LASIK, laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is a type of eye surgery used to correct vision in patients who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have an astigmatism.

During LASIK surgery, an ophthalmologist uses laser correction to reshape the cornea of the patient’s eye. This process allows light to travel through the eye properly and focus onto the retina, located in the back part of the eye. LASIK is the most popular means for correcting vision and reshaping the cornea.

Howerton Eye offers LASIK surgery by top of the line, experienced ophthalmologists. Learn more about the procedure by continuing to read below.

LASIK Procedure

  1. Your ophthalmologist will use a laser to carefully cut and create a thin circular flap in the cornea
  2. This small flap is then folded back by your eye surgeon to access the cornea underneath.
  3. Your ophthalmologist will then remove some microscopic corneal tissue to reshape the cornea. This is the key step in the surgery because it will allow light to be more accurately focused on the retina, and therefore improve the patient’s vision.
  4. Different corneal shapes are required depending on each patient’s vision. For nearsighted patients, your ophthalmologist will flatten the cornea; for farsighted patients, the cornea will become steeper; and for individuals with an astigmatism, the cornea will be smoothed into a more regular shape.

Ideal LASIK Patient

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Healthy eyes – absent of disease and/or cataracts
  • In good overall health
  • Glasses/contacts prescription has not changed within the last year

Benefits of LASIK

  • There is relatively no pain during the procedure – your Austin and Kyle, TX ophthalmologist will use numbing drops to ensure a pain free experience
  • Immediate or almost immediate vision correction occurs
  • Stitches, bandages, and gauze are not needed
  • Vision correction lasts! The majority of patients achieve their desired vision after LASIK, and very few need a correction surgery years later as their eyes change with age

Are There Any Downsides?

With every surgical procedure, there are always risks that need to be taken into account. When it comes to LASIK surgery, remember:

  • It is a complex procedure. Creating the cornea flap is not easy and it takes a very skilled and experienced ophthalmologist to perform the surgery correctly.
  • Some discomfort can be experienced in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
  • The rarest side effects in patients include: glare, the experiencing of halo-like images, difficulty driving at night or in dark conditions, vision fluctuation, and dry eyes.

Correct Your Vision Today!

If you’re interested in improving your vision, please schedule a LASIK consultation at our Austin or Kyle, TX office. Our skilled and experienced ophthalmologists would be happy to talk through the procedure with you, assess whether it is the correct eye surgery option for your vision needs, and answer any questions you may have. Clearer and better vision could be just around the corner! Contact the team at the Howerton Eye now!