LASIK Specialist

How does LASIK correct my vision?

LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is eye surgery to correct common vision problems such as:

• Nearsightedness (myopia): nearby objects are clear, but distance vision is blurry
• Farsightedness (hyperopia): distant objects are clear, but close-up vision is blurry
• Astigmatism: near and distant objects may be blurry

The curved shape of your cornea (the clear dome that covers your eye) bends light as it enters your eyes. Bending the light focuses it directly onto the lens, which is essential for clear vision.

When the cornea is too steep, flat, or irregular, light isn’t properly focused. The LASIK procedure shaves microscopic pieces of your cornea, restores its normal shape, and corrects your vision.

What should I expect during my LASIK evaluation?

During your evaluation, your optometrist performs a thorough eye exam to ensure you’re a good candidate for laser surgery.

Although most people can safely undergo LASIK surgery, your eyes must be healthy, and your vision should be stabilized.

Your optometrist also uses advanced technology to carefully measure corneal topography, creating a detailed map showing the precise curvature of your cornea. This topographic map is used to plan your LASIK surgery.

How is LASIK surgery performed?

After applying anesthetic eye drops, a flap is cut in the outer layer of the cornea, then it’s folded aside so the laser can access and reshape the inner cornea. When the procedure is finished, the flap is put back in place.

The cornea is always reshaped with a laser. However, there are two ways to create the flap. Some optometrists use a tool called a microkeratome blade.

The team at Valley Eye Professionals opens the flap using a laser, making your surgery bladeless.

What is custom LASIK with IntraLase®?

The custom LASIK procedure available at Valley Eye Professionals uses wavefront technology to measure hundreds of reference points on your cornea and evaluate how your eye bends light.

Information from wavefront technology is used by the LASIK laser to perform a procedure that’s customized to your unique eyes.

IntraLase is an advanced femtosecond laser, which means it uses very fast laser pulses. This laser is specially designed to cut a perfectly shaped flap that has uniform thickness and precise edges.

A flap cut with IntraLase fits perfectly on the cornea after your procedure, which stimulates quicker healing.

To learn whether you’re a good candidate for LASIK, call Valley Eye Professionals, or book an appointment online.