Los Angeles Laser Eye Surgery
Laser Eye Surgery in California

LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) uses the accuracy of the excimer laser to reshape the cornea on a microscopic level. By flattening the central portion of the cornea in nearsighted patients, light can be focused on the retina, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lens wear. In farsighted patients, the excimer laser flattens a more peripheral part of the cornea, thereby causing a relative steepening of the central cornea. The excimer laser also allows for the treatment of up to 4.0 diopters of astigmatism, which includes the overwhelming majority of people with astigmatism in the world.

Advantages of LASIK over previous refractive surgery procedures are an important consideration in choosing which refractive surgery procedure is right for you. In considering LASIK versus radial keratotomy, LASIK uses a laser to accurately reshape the cornea versus handmade incisions with a surgical scalpel in radial keratotomy. In addition, the incisions with radial keratotomy go through almost the entire thickness of the cornea and its affect can continue to change over years, while LASIK is performed more superficially and its affect appears to stabilize within a short time.

About Lasik Am I a Candidate Scanning Laser Your Exam Day Day Of Surgery Day After Surgery

LASIK shows a few advantages over Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) that are important, especially for patients with high prescriptions. PRK is a laser procedure on the surface of the cornea that does not involve creating a flap. It is associated with a longer healing time and recovery of vision.

LASIK results in a more rapid return to vision, and patients often have no problem returning to work the following day without pain or discomfort. The doctors at Global Laser Vision always discuss which option is best for you. With all types of refractive surgery, it is important for you to realize that the procedure is not a guarantee of perfect vision and the experience of the Doctor is extremely important, especially with LASIK. Patients who are approaching the age of 40 or are over 40, should realize that they will usually need readers after refractive surgery that has produced clear vision for distance.