LASIK Surgery Consultation Specialist

What is LASIK?

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses, is the most common form of laser eye surgery. LASIK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These conditions occur when the outer lens of your eye, known as the cornea, is too curved, too flat, or misshapen. This prevents light that passes through your cornea from focusing correctly on your retina at the back of your eye.

The LASIK procedure reshapes your cornea, so light hits your retina at the right angle to produce clear images, resulting in permanent vision correction.

What happens during the LASIK procedure?

LASIK is painless and only takes around 30 minutes to complete. During the procedure, your expert surgeon numbs the surface of your eye and then makes a small incision which allows them to access the inside of your cornea. Using a state-of-the-art laser system, your surgeon removes tiny pieces of tissue from your cornea. When the process is complete, the incision in your cornea heals quickly, without stitches. 

You can expect some discomfort and blurry vision for a few days. Full recovery and stabilization of vision may take up to three months. You have follow-up appointments with your physician during this time to make sure your eyes are healing as they should. 

When your recovery is complete, you enjoy clear vision without wearing glasses or contacts most of the time. You may still need corrective lenses for some activities, such as driving or reading.

How does a LASIK surgery consultation determine my eligibility?

If you’re 18 years of age or older, your vision prescription is stable, and you don’t have a significant medical eye problem, you may be a candidate for LASIK. The experienced providers at Optic Gallery Fort Apache perform LASIK consultations to determine your candidacy. If you qualify for laser eye surgery, the team can help you find a skilled surgeon who will best meet your needs.

Some conditions may prevent you from having LASIK, such as:

• Keratoconus
• Corneal ulcers
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Very dry eyes

However, advances in LASIK technology have made the procedure available to some patients who were not considered candidates in the past. If you were told you couldn’t have LASIK in the past, you may wish to have a new evaluation at Optic Gallery Fort Apache. 

Your provider may also recommend alternatives to LASIK, such as implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery. ICL is considered to be as safe as LASIK and is an option for people with very high prescriptions.

To schedule a consultation for LASIK, call Optic Gallery Fort Apache today, or make an appointment online.