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About the LASIK Procedure
Procedure Patient Eligibility Advantages Disadvantages Complications Financing
LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) is becoming the most common elective surgical procedure in the United States. The surgery is painless and eliminates or reduces the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses to see objects clearly. Patients are usually able see more clearly within 24 hours.
Laser Vision Correction specifically, LASIK as many of you already know, is the newest, most popular surgery of the new millennium. Linda Y. Kalnins, M.D. wants to end some misconceptions and give you some real answers. You don't have to go to a stranger to have this miraculous surgery. Dr. Kalnins performs both PRK and LASIK surgery, two of the latest laser techniques for the correction of myopia, otherwise known as near-sightedness. With over ten years of microsurgical experience, rigorous training, and certification with current techniques, Dr. Kalnins can make driving a car or seeing the clock in the morning an effortless task! Dr. Kalnins uses the latest technology and has been certified on the VISX™ S4 laser for Lasik which is equipped with a special program to track the patient's eye.
The LASIK procedure
combines
two sophisticated techniques to correct nearsightedness and/or
astigmatism.
First, an automated instrument, the microkeratome, is used to create a thin protective layer of corneal tissue (flap) that covers the area to be sculpted by the laser. This flap allows for rapid recovery of vision and reduces discomfort after the procedure.
Second, the excimer laser is then used to sculpt the underlying cornea, correcting the refractive error. The eye is not patched, but a protective shield is placed over the eye to prevent inadvertent rubbing of the eye. Visual recovery is typically rapid, and there is little or no post-operative pain. Antibiotic eye drops are taken for about a week to guard against infection, and lubricating drops are used during the healing period.
LASIK Procedure Steps
Once it has been determined that you are a candidate for LASIK we will schedule your preoperative exam. During this visit, Dr. Kalnins will determine the final prescription that will go into the laser and we will answer any additional questions that you may have. The preoperative exam usually is completed at least 2 weeks before your procedure.
On the day of your surgery you will arrive at the surgery center one half hour before your procedure is scheduled to begin. You will be greeted by Dr. Kalnins and a technician who will instill preoperative drops and give you a mild relaxant. You will then walk to the laser room for the procedure.
Some of the factors we consider when determining a candidates eligibility for LASIK are as follows:
-
Vision and refraction stable for 1 year
-
Contact lenses (gas permeable) out for at least 4 weeks prior to LASIK
-
Contact Lenses (soft) out for 1 week prior to LASIK
-
Satisfactory eye examination
-
Absence of keratoconus
Rapid
Recovery
Most patients are back to work in one day. Patients recover vision
within the first 24 hours, because the epithelial surface is
minimally disrupted.
Correction
of a Full Range of Myopia / Astigmatism
Among the three procedures available for treating refractive
errors, LASIK may be able to treat higher
degrees of nearsightedness & astigmatism.
Structural
Integrity
It is important to avoid
rubbing or trauma to the eye for several weeks after LASIK.
No
Need for Long Term Prescription Eye Drops
There is no need to suppress wound healing with the use of
steroids.
Requires
a Skillful Surgeon
Because of the complexity of the microkeratome, manual dexterity
and operative experience is required.
Cost
The equipment used is expensive and costly to maintain.
Increased
Risks During the Procedure
Because of the microkeratome, there is increased chance of
complications during the procedure.
LASIK is definitely a more complex procedure with respect to both equipment and performance of the procedure itself. The surgeon's experience and refractive expertise is much more important. As with any surgical procedure - complications may arise.
Refractive surgery is elective - not everyone chooses to accept the small chance of a complication and the outcome of surgery can not be guaranteed for an individual patient. Dr. Kalnins will perform the appropriate preoperative tests to determine if you are a candidate and answer any questions you 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. Kalnins will allow you to make an informed decision.
Please call us to schedule an evaluation of your individual needs at (973) 898-0054. You will meet personally with Dr. Kalnins to discuss your questions.
Advanced Vision & Laser Care Center offers patients with opportunities to finance LASIK procedures with programs that offer payments as low as $113.00 per month. Our fees are all inclusive; all visits from the preoperative exam through one year of follow-ups are included. Vision Fee Plan is one of our healthcare financing providers and can be reached directly at www.visionfeeplan.com.
