LASIK

LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed and well known vision correction surgery. Using an excimer laser, the doctor re-shapes the cornea (the stationary refractive element at the front of the eye) so that images are focused to the correct spot on the retina (the light receptor of the eye). The success rate with this procedure is excellent, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better upon completion.

The LASIK procedure itself involves little or no discomfort (or pain) both during the procedure and through the recovery process. Also, eyesight improvement is almost immediate, and maximum vision is typically achieved within a few days.

Reasons to consider LASIK:

Nearsightedness (myopia).
Farsightedness (hyperopia).
Astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea).
Desire to decrease or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts.

The Procedure

During the procedure, the doctor first administers a local anesthetic via eye drops, so the patient will feel no pain during the surgery. A speculum is then placed over the eye to prevent the patient from blinking. Next, the surgeon cuts an extremely thin flap from the outer layer of the cornea, using a microkeratome (a small blade specially designed for this purpose). The flap is folded to the side, and the excimer laser, programmed with the individual map of the patient’s eye, removes excess tissue with quick pulses of concentrated light. This process usually takes less than a minute. Once this is done, the doctor folds the flap back into place and surgery is complete.

The Recovery

The patient may go home shortly after the procedure; however, someone else must drive or alternate transportation must be arranged. Patients will be asked to get lots of rest, avoid any strenuous activities, and avoid rubbing the eye area for a period of time. There are follow up appointments with the doctor 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and periodically over the following weeks and months. Vision should dramatically improve in the first few days following surgery. The patient often may return to work in a day or two, though it is best to take a few days off to ensure a smooth recovery.

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Testimonials

"In the fall of 2006, my optometrist informed me that it was time for my cataracts to be removed, and she recommended Dr. Yee. An appointment was set up, and Dr. Yee reaffirmed the diagnosis. She explained that I was a candidate for a new lens that was available where a patient had a greater chance of not needing to wear glasses after surgery. I could even decide whether I would like to have most of my improvement in my near or far vision. The length of the surgery and the recuperation would be the same as having the normal cataract surgery. I had been wearing glasses from morning to night for years and the possibility of not needing to wear glasses was intriguing. I pondered the extra cost of the ReSTOR® lenses and decided in favor of the newer replacements. In November the cataract in my right eye was removed; a ReSTOR® lens was implanted. I was awake during the procedure, which only took about fifteen minutes. Immediately everything seemed brighter and that evening I was reading the newspaper without glasses. Improvement in both my near and far vision had been achieved. A similar procedure was performed on my left eye in December. As a teenager I was diagnosed with Ambliopia (Lazy Eye) in my left eye. The successful improvement in that eye far surpassed what Dr. Yee and I had hoped.

Shopping at Christmas without glasses was much more pleasant without focusing my trifocals to read sizes and price tags. I don't miss glasses, which fogged up or slipped in the heat. At first it was odd seeing myself in the mirror without glasses, but I have learned to appreciate a younger person looking back at me."

-Marion Young October 16, 2007

"In the summer of 2007, I noticed my eye sight deteriorating when I would read. My Optometrist had told me several years ago that I had the start of cataracts in the corners of my eyes. In the fall of 2007, a family member recommended Dr. Yee.

Dr. Yee examined my eyes and told me I had cataracts that were ready to be removed. She explained that there were two different types of lenses available for my eyes. After much consideration and Dr. Yee's recommendation, I decided on the ReSTOR® lenses. I really wanted to have the benefit of not wearing glasses and I was willing to take the chance and pay the extra costs.

The surgery took approximately 20 minutes and was painless. I was awake during the whole procedure and was very comfortable and relaxed due to Dr. Yee and her staff making me feel at ease. My husband was very surprised to see me after surgery, because my eye looked like it had nothing done to it. My eye was not blood shot and I felt great!

I would like to thank Dr. Yee for recommending the ReSTOR® lenses, I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes and do not need to wear glasses."

-Patricia Naftzger