Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), a remarkable refractive surgery procedure, reshapes the cornea so that the dependence upon spectacles or contact lenses is greatly reduced or even eliminated in some cases.

To gain a better understanding of how lasers correct an individual's prescription, it is important to have a basic understanding of the human eye anatomy. The eye possesses many similarities to a camera. The eye's focusing mechanism includes the cornea and the crystalline lens. The cornea is the clear outer "dome" or "windshield" which covers the iris or colored part of the eye. The crystalline lens is inside the eye behind the iris. Both the cornea and the lens help to focus the light internally onto the retina which is analogous to the film in a camera. A myopic or near-sighted individual possesses a cornea that is too steep, a crystalline lens that is too strong, or an eye that is too long. Any one or combination of these scenarios causes the light to be focused too strongly, so that the image stops short of the retina and is blurred. In contrast, a hyperopic or far-sighted individual possesses a cornea that is too flat, a crystalline lens that is too weak, or an eye that is too short. This scenario causes the light to be under-focused, so that the image theoretically falls behind the retina and is also blurred. The third scenario is astigmatism, which is essentially two prescriptions within one eye. Astigmatism can be of the myopic or hyperopic variety. An individual who is undergoing the LASIK procedure experiences reshaping of the cornea only, thus reducing or eliminating myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.

If you are considering refractive surgery, your first step is to be examined by one of our doctors. As refractive surgery co-management specialists, the doctors at Eye Associates of Winter Park are especially qualified to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. The pre-operative examination includes corneal topography, a computerized mapping analysis of the steep and flat areas of the cornea. In addition, corneal topography aids in ruling out some sub-clinical diseases such as keratoconus, which is the abnormal steepening of the cornea. Keratoconic corneas are unstable and should not undergo refractive surgery. Once you have been examined by one of our doctors who has determined that you are a good candidate for the LASIK procedure, you are referred to a highly trained and skilled refractive surgeon.

The LASIK procedure itself involves several precise steps which are followed by our highly trained surgeons. First, the patient is counseled on every step of the procedure so that a sense of familiarity is felt. Then, topical anesthetic drops are applied to both eyes, and a small eyelid holder is place between the lids to prevent blinking. Next, an instrument called a microkeratome forms a protective flap in the cornea and is folded back, A computer-guided excimer laser then removes a small amount of tissue from the middle layer of the cornea (less than a hair thickness). To reduce myopia or nearsightedness, tissue is removed from the central location of the cornea which results in a flatter cornea. To reduce hyperopia or farsightedness, tissue is removed from the peripheral areas of the cornea, resulting in a steeper cornea. Once the desired amount of prescription correction is achieved, the corneal flap is smoothed into place. The corneal flap quickly reforms secure bonds to adjacent layers without the aid of stitches. Because LASIK is performed under this protective flap, healing is quick and with very little discomfort. The protective flap affords a corneal healing surface area that is small, less likely to scar or haze, and results in good, clear vision within a very short period of time. In addition, the LASIK procedure can treat higher and greater ranges of prescriptions unlike may other refractive surgery methods.

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ). For additional information, please contact our doctors at Eye Associates of Winter Park. .

Q.	Can both eyes be done on the same day?
A.	Yes. Most patients have both eyes done on the same day.

Q.	Is there an age restriction for having LASIK?
A.	A. You must be at least 18 years of age and have a stable refraction.

Q.	What does LASIK cost?
A.	$1500- 2100 per eye, depending on the complexity of your eye. Financing is available as most insurance companies do not cover LASIK. Some providers give a discount for full payment with cash or check on the day of surgery.

Q.	How long does LASIK take?
A.	The actual procedure takes about 10 minutes.

Q.	Can I drive right after LASIK?
A.	No, because of a mild sedative used during the procedure. You can usually drive the day after surgery.

Q.	Will I be corrected to 20/20?
A.	It depends upon your prescription, however most patients achieve vision they are happy with.

Q.	How much time off work is required?
A.	Many patients are able to return to work the next day, though we encourage a day off.

Q.	When can I resume my normal activities?
A.	Most people return to their normal activities within one day following LASIK. You can exercise one day following the procedure. You can even fly as a passenger one day following LASIK. However, swimming or hot tub use is not permitted for one week.

Q.	Is LASIK and the laser FDA approved?
A.	Yes.

Q.	Can I have the tests and LASIK on the same day?
A.	Technically, yes but most surgeons prefer to review the tests before the actual surgical day.

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Eye Associates of Winter Park

1928 Howell Branch Road

Winter Park, FL 32792

Phone: 407-671-5445

Fax: 407-671-2899

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