LASIK « Florida Eye & Laser Institute

LASIK

LASIK — Is It For You?

Background

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a surgical procedure to reduce nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism by reshaping tissue in the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye. It evolved from a variety of refractive surgery techniques including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). In LASIK, an automated device called a microkeratome is used to create a thin flap in the cornea that is lifted; an excimer laser is then used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue and the flap is replaced over the treated area.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the excimer laser in 1995 for the PRK correction of nearsightedness and in 1998 for the LASIK correction of nearsightedness with or without astigmatism.

Is LASIK Safe?

In January 2002, the American Academy of Ophthalmology — The Eye M.D. Association — looked at a number of scientific studies and found that LASIK is safe and effective for correcting low-to-moderate nearsightedness and astigmatism. However, the Academy also found the results of LASIK are less predictable in eyes with moderate-to- high nearsightedness.

The Academy found serious complications resulting in permanent visual loss happen rarely with LASIK, but side effects such as dry eyes, nighttime starbursts and reduced ability to see in dim light occur more frequently. Your doctor should talk to you about the possible risks and side effects of LASIK.

Who Shouldn’t Have LASIK?

LASIK is an excellent procedure for many, but not all people with refractive errors. Those who are not good candidates should not have the surgery. If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK:

Uncontrolled or advanced glaucoma
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Diabetes
Some autoimmune disorders (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, HIV/AIDS)
Use of Prednisone pills or drops
Dry eyes
Irritation of the eyelids with itching and scaly skin
Pupil size over seven millimeters
Warped* or thin corneas
Genetic or metabolic problems affecting the cornea

* If you wear contact lenses, especially rigid lenses, before performing LASIK your doctor will examine you using a series of measurements to see if your corneas are warped. Your Eye M.D. may ask you to remove your rigid contact lenses for several weeks or months, and soft contact lenses for several days or weeks prior to examination to allow your cornea to return to its normal shape.

Is LASIK Better Than PRK?

LASIK has become more popular than PRK for a number of reasons, including:

Vision stabilizes sooner after surgery
Less discomfort after surgery
Faster improvement in vision
Less corneal haze
For people who need higher levels of correction, vision is more predictable and stable, and the corneas are clearer
Shorter time on medication after surgery
Enhancement procedure, if needed, is easier

However, LASIK may not be the best procedure for you. Other procedures such as PRK may be better suited for you. Your doctor will work with you to determine which, if any, procedure is best for you.

Will LASIK Give Me 20/20 Vision?

It might, but even after LASIK, you may not be able to “throw away your glasses and contacts.” Studies have shown that the majority of people — but not all — who have LASIK will come away with 20/40 vision or better without the need of glasses or contact lenses. Some people choose to have a second surgery, referred to as an enhancement, to further refine their vision and reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, most people who have had LASIK will need reading glasses as they get into their 40s and 50s.

What Should I Do If I’m Considering LASIK?

Talk to an Eye M.D. to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you have any of the conditions mentioned earlier, you may not be.

If your Eye M.D. determines that you are a good candidate, before setting a date for surgery, find out: