LASIK

Laser Vision Correction at the Chattanooga Eye Institute

What is Laser Vision Correction (LASIK)? 

Laser Vision Correction(LASIK and PRK) are surgical procedures where an Excimer laser is used to remove microscopic layers of corneal tissue to change its shape and allow light rays to focus more directly on the retina. 

Because LASIK is performed under a protective layer of corneal tissue, it offers some advantages over other types of laser vision correction. The advantages include
  • Less surface area to heal 
  • Less risk of scarring 
  • Less risk of corneal haze
  • Less post-operative discomfort
  • Less need for post-operative medications 
  • Vision can return more rapidly*
    • (*often within a day or two)
The Surgical Procedure

First, the ophthalmologist completely numbs your eye with an “eye drop” anesthesia. Then an eyelid holder is placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking. After this, the doctor uses a miniature instrument, called a microkeratome, to form a protective flap in your cornea. While this is being done, you may feel a little pressure, but you should not feel any discomfort. You will then be asked to look directly at a target while the ophthalmologist reshapes your cornea with the Excimer laser. 

After the laser process, which usually takes less than a minute, the protective flap of the cornea is folded back into place where it bonds securely, without the need for stitches.

After surgery, you may experience pain, but some patients only report a slight discomfort, which usually disappears within twenty-four hours or less. The reshaping of the cornea varies depending upon the vision correction needed. 
  • With nearsightedness, the cornea is made flatter by removing tissue at the center. 
  • With farsightedness, the center of the cornea is made steeper by removing tissue surrounding the center. 
  • With astigmatism, the cornea is made more spherical by removing tissue more in one direction than another.
Who Should Have LVC (Laser Vision Correction)?

The ideal candidate for LVC is someone over 18 years of age with healthy corneas, stable refraction, and without a significant change in their eyeglasses prescription within the last year. LVC can correct for nearsightedness of up to –14 diopters, farsightedness up to +4 diopters, and astigmatism of up to –5 diopters. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and those who have the following medical conditions or medicines may not be good candidates for LVC
  • Keratoconus 
  • Accutane 
  • Cordarone 
  • Uncontrolled collagen vascular diseases 
  • Uncontrolled autoimmune diseases 
  • Herpes Simplex or Zoster eye infections
After LASIK Surgery...
  • Allow yourself to rest as much as possible following your surgery. Sleeping is the best thing to do because your body will go into a healing mode when you are asleep. Do not engage in strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 2 days. 
  • Avoid exposure to bright sunlight without sunglasses. 
  • Use Artificial Tears as often as once every hour for the first one to two weeks, and as frequently as needed over the next several months. 
  • Be extremely careful not to rub your eyes for at least one month after surgery. 
  • Do not place your face under water for one week. No swimming for at least 2 weeks. You may shower , keeping your eyes closed. 
  • In the event that pain pills become necessary, please take as directed.
Common Post-Operative Symptoms
  • Periods of fluctuating vision or blurry vision could last up to several weeks. Frequent use of artificial tears may help to alleviate these symptoms. 
  • The need for temporary reading magnification for the first several weeks. Using magnification will have no effect on the final outcome of the surgery. 
  • Experiencing blood (subconjunctival hemorrhages) or red blotchy areas on the white part of the eyes. These are harmless parts of the healing process and do not interfere with your vision or surgical outcome. It will slowly dissipate in several days. 
  • Some patients who experience severe dry eyes may require the insertion of a silicone plug into the punctum, the entrance to the tear drainage system of the eye; This will prevent normal tear drainage and therefore help to keep the eye moist. 

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