Patient Information:

Advantages of LASIK Surgery

Rapid Recovery:

Most patients are back to work in one or two days. There is typically very little or no pain, and patients recover vision within the first 24 hours. Other procedures such as Radial Keratotomy (RK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) are more uncomfortable and visual recovery usually takes longer.

Correction of a Range of Myopia/Astigmatism/Hyperopia:

Among the three procedures available for treating refractive errors (RK, PRK and LASIK), LASIK may be able to treat higher degrees of nearsightedness and astigmatism.

Repeatability:

In the case of undercorrection or overcorrection, LASIK may be repeated by lifting the pre-made flap and adding additional laser treatment, as long as there is sufficient corneal thickness.

Long Term Stability:

Because there is minimal disruption of the corneal architecture and minimal wound healing, it is likely that there will be minimal refractive change over time. Although long-term data is not yet available, there seems to be little or no change post-operatively in the result between one month and one year. There are no reports, thus far, of myopic or hyperopic shift; however, many years of observation will be required to know about long term stability of the procedure for sure.

Structural Integrity:

The flap is considered secure, but not permanent, after the first day and the eye is not weakened as it is with RK. It is important to avoid rubbing or trauma to the eye for several weeks after LASIK.

Lack of Scarring:

There is little or no scarring in the central cornea, as can occur with PRK.

No Need for Long Term Eye Drops:

There is no need to suppress wound healing with the long term use of steroids as there is with PRK. LASIK patients can stop their eye drops after one week.

 

The equipment is expensive and costly to maintain.  WAVEFRONT LASIK is more costly than traditional LASIK and using the Intralase Laser for the all laser technique adds cost.

LASIK is now going through clinical studies and long term results will not be known for several years.  Available data suggests that there is excellent long term stability.

Because of the flap, there is increased chance of complications during the procedure as compared with PRK, which is a surface procedure.

 

Patient Eligibility for LASIK:

• Vision and refraction stable for 1 year.

• Rigid contact lenses (gas permeable) are not to be worn 4 weeks prior to LASIK surgery.

• Soft Contact lenses are not to be worn for ten days prior to LASIK.

• Satisfactory retinal examination.

• Absence of keratoconus or any other corneal disease.

• High myopes require adequate pre-surgical corneal thickness measurements.

Refractive surgery is elective; not everyone chooses to accept the small chance of a complication, and the outcome of surgery cannot be guaranteed for an individual patient. Dr. Sacks can perform the appropriate pre-operative tests to determine if you are a candidate and answer any questions you may have regarding all refractive procedures available for nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. Ultimately the decision to have refractive surgery is yours and discussing all your questions and concerns with Dr. Sacks will allow you to make an informed decision.