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Take
5 minutes to change your life with LASIK
Laser-In-Situ-Keratomileusis,
or LASIK is a virtually painless outpatient
procedure that takes only minutes and can
treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and
astigmatism. LASIK is one of the most effective
procedures available for correcting visual
errors. LASIK is very safe, which is why
it is now approved by the U.S. Military
for its pilots and NASA for its astronauts!
In performing LASIK, our doctor first creates
a protective flap on the front surface of
the cornea. The patient is then positioned
under the Excimer laser, which gently reshapes
the cornea to obtain the desired correction.
After the laser portion of the treatment
is complete, the flap is gently repositioned.
The cornea has extraordinary natural bonding
capabilities that allow effective healing
without the use of stitches.
During the procedure, patients remain awake
with the designated eye anesthetized with
drops. Good vision is often possible on
the day following the procedure. In fact,
many of our patients see as good as or better
than they did the day before wearing glasses.
Eye drops are used for approximately one
or two weeks. Protective eye shields are
recommended while sleeping during the first
week. With few exceptions, patients can
return to work the next day.
LASIK is suitable for a wide variety of
candidates, including those with astigmatism.
Is there any risk involved
with LASIK?
As with any medical procedure or
surgery, there is always the possibility
of a complication. The most common complaint
after having LASIK is Dry Eye, which usually
dissipates after a few weeks. Other complications
may include corneal scarring, corneal edema,
persistent eye pain or discomfort, glares
and halos and a decreased ability to see
well at night.
Patients should know that not everyone can
achieve 20/20 vision, but in most cases
it drastically reduces or eliminates the
need for glasses. Some patients still need
to wear glasses for driving or reading.
Our doctor will go over risks and benefits
with you prior to your procedure. Please make
a list of any questions or concerns you
might have so our doctor can address them
during your visit.
Clinical Study Results
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) have approved the VISX CustomVue™
procedure as a safe and effective method
for correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism.
A significant visual acuity result of the
FDA clinical study was that six months after
the VISX CustomVue™ procedure:
* 100% of participants
could see well enough to legally drive a
car 20/40 or better without
glasses or contacts
* 94% of participants achieved
uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20
or better
* 74% of participants were
20/16 or better
Four times as many participants were very
satisfied with their night vision after
CustomVue™, compared to their night
vision with their glasses or contact lenses.
Overall, many participants were more satisfied
with their quality of vision after the VISX
CustomVue procedure than before the procedure
with use of glasses or contacts. Quality
of vision refers not only to what you see,
but also how well you see under a variety
of conditions, such as driving at night.
Uncorrected visual acuity is the measurement
of how well you see without the aid of glasses
or contact lenses.
The following is a
list of frequently asked questions about
Laser Vision Correction. The answers will
help you in your decision if LASIK is right
for you.
Q: How long
has LASIK been performed?
A: LASIK has been performed internationally
for over 10 years. The first clinical trial
was performed in the U.S. in 1995. Ophthalmologists
have been reshaping the cornea to correct
visual errors for over 50 years, creating
a protective layer of tissue for over 35 years,
and using the Excimer laser since the 1980s.
Q: Who can LASIK benefit?
A: LASIK will benefit those patients with
near or farsightedness or astigmatism. LASIK
candidates should want to be less dependent
on corrective lenses and willing to accept
the risks associated with LASIK surgery.
Q: What results can I expect from
LASIK?
A: At one year after the VISX CustomVue procedure*;
* 100% of the clinical study participants
could pass a driving test without glasses
or contacts
* 98% of the clinical study participants could
see 20/20 or better without glasses or contacts
* 70% of the clinical study participants could
see 20/16 or better without glasses or contacts
* Four times as many clinical study participants
were very satisfied with their night vision
after the VISX CustomVue procedure, compared
to their night vision before with glasses
or contacts.
* FDA clinical results for Low to Moderate
Myopia, Up to -6.0 D MRSE with or without
astigmatism up to -3.0 DC
Q: Are the results from LASIK permanent?
A: The effects of LASIK are permanent. However,
some patients may experience changes in their
vision and could require an enhancement. Topeka
LASIK Center thoroughly exams patients and
screens out patients whom might have unstable
prescriptions.
Q: If I have LASIK and my vision changes later
in life, can it be redone?
A: An enhancement can be done most of the
time to finely tune a patient’s vision. You
need to consult with our doctor to determine
which option is best for you.
Q: Am I awake during the procedure?
A: Yes. The doctor will give you a mild sedative
such as Valium or Xanax. Then the doctor applies
topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the
eye. The entire procedure takes less than
5 minutes per eye.
Q: Does LASIK hurt?
A: Because patients are given eye drops to
numb the eye, you will experience no pain
during the procedure. However, some patients
have mild discomfort after the procedure,
but usually no pain. When the surgeon applies
the vacuum ring, the patient experiences a
sensation of pressure. The instrument surgeons
use to create the flap, and the laser does not
cause any pain. For several hours after the
procedure, many patients describe a mild burning
sensation, such as after opening the eyes
while swimming in chlorinated water. After
the first few hours, this feeling usually
subsides.
Q: Will I need to wear glasses every
again?
A: Most patients do not have to use glasses
during their daily life. However, patients
over the age of 40 will need to wear reading
glasses for near and intermediate vision.
This is caused by the normal aging of the
eye (Presbyopia) and occurs with or without
LASIK.
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