LASIK
 LASIK improves vision safely and precisely by reshaping the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Vision improves within minutes, and most patients eventually enjoy 20/20 vision or better after treatment.
The most commonly performed elective surgery in America, LASIK combines the advantages of two sophisticated technologies: the accuracy of the excimer laser and the benefits of lamellar keratoplasty. It is safe, precise and highly successful. Thanks to LASIK, millions of people worldwide have experienced the wonder of clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK offers many improvements over other refractive surgery procedures. These include little or no post-operative discomfort, immediate vision improvement, and the ability to drive or return to work quickly—sometimes as soon as the next day. Most patients require no corrective eyewear after surgery (although patients over 45 often need reading glasses).
Call today to schedule your consultation and find out you are a candidate for LASIK. Soon you could be tossing away your glasses or contact lenses and enjoying the freedom of clear vision.
Who may have LASIK?
Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. When you come in for an evaluation, your eyes will be examined to determine whether LASIK or another refractive procedure is appropriate for you, and whether you are at risk for any complications.
The ideal LASIK candidate:
- Is over 18 years old;
- Has had stable vision for at least six months;
- Has a healthy cornea thick enough for a flap;
- Has refractive error(s) that fall within the treatable range;
- Does not have a disease or condition that could impair the procedure or healing process;
- Has been educated about the procedure including its risks and benefits.
- Understands that the goal of surgery is to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
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The Procedure
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly.
During the procedure, a device called a microkeratome cuts a thin flap in the surface of the cornea. Patients are given anesthesia so they can't feel the instruments. The flap is then lifted and an excimer laser beam reshapes the cornea's curvature to improve vision. The flap is then closed and covered with a protective contact lens.
The entire procedure takes only 15-30 minutes per eye, and patients are often ready to leave within an hour or two. The flap heals on its own within a few days with no need for stitches.
A common complaint after surgery is sensitivity to light, but this will subside. Antibiotic eye drops will be prescribed for a few days, along with any other post-operative instructions. Full recovery takes a few weeks.
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Patients Initially Inquiring About LASIK
No one should have LASIK without understanding all available options. In some situations, CK or other procedures may be preferable. Patients who express interest in LASIK are invited to have a free screening or come to a LASIK Seminar.
What's Next?
Your next step after your screening or seminar will be to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nachbar. At this visit, you will have a detailed eye examination & discussion about how LASIK (and/or other procedures) may help you reach your visual goals.
LASIK may be scheduled at this time. Our LVC Coordinator will be happy to offer you a choice of dates.
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Flying Spot Laser
All Excimer Lasers are not created equal.
Excimer lasers differ based on how they generate the laser energy and how the energy is placed on the eye:
Type |
Example |
How it Differs |
| Broad Beam |
VISX S4 |
- Hundreds of large pulses
- Relatively uneven energy density
- Max treatment 8mm
- Older Technology
|
| Flying Spot |
Bausch & Lomb 217 |
- Thousands of tiny pulses
- Extremely smooth ablations
- More even energy density
- Max treatment up to 14mm
- "Glare Friendly"
- Newer Technology
|
The Laser Vision Center at SJEYE is proud to have the first Bausch & Lomb "Flying Spot" Technolas 217 Excimer Laser in the area. In fact, ours is the first in the entire Delaware Valley! We have been treating LASIK patients since Fall, 2000. Ours is also the area's first laser to have the Zyoptix Wavefront capability.
Here's how the "Flying Spot" works:
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The Laser creates very small (2mm) round pulses of energy. Since the pulses are small, the laser energy can be very consistent and reproduceable.
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After the flap is lifted, thousands of these small pulses are placed on the corneal bed in an extremely smooth pattern.
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The "flying spot" pattern allows the treatment area to extend well beyond the edge of the pupil - a major advantage over the "older" forms of laser technology. These more primitive lasers can only treat the center 6 - 6.5mm, but with the "flying spot" laser, we have treated greater than 14mm diameter!
The excimer laser reshapes the exposed corneal stroma by removing microscopic amounts of tissue. The laser is so precise that each pulse of energy removes 1/4 micron of corneal tissue (approx 0.0000098 inches). At the end of the procedure the protective flap is repositioned to its original orientation. The LASIK technique leaves the original surface of the cornea virtually intact. Since the epithelial surface has not been removed (as is the case with PRK), the LASIK eyes tend to be much more comfortable. The protective flap also helps to prevents severe regression and scarring.
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