LASIK

Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

LASIK is the most popular procedure to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Its popularity is founded on the high rate of patient satisfaction, excellent visual results, quick recovery, and the existence of very few side effects or complications.

After your eye has been completely numbed using “eye drop” anesthesia, your doctor will create a hinged flap of thin corneal tissue which is then gently folded out of the way. In only a few seconds, the Wavelight® excimer laser re-shapes the underlying tissue to correct the refractive errors in your eye. Finally, you doctor will replace the corneal flap over the treated area where it bonds securely, without the need for stitches.

LASIK patients recover very quickly with vision returning rapidly and the majority of patients seeing well enough to drive the next day, without glasses or contact lenses. Most patients elect to have LASIK performed on both eyes at the same time.

To be a good candidate for LASIK, the cornea must be of sufficient thickness to allow for the flap to be made with sufficient underlying tissue to be removed that will achieve the targeted level of correction. Patients with severe dry eye syndrome, very thin corneas or other conditions such as the beginning stages of a cataract, may be better candidates for one of the other refractive procedures offered at Oakland Eye Care.