Lasik Surgery in Austin

You have probably found your way to LASIK Austin’s website because you are seeking information related to LASIK surgery. We invite you to read the following article to learn more about this popular procedure:

LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure in the world. The term LASIK is short for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.”

What makes this procedure so popular? LASIK has advantages over other methods, which include a relative lack of pain after surgery, as well as offering very quick results—improvements in vision are often seen the day after surgery.

What does the procedure involve? All LASIK procedures involve creating a thin, circular flap in the cornea. This can be done using an instrument called a microkeratome, which features a tiny, oscillating blade. There are also newer approaches to LASIK which involve using a laser to create this flap.

After the creation of the corneal flap, the surgeon folds the flap back out of the way, and removes some corneal tissue underneath using an excimer laser. The excimer laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea, in order to reshape it.

When the cornea is reshaped in the right way, it becomes more capable of focusing light into the eye and onto the retina, providing clearer vision than before surgery. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed.

At LASIK Austin, LASIK surgery is used to help nearsighted and farsighted patients alike. For nearsighted patients, the goal of the surgery is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. LASIK surgery can also correct astigmatism, by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.

In order to decide whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK, your eye doctor will need to examine your eyes to determine their health, what kind of vision correction you need, and to what degree. Your doctor will also look for signs of dry eye disease, which must be treated and cleared up before LASIK can be performed. If you are determined to be a good candidate for the LASIK procedure, then a qualified surgeon such as those at LASIK Austin can be contacted for a consultation.

LASIK is an ambulatory procedure; you walk into the surgery center, have the procedure and walk out again. The actual surgery usually takes less than five minutes, and you can remain awake the whole time. Occasionally, the surgeon will give a mild oral sedative beforehand.

Though the procedure is relatively quick, it is a very delicate procedure. It must performed by a highly skilled surgeon with proper equipment.You also should have someone accompany you to drive you back home afterward.

As with any kind of surgery, it is highly important that you follow your doctor’s instructions. Get proper rest, fill and use any necessary prescriptions and call your doctor immediately if you

suspect a problem. What occurs after the surgery can affect your vision just as much as the surgery itself.

To learn more about the LASIK procedure, the experience and training of the staff at LASIK Austin, or to answer any further questions, please contact our office at 888-888-8888.