Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a refractive procedure that uses an automated blade and a laser to reshape the cornea permanently. The reshaped cornea helps focus light directly onto the retina to produce clearer vision. If you are one of the millions of people worldwide with a refractive error like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism (a cornea with unequal curves), you may be a candidate for improved vision through LASIK surgery.
Request an Appointment
Geneva Eye Clinic utilizes the state-of-the-art Excimer Laser to reshape the cornea according to an individual patient's refractive needs. When LASIK surgery corrects nearsightedness in one eye and farsightedness in the other eye, it is known as monovision. This type of surgery may reduce the need for glasses full-time.
LASIK is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using topical anesthesia with drops. The process itself generally takes about fifteen minutes. The surgeon creates a flap in the cornea with a microkeratome. The flap is lifted to the side, and the cool beam of the excimer laser is used to remove a layer of corneal tissue. The flap is folded back to its normal position and sealed without sutures. The removal of corneal tissue permanently reshapes the cornea.
A shield protects the flap for the first day and night. The vision should be clear by the next day. Healing after surgery is often less painful than with other methods of refractive surgery since the laser removes tissue from the inside of the cornea and not the surface. If needed, eyedrops can be taken for pain and usually are only required for up to one week.
Some people experience poor night vision after LASIK. The surgery may result in under correction or overcorrection, which can often be improved with a second surgery. More rare and severe complications include a dislocated flap, epithelial ingrowth, and inflammation underneath the flap. Most complications are managed without any loss of vision. Permanent vision loss is very rare.
The ideal candidate for LASIK is at least 18 years old. They have a stable refractive error within the correctable range, are free of any eye diseases, autoimmune, or immunodeficiency diseases, and are willing to accept LASIK's potential risks, complications, and side effects.
Phone
