The Ins-and-outs of LASIK Eye Surgery

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Oftentimes, glasses and contacts can be an inconvenience when it comes to performing some everyday activities. Your frames might unexpectedly get bent during a midday hike or you may realize you have lost a contact lens after taking a quick dip in the swimming pool. One permanent - and popular - solution is to undergo LASIK eye surgery. LASIK, otherwise known as laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a commonly performed laser refractive surgery to correct vision. If you are looking for a quick and effective solution to losing the glasses or contacts, you may be a great candidate for LASIK eye surgery. 

What Makes a Great LASIK Candidate?

• Must fall under the current FDA approved parameters:

  • Up to -12.00D of myopia or nearsightedness

  • Up to +6.00D of hyperopia or farsightedness

  • Up to 6 diopters of astigmatism

• Be at least 18 years old

• Must not be pregnant or breastfeeding

• Must not have a history of previous eye diagnoses, such as glaucoma or cataracts

• Must not have an autoimmune disease. This is due to its influence on the recovery process post-surgery.

A Look Inside the LASIK Process

The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes to accomplish and plan to have someone drive you home post-surgery. LASIK is often painless as your doctor will provide you with drops to numb your eyes prior to the procedure. The surgeon will use a laser to create a flap to make the underlying cornea accessible. Following this step, a laser will be implemented to reshape the cornea. The flap will be put back in place and will naturally heal. 

LASIK is considered by insurance companies as an elective surgery, so insurance often does not cover this procedure. Even then, it is a simple procedure that has many benefits in the long run. If you’re considering LASIK surgery, contact the Redondo Optometry Staff to answer your concerns and to schedule an eye exam, if needed.