LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a safe, reliable and painless way to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. LASIK changes the way light is bent, or refracted, as it passes through the cornea so that it focuses properly on the retina and objects can be seen clearly.

During the procedure, a device called a microkeratome cuts a thin flap in the surface of the cornea. Patients are given anesthesia so they can't feel the instruments. The flap is then lifted and an excimer laser beam reshapes the cornea's curvature (steepened for far-sighted patients, flattened for near-sighted patients) to improve vision. The flap is then closed and covered with a protective contact lens.

- LASIK Procedure -

The entire procedure takes only 10-15 minutes for both eyes, and patients are often ready to leave within an hour. The flap heals on its own within a few days with no need for stitches.

Call today to schedule your consultation and find out if you are a candidate for LASIK. Soon you could be tossing away your glasses or contact lenses and enjoying the freedom of clear vision.

Am I a candidate?

Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. When you come in for an evaluation, your eyes will be examined to determine whether LASIK or another refractive procedure is appropriate for you, and whether you are at risk for any complications.

The ideal LASIK candidate:

• Is over 18 years old;
• Has had stable vision for at least six months;
• Has a healthy cornea thick enough for a flap;
• Has refractive error(s) that fall within the treatable range;
• Does not have a disease or condition that could impair the procedure or healing process;
• Has been educated about the procedure including its risks and benefits.
• Understands that the goal of surgery is to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

During your consultation, Dr. Susi will review your eyesight and discuss whether LASIK is right for you.

Choosing a Surgeon

Choosing to undergo eye surgery is a difficult decision with long-lasting consequences. You will live with the results of your surgery for years to come. That's why it's so important to find an experienced surgeon equipped with the latest technology to ensure that you enjoy the best surgical result possible, with improved vision and no complications. You probably don't want to put your eyesight in the hands of an inexperienced surgeon or budget LASIK practice.

Experience

Our surgeon has extensive experience in laser vision correction.

Honesty

We don't pressure our patients into undergoing a procedure that isn't right for them. Every patient interested in LASIK is given an extensive evaluation to determine whether LASIK is right for him or her. During the consultation, the patient and surgeon have a frank discussion about the advantages and risks of having laser vision correction. Only then is the patient accepted as a pre-operative LASIK candidate.

Caring

Unlike high-volume LASIK "factories," we take the time to ensure that every patient receives the best care and attention. The procedure is quick-about 15 minutes per eye-but we don't rush our patients in and out of the office to make room for the next one in line.

PRK

PRK or photorefractive keratectomy is one of the safest and most time-tested laser vision correction procedures available. Like LASIK, it reshapes the cornea to improve vision. PRK is most often used to treat low to moderate amounts of nearsightedness, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

In PRK the surgeon uses an excimer laser to vaporize a small amount from the top of the cornea. LASIK, by contrast, cuts a deep flap in the cornea using a sharp microkeratome blade. This weakens the cornea, makes it difficult to replace the flap in precisely the right place, and can cause other complications including flap irregularity, epithelial ingrowth and corneal ectasia. PRK avoids these risks.

Studies have shown that 90-95% of patients with a correction of up to -6.00 diopters achieve vision of 20/40 after PRK, and up to 70% achieve 20/20. Patients needing less correction generally achieve better results. The risks of PRK include infection, haze, slow healing, scarring, over- or under-correction of the visual condition, and development of astigmatism.

CustomVue™

VISX™'s CustomVue procedure combines the technologies of the WaveFront and STAR S4 Excimer Laser systems for high-definition, high-accuracy LASIK vision correction. CustomVue makes it possible to perform customized refractive surgeries using information gathered from your own eyes. This allows us to correct the very specific refractive errors that obscure each patient's vision so you can enjoy the best post-operative vision quality possible, whether you are nearsighted, farsighted and/or astigmatic. Other benefits of the CustomVue process include faster treatment time and no need to dilate the pupils.

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