LASIK Eye Surgery in Boynton Beach & Lake Worth, FL
The Sibia Eye Insitute offers LASIK for prospective patients in Palm Beach County. LASIK, or Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis (reshaping the cornea of the eye using a laser), is one of the most advanced laser procedures for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Sibia Eye Institute also offers bladeless laser eye surgery, a state-of-the-art LASIK procedure that is done with a femtosecond laser. All procedures can be done in the Boyton Beach and Lake Worth, FL areas.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a refractive surgery performed to correct vision problems such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. LASIK is the most common and most popular refractive surgery performed in the U.S. The procedure is performed to reduce dependence on prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses. While there are other types of refractive surgeries such as similar laser surgeries and intraocular lens procedures, LASIK is widely considered the best choice depending on your specific needs. Our experienced eye care doctors will help find the correct solution for you.
How is LASIK Surgery Done?
In order for your vision to be clear, your eye’s cornea must refract or bend light rays properly. If not, you will experience blurriness, better known as a “refractive error”. LASIK procedures are performed by an ophthalmologist using anesthetic eye drops to completely numb the eye, eliminating the use of needles. Once the eye is completely numb, the surgeon creates a thin, circular flap in thin the cornea using an excimer laser (an ultraviolet laser). The flap is folded back and the surgeon removes some of the corneal tissue. Using a highly specialized wavefront-guided technology, the surgeon reshapes the cornea so that it more accurately focuses light on the retina. The flap is then put back into place and the cornea heals naturally, resulting in improved visual acuity.The procedure requires topical anesthetic drops and the cornea heals without bandages or stitches.
Why Is It Done?
LASIK is most commonly performed on people who are nearsighted, although it can be used to correct farsightedness, astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, and other eye conditions. If you are tired of wearing contact lenses or glasses every day, then LASIK may be the perfect solution for you. Each year approximately 600,000 people choose to get LASIK. A recent study has found that LASIK surgery has a high rate of success and patient satisfaction.
99.5% attained uncorrected distance visual acuity better than 20/40 after the procedure.
98.6% were within +/- 1.0 diopter (D) of the target refractive outcome.
90.9% were within +/- 0.5 D of the target refractive outcome.
98.8% reported being satisfied with their results.
Before the Surgery
First, your eye surgeon will thoroughly examine and perform diagnostic testing on your eyes to determine if they are healthy enough for the procedure. The shape and thickness of your cornea will be examined, pupil size, refractive errors, and other eye conditions will be assessed. An optometrist will also examine the moistness of your eyes, and may recommend a precautionary treatment to reduce the risks of developing dry eyes after the procedure. Your surgeon will also measure the curvature of your eye and map your cornea.You may undergo a wavefront analysis to provide a more accurate map of the aberrations affecting your vision. The eye doctor will also make note of your health and any prescriptions you are taking. If you wear contact lenses, the doctor will recommend that you stop wearing them for a period of time, usually approximately 2 weeks, before your eye exam and before the procedure, since contacts can sometimes alter your cornea’s natural shape.
During the Surgery
The procedure is done without general anesthesia. Numbing eye drops are put in your eyes so that you won’t feel any discomfort. If needed, your doctor will give you medication to help you relax. Your eyes are positioned under the laser and the surgeon will mark where he wants to create the flap. After the surgeon creates the corneal flap, a computer is used to adjust the laser to your particular prescription.You will then be asked to look at a target light for a short time while the surgeon watches your eye as the laser sends pulses of light to your cornea. The laser light pulses will painlessly reshape your cornea, although you notice a little pressure on your eye. LASIK is performed on each eye separately, but since the procedure takes only about five minutes, both eyes can be done on the same day.
Post-Operative Care
Once the procedure is completed, your surgeon will have you rest for a small amount of time. You might feel temporary itching or burning immediately after the procedure. After you’ve had a brief post-op exam, you can be driven home. You cannot drive directly after LASIK. Your doctor will examine you the next day and once he confirms your vision meets the legal standard for driving you will be cleared to drive.There may be some haziness and blurry vision immediately after surgery, but you should experience improved clarity by the very next morning. Within a few days, your vision should stabilize and it will continue to improve within the next few days. In rare cases, it may take as long as several weeks, but most people have improved vision almost immediately.You may feel able to go to work the following day, but most doctors recommend a couple of days of rest after the procedure. Also, refraining from strenuous exercise is recommended for at least a week to avoid traumatizing the eye and delaying healing.
Results
While most people achieve 20/20 vision or better after the surgery, results vary and some may achieve only 20/40 vision or less. You might still need prescription glasses or contacts after LASIK correction, but your prescription should be much lower than before the surgery.As with all surgeries, there are risks of complications. The complications for LASIK include infection and night glare. A small percentage of patients will require a LASIK touch-up procedure, usually a few months after the initial procedure. You may still require reading glasses once you turn 40, this is normal and age-related.
Lasik FAQ
Is LASIK right for me?
Candidates for LASIK must be at least 18 years old, their eyes must be healthy, and their prescription must be stable for 12 months prior to surgery. Some medical conditions, as well as pregnancy or nursing, may preclude you having the procedure. Check with your eye doctor for more information regarding an evaluation.
Will I have perfect vision after LASIK?
No one can guarantee perfect vision, but the majority of patients who have had LASIK are able to drive, watch TV, and play sports without glasses.
How old do you have to be for LASIK?
According to the FDA and American Academy of Ophthalmology, you must be at least 18 years old (21 in some cases).
Is LASIK safe?
Complications from LASIK are very rare. The risk of complications that might threaten your sight is less than 1%.
Is LASIK unsafe for anyone dealing with health problems?
LASIK is not recommended if you are suffering from diabetes, lupus, glaucoma, rheumatoid arthritis, herpes of the eye, or cataracts. If you are taking certain prescription drugs such as Accutane, Cardarone, Imitrex or oral prednisone, you should not have this procedure done. Also, anyone going through pregnancy or is actively breastfeeding should not have this procedure done. You should speak with an experienced surgeon if so.
How long will my corrected vision last?
Vision correction surgery after LASIK is fairly permanent. However, age-related changes to your vision will occur even if you’ve had LASIK surgery.
Will I need reading glasses?
While LASIK can reduce or eliminate your need for distance glasses, normal changes in your eyes due to age may cause you to need reading glasses.
Will LASIK fix presbyopia?
No, LASIK is ineffective at treating presbyopia.
PRK/LASEK
PRK eye surgery, LASEK and Laser Surface Treatment are other laser eye surgery procedures used to correct a person’s vision, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for contacts or glasses.The main difference between PRK eye surgery, LASEK and LASIK Eye Surgery is the healing time and what part of the eye surface is reshaped. The biggest advantage of PRK eye surgery / LASEK is that it requires no incisions. Since PRK / LASEK does not create a flap, but rather treats the outermost surface. PRK / LASEK generally has a slightly longer healing process than LASIK.
In order for your vision to be clear, your eye’s cornea must refract or bend light rays properly. If not, you will experience blurriness, better known as a “refractive error”. LASIK procedures are performed by an ophthalmologist using anesthetic eye drops to completely numb the eye, eliminating the use of needles. Once the eye is completely numb, the surgeon creates a thin, circular flap in thin the cornea using an excimer laser (an ultraviolet laser). The flap is folded back and the surgeon removes some of the corneal tissue. Using a highly specialized wavefront-guided technology, the surgeon reshapes the cornea so that it more accurately focuses light on the retina. The flap is then put back into place and the cornea heals naturally, resulting in improved visual acuity.The procedure requires topical anesthetic drops and the cornea heals without bandages or stitches.
