The technology of LVC using the excimer laser has added tremendous precision, control, and safety to the surgical correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea to conform to your eyeglass or contact lens prescription, LVC reduces or even eliminates a lifetime of dependence on corrective lenses. LVC has been performed on hundreds of thousands of Americans yearly.
LASIK
Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis, offers benefits over other forms of LVC because it is performed under a protective layer of corneal tissue. With LASIK there is less surface area to heal, less risk of scar formation, corneal haze, postoperative discomfort and postoperative need for medications. Vision returns more rapidly, often within a day or so. Most patients are able to pass a drivers’ license test without their glasses or contact lenses.
Candidates for LVC
Ideally the candidate for LASIK is 21 years or older and has healthy corneas. Candidates should not have significant changes in their prescription in the last 12-24 months. Those with certain medical conditions or pregnant woman may not be good candidates for LASIK.
Expectations
Realistic expectations are important as the decision to have LVC should be made on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to reduce the dependency on corrective lenses. LVC doesn’t always result in 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. LASIK doesn’t correct presbyopia, or aging of the eye that normally occurs around age 40 and may require the use of reading glasses.
Treatment
LASIK treatment takes only seconds. Prior to treatment a brief consultative appointment is made with our staff at no charge to you in order to determine if you are a good candidate for the LASIK procedure. If it is determined that you are a good candidate, a full consultative examination (>1 hour duration) is scheduled in preparation for LVC.
Surgical Procedure
The LVC is performed with VISX Technology using the VISX STAR excimer laser. Prior to LVC, a corneal surface is created. However, rather using a knife, the flap is now created with Intralase. The Intralase is a femtosecond laser. The femtosecond’s laser precision far exceeds that of a knife and therefore results in less scarring, risk of corneal haze, postoperative discomfort, and postoperative need for medications, and overall improvement in safety, Thus, two laser systems (the excimer and femtosecond lasers) are used to perform the LVC, making it a bladeless procedure.
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