eye Surgery Diagram

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Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Eye Surgery

Am I a Candidate for LASIK Eye Surgery?

Candidates for LASIK eye surgery should be 18 years or older with stable vision, healthy eyes, and a prescription that falls within the range of effective treatment. In some cases, such as in CustomVue™ (Wavefront -Guided) treatments patients should be 21 years of age or older. You will need an initial evaluation, followed by a comprehensive eye exam to help you and your doctor decide which procedure is right for you. LASIK eye surgery can benefit a great number of people with myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Candidates should have a strong desire to be less dependent on corrective lenses and willing to accept the risks of surgery.

Does LASIK Eye Surgery Hurt?

No, the procedure is painless. Anesthetic eye drops are placed in the eye to numb it. Most patients say they feel some pressure during the procedure, which only lasts a few seconds. After the procedure you may have some light sensitivity, tearing, or “burning” in the eyes, which should subside after a few hours. These symptoms are temporary.

Will I Be Able to See Right Away After LASIK?

Most patients will notice an improvement in vision immediately following treatment. Visual recovery varies for each person but usually stabilizes at 3 months. The speed at which your vision improves is due to individual healing rates, the type of procedure performed, and the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Most patients find that their eyes feel fairly normal within a day. However, vision can continue to improve and it may take 2-3 months to achieve the best vision. If necessary, enhancements can be done after your vision has stabilized to further improve your vision. Patients who have hyperopic LASIK may have a longer healing process.

When Can I Return to Work After LASIK?

It depends on your occupation. Most patients go back to work and resume their daily activities within one to three days following LASIK eye surgery. Your doctor will discuss any activities you should avoid immediately after your treatment.

Will I Have 20/20 Vision After LASIK?

An overwhelming majority of patients achieve the vision which enables them to perform most of their daily activities without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

What if My Eye Moves During the LASIK Procedure?

The VISX STAR S4™ Excimer Laser has a tracking system that follows the eye during the laser treatment. If any large eye movements occur, the laser automatically stops. Once the eye is repositioned the physician will resume applying the laser treatment to the appropriate area of the cornea.

How Long Does the LASIK Procedure Take?

The whole procedure takes about 20-30 minutes for two eyes. This includes anesthesia to the eye(s), creating the flap and performing the laser treatment

Why Should I Get LASIK?

If you are a candidate – and most people are – and have trouble with your vision, then you should really be asking yourself why SHOULDN’T you get LASIK! Consider the possibilities:

  • rolling out of bed in the morning and jumping right into your day without having to fumble around with contact lenses or glasses
  • not having to pay for, clean, and maintain contacts or glasses
  • never having to worry about losing glasses, or about contact lenses popping out
  • having perfect vision at an affordable price and almost zero risk

The list goes on and on – LASIK eye surgery is a life-changing procedure and should be considered by anyone who needs improvement to their vision and doesn’t want to fuss with expensive and finicky eyewear anymore.

If you’re in or near Columbus and are looking for the best in laser vision correction, contact us here at Mid Ohio Eye to get the ball rolling today. You’ll wish you’d done it long ago!

Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

Young woman with eyeglasses considering LASIK Surgery

You may be a LASIK candidate if you meet these characteristics:

  • You have a want to decrease your need for glasses or contacts
  • You do not have any eye diseases
  • You have an understanding of the risks and potential side of effects of LASIK
  • You understand that you could still need glasses or contacts after the procedure to achieve your best vision
  • You have an appropriate refractive error

Depending on your level of refractive error and some corneal factors, LASIK eye surgery may not be possible for you. However, there are alternative refractive surgery options that may allow you to have the vision you desire.

It is important that anyone considering LASIK have realistic expectations. Most patients have a resulting vision somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 without glasses or contacts.

You should also be comfortable with the possibility that you may need a second surgery (called an enhancement) or that you might need to wear glasses for certain activities, such as reading or driving at night.

Also, you should be aware that LASIK eye surgery cannot correct presbyopia, the age-related loss of close-up focusing power.

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