LASIK Surgery

Introduction

When vision problems interfere with your daily activities, LASIK eye surgery offers a transformative solution that has helped millions of patients achieve clearer sight and greater freedom from glasses and contact lenses. At Frame & Focus Eye Care in Richmond, Texas, we understand that considering LASIK represents a significant decision in your vision health journey, which is why our experienced team is committed to providing comprehensive information and personalized care throughout the entire process.

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) stands as the most widely performed refractive surgery procedure worldwide, with a proven track record of safety and effectiveness that spans over three decades. This advanced laser vision correction technique permanently reshapes the cornea to correct common refractive errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. For patients in the Richmond, Sugar Land, and greater Houston area, Frame & Focus Eye Care offers state-of-the-art LASIK technology combined with the personalized attention and expertise that sets our practice apart.

The decision to pursue LASIK surgery represents an investment in your quality of life, offering the potential to reduce or eliminate dependence on corrective eyewear while enhancing your ability to participate fully in work, sports, and recreational activities. Our comprehensive LASIK evaluation process ensures that each patient receives a thorough assessment of their candidacy, realistic expectations about outcomes, and detailed information about the procedure itself. Whether you’re an active professional seeking the convenience of glasses-free vision, an athlete looking to improve performance without contacts, or someone simply ready to experience the freedom that LASIK can provide, Frame & Focus Eye Care is here to guide you through every step of your vision correction journey.

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the most popular refractive surgical procedure. In this procedure, a laser is used to permanently change the shape of the cornea (the clear covering on the front of the eye) to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. This improves vision and reduces a person’s need for glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK uses an excimer laser (an ultraviolet laser) to remove a thin layer of corneal tissue, giving the cornea a new shape, so that light rays are focused clearly on the retina. In the case of a nearsighted person, the goal of LASIK is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. LASIK can also correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.

LASIK is an outpatient surgical procedure with no need to stay at the surgery center overnight, as it will take 10 to 15 minutes to perform for each eye. The procedure is done while the patient is awake, but the patient may request mild sedation. The only anesthetic used is eye drops that numb the surface of the eye. LASIK can be done on one or both eyes during the same session.

How to Prepare for LASIK Eye Surgery?

Before LASIK eye surgery, the eye surgeon will evaluate the patient’s medical history and perform a full eye examination, including measuring corneal thickness, refraction, corneal mapping, eye pressure, and pupil dilation. Afterward, the surgeon will discuss what to expect during and after the procedure.

On the day of the surgery, eat a light meal before going to the doctor and take all prescribed medications, if any. Do not wear eye makeup, creams, perfumes, or lotions on the day before and the day of surgery, or have any bulky hair accessories that will interfere with positioning the head under the laser.

Contact lenses shouldn’t be worn for at least three days before the evaluation. In the case of rigid gas permeable contact lenses, they should not be worn for at least three weeks before. Patients should arrange for a ride home from the place of surgery, as their vision might be blurry.

What Happens During LASIK Eye Surgery?

The LASIK surgeon uses a computer to adjust the laser for each patient’s particular prescription. An instrument to hold the eyelids open may be used, and the patient will be asked to look at a target light for a short time while the laser sends pulses of light to painlessly reshape the cornea. During LASIK eye surgery, a suction ring is placed on the eye just before cutting the corneal flap, which may cause a feeling of pressure and may cause vision to dim slightly. Then, an instrument called a femtosecond laser is used to create a thin flap in the cornea. The corneal flap is then painlessly peeled back, and the underlying corneal tissue is reshaped using another laser. After the cornea is reshaped so that it can properly focus light onto the retina, the cornea flap is put back in place, and the surgery is complete. A distinct odor might be detected as the laser removes the corneal tissue, which some people describe as similar to that of burning hair, but it is nothing to worry about.

What to Expect After LASIK Eye Surgery?

The eyes might temporarily be dry even though they do not feel that way. One eye drop will be prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation, and another eye drop to keep the eyes moist. These drops may cause a momentary, slight burn or blurring of your vision upon using them. Do not use any eye drops not approved by the LASIK surgeon.

Healing after LASIK eye surgery usually occurs very rapidly. Vision may be blurry and hazy for the first day, but most patients notice improved vision within a few days of surgery. There will be a follow-up evaluation 24 to 48 hours after LASIK eye surgery, as well as at regular intervals within the first six months.

What Are the Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK has many benefits, including:

• Vision is corrected nearly every day after LASIK.
• LASIK causes a dramatic reduction in eyeglass or contact lens dependence, and many patients no longer need them at all.
• Adjustments can be made years after LASIK to further correct vision if vision changes with age.
• LASIK is associated with very little pain due to the numbing eye drops that are used.
• No bandages or stitches are required after LASIK.

Authoritative Resources for LASIK Information

Understanding LASIK eye surgery involves accessing reliable, evidence-based information from trusted medical organizations and research institutions. The following external resources provide comprehensive information about LASIK safety, effectiveness, and what to expect during the vision correction process:

American Academy of Ophthalmology – LASIK Eye Surgery The American Academy of Ophthalmology serves as the premier professional organization for eye physicians and surgeons, offering patient-focused educational content about LASIK procedures, candidacy requirements, and post-operative care. Their resources include detailed explanations of the surgical technique, potential risks and benefits, and guidance for selecting a qualified surgeon.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration – LASIK Information for Patients. The FDA’s comprehensive patient guide provides regulatory oversight information about LASIK devices and procedures, including important safety considerations, clinical trial data, and questions patients should ask their surgeons before undergoing treatment. This resource offers unbiased information about LASIK technology and regulatory standards that ensure patient safety.