What is refractive surgery?
Refractive surgery is a collection of procedures that strive to permanently reduce or eliminate a person’s need for corrective eyewear when trying to observe objects in the distance. Such procedures include:
Laser assisted in-situ keratotomy (LASIK)
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Radial keratotomy and astigmatic keratotomy (RK/AK)
Laser Thermal Keratoplasty (LTK)
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
What is the history of the excimer laser?
Developed by IBM in 1976 to etch computer chips, it’s unprecedented precision made it a popular device used in a wide range of applications. In 1983, Stephen L. Trokel, M.D. and a physicist named R. Srinivasan applied it to corneal tissue. The first treatment was in 1987 at LSU, between 1987 and 1995 many companies worked to get U.S. approval to use the Argon Fluoride excimer laser.
How does LASIK work?
Before the process begins, numbing drops are placed in the eye and a speculum is placed in the eye to prevent you from blinking. An Broward County Lasik ophthalmologist uses the computer-guided excimer laser to remove a thin layer of tissue from the cornea. The great thing is there are no needles and no pain. Next, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to lift up a thin layer of the corneal tissue and left attached on a hinge. Then, the laser sculpts the tissue from the corneal bed. Finally, the flap is gently put back into place, and reattached without any sutures.
How long does the LASIK procedure take?
The actual procedure only takes between 15 and 90 seconds, but most patients are in the laser suite for a maximum of 20 minutes. As far as total time at Broward County Lasik, you should be in and out in about an hour.
Why has LASIK become the most preferred procedure for most patients and surgeons?
With the healing process taking place in the interior of the cornea, and no regrowth of any surface cells, visual rehabilitation is very fast and there is no need for long term post-op drops. The corneal flap acts as an immediate protector for the treated area, and therefore there is usually little or no post-op discomfort.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for LASIK surgery?
Here are some reasons that might make you a good candidate for LASIK surgery at Broward County Lasik.
-You dislike being dependent on glasses for clear vision.
-You never could comfortably wear contact lenses
-Corrective lenses limit your ability to take part in sports or other activities.
-You much prefer your appearance without glasses.
-Worrying about losing your glasses or corrective lenses causes you stress.
-Good vision without lenses is more important to you than having great vision with lenses.
-You’d be happy if your vision was much improved even if you had to still wear corrective lenses occasionally.
-You adjust well to change.
-You are an easy going person
-Going without corrective lenses could open up new career opportunities for you.
-You often wish you didn’t have to wear corrective lenses.
