Do you wear glasses or contact lenses but dream of seeing clearly upon waking? Or perhaps you are athletic and would like to participate in high performance activities without the inconvenience of prescription eyewear. If you have a refractive vision disorder—nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism—LASIK may be the solution for you.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis) is a laser eye surgery that can correct the three most common refractive disorders: myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. A safe and popular technique, LASIK can dramatically improve vision, eliminating or minimizing the need for corrective eyewear. At Beach Eye Medical Group in Huntington Beach, Orange County our doctors specialize in LASIK, providing our patients with state-of-the-art care.
Refractive vision disorders are related to the shape of the cornea–the clear outermost layer that covers the iris and pupil. When light enters the eye, the dome-shaped cornea refracts (bends) the light and focuses it on the photosensitive cells of the retina–the part of the eye that signals our brains to form images. If the cornea has an anomalous shape, it prevents the light from being accurately focused onto the retina. As a result, the brain processes a blurry image.
LASIK uses laser technology to gently reshape the cornea, correcting its curvature so that light precisely reaches the retina. To carry out the procedure, the laser device is programmed with the exact specifications for the patient’s correction.
During a LASIK procedure, the patient remains awake but feels little to no discomfort. When the procedure begins, topical anesthesia will be administered via an eyedrop. After the eye has been numbed, a flap will be created in the cornea. To reshape the cornea, microscopic amounts of corneal tissue will then be removed with a calibrated excimer laser. The corneal flap will then be replaced to its natural position. The corrective procedure is fast, only taking about 10 minutes per eye. Patients should arrange for a friend or family member to drive or accompany them home after the procedure.
Although the recovery time can vary from individual to individual, most patients can expect little downtime. Typically, patients can return to their normal activities 1-2 days following the procedure. After LASIK, patients often report mild discomfort of the eyes, but these symptoms usually subside within a few weeks. As the eyes heal and adjust, minor fluctuations in the vision is normal. It can take the eyes one to two months to fully stabilize. Before your LASIK, our physicians at Beach Eye Medical Group in Huntington Beach, Orange County, will inform you of any potential complications related to the procedure.
LASIK is a highly effective procedure. Usually, patients experience clearer vision almost immediately. Once fully healed, approximately 95-98% of patients are able to enjoy a glasses- and contact-free day-to-day life.
Because LASIK reshapes the cornea, the correction is a permanent one. However, as time progresses, the eye can change; any such change is likely to be gradual and, therefore, future treatment would not be needed for many years to come.
LASIK has been performed for over 20 years and is considered a safe corrective eye surgery. However, like any medical procedure, it is not appropriate for everyone.
You may be an ideal candidate for LASIK if you meet the following criteria:
You are not eligible to undergo a LASIK procedure if:
If you are not a candidate for LASIK, there are other surgical options that can help you eliminate or reduce your dependency on prescription eyewear. Our doctors regularly perform a variety of procedures that can improve your sight and minimize your need for corrective glasses or contacts.
The LASIK process at the Beach Eye Medical Group in Huntington Beach, Orange County, begins with a consultation with a qualified physician to help determine the best course of treatment and to maximize the benefits of your LASIK procedure. Please contact our physicians for a comprehensive evaluation of your needs.
Written by Dr. Shah
Post surgery
The entire experience was better than I ever could have imagined. Let's start with the surgical center-- only the most beautiful view of the marina with the yachts as a backyard to this office, helped calm my nerves. Dr. Samir Shah is the GREATEST!!! The next day on my follow up I could see better than I have in 15 years. I highly recommend you in trust in this doctor and his staff, and I am looking forward to doing my second eye.
Thank you Dr. Shah and staff
P.S. Your mother is the luckiest woman on this planet!
