LASIK is a very popular procedure in the Mid-South area, across America and worldwide. In fact, LASIK has been the most common elective surgical procedure in the world since 2001. Laser eye surgery has been available for more than two decades, and recent technological advancements have made the procedure easier, faster and more effective than ever before.
Each year, more than 700,000 people in the U.S. undergo LASIK eye surgery for vision correction.
LASIK surgery is an outpatient procedure performed by an ophthalmic surgeon. Though the surgery itself only takes about 10–15 minutes, preparing for and recovering from the procedure requires time, preparation and the guidance of a knowledgeable optometrist.
Before LASIK
Vision impairments occur when your eye’s cornea becomes misshapen and distorts your eyesight. LASIK uses laser technology to reshape the cornea in order to correct this distortion. About 80% of adults are candidates for LASIK, but the procedure isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in finding out if laser eye surgery is right for you, you should expect to:
- Schedule a consultation with an optometrist. We’ll examine your medical history, assess your eyesight and evaluate whether you’re eligible for LASIK.
- Get LASIK-approved. Patients who get the go-ahead for the procedure should be 18 or older, suffer from a common vision problem with no health complications and have thick corneas and active tear ducts.
- Review pricing. LASIK is much more affordable now than it was a decade ago, but the procedure still costs a substantial sum of money. We’d be happy to go over the costs of the procedure and find out if your insurance covers the surgery.
- Discuss alternative procedures. LASIK is the most popular laser eye surgery due to its affordability and short recovery time. Before you opt for this procedure, though, you should talk to us about other options. PRK, CK, IOL and Wavefront LASIK are common alternatives, and we’ll help you determine which is the best option for your needs.
- Map and measure your eyes. Laser eye surgery is very fine-tuned, precise and delicate. To properly correct your vision, precise measurements must be taken. We’ll measure the curvature and thickness of your cornea, your astigmatism and the shape of your pupils to prepare for regular LASIK procedures. Today, many of our patients opt for Wavefront LASIK, which offers even more precision by using advanced 3-D digital mapping to more accurately measure your eyes.
- Set a date. LASIK is a quick outpatient procedure, but it may take you a few days to recover from the surgery. Plan your laser eye surgery for a time when you can rest, relax and recover for 2–3 days at home after it’s complete.
After LASIK
As your vision changes and your eyes recover, it’s important to maintain a close relationship with our staff. LASIK often takes a few days or weeks to fully change your vision, and we need to monitor your eyesight throughout this time. Our expert team is here to provide medical care, guidance and counseling services to our patient’s post–refractive surgery.