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LASIK (Laser-Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis) is the most popular
and effective type of laser vision correction. The first laser
vision correction surgery took place in 1988 and was approved
in the US in 1999. Laser eye surgery technology continues to
make advances in the LASIK procedure.
Today, topography-guided CONTOURA LASIK uses advanced mapping
technology to create a highly personalized map of your cornea
and its unique features to create an individual profile and
treatment plan. This technology utilizes 4 or more images
that capture 88,000 data points that measure and map your
individual eye shape and surface of your cornea for optimized results.
CONTOURA Vision uses more data points from the individual
surface shape of a patient’s eye than any other LASIK technology
to create a personalized, accurate profile of each eye.
CONTOURA measures an ultra-high-resolution of your cornea that
detects any abnormalities or changes in the shape to
understand your specific vision correction needs.
LASIK and PRK are two forms of elective refractive surgery designed to reduce someone’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
A LASIK procedure is performed by creating a very thin flap of corneal tissue. This is done on the outermost surface of the cornea. This flap, which is hinged remaining attached to the superior portion of your cornea, is then lifted to expose the central part of the cornea. This exposed area, then is treated with a second laser to reshape it according to your refractive error. After that laser treatment is completed, which usually takes less than 30 seconds, the flap is repositioned, and your procedure is done.
PRK is different in that the 5-6 cell surface layer called epithelium, a tissue which regenerates itself, is removed by the surgeon rather than creating a flap. This allows less corneal tissue to be devoted to the flap that is created in LASIK. The cornea is then reshaped with the same laser used in LASIK, programmed to the individual’s refractive error. Since there is no flap to reposition, a type of contact lens called a bandage lens, is placed over the treatment area to protect it during the period of epithelium regrowth, 4-6 days as a rule. It will usually be removed by your doctor.
The first step is to schedule your FREE consultation with our experienced Eau Claire LASIK staff and doctors. This consultation takes approximately one hour, and is an easy, pain-free series of diagnostic tests that will be used to determine your candidacy for LASIK. Depending on your scans and eye examination, your individual LASIK treatment plan is recommended to you by our medical team to reach the optimal outcome for you.
Watch the short videos below to see firsthand results and learn about what's possible for your vision.
Meet with the staff and doctor to review the procedure, post operative care and answer any additional questions you may have. You have the option of receiving a mild oral sedative while you relax prior to your procedure.
Anesthetic drops are administered, which prevents discomfort during your procedure.
Access to your cornea is gained by creating a flap in your corneal tissue with a laser. (Or, in the case of PRK, the epithelium layer is removed by the surgeon.)
Using the industry’s most advanced technology, the laser energy
from the excimer laser precisely reshapes your cornea. Actual
laser time is usually less than 20 seconds per eye.
Dr. Hofer walks you through the procedure step by step.
The thin layer of corneal flap tissue is returned,
acting as a natural bandage that helps your eye heal.
Most LASIK patients notice improved vision shortly after
the procedure, however, initially it is like you are looking
through water as if you were swimming.
Patients may feel irritation, or may tear, for the first
few hours. It is best to rest with eyes closed after the
procedure for the first 4 hours. Most patients are quite
comfortable after a rest period. Your eyes will be covered
by plastic shields for the initial rest period and for one
week while you sleep. Always keep eyes clean and refrain
from rubbing them.
At your first visit 1-2 days after LASIK, your doctor will
check your visual acuity and assess the recovery and healing
of your eyes. At this visit, many patients are already
seeing 20/20. It is not uncommon, however, for your vision
to fluctuate up to 6-8 weeks before stabilizing. It may
take up to 4-6 months for your vision to stabilize completely.
Patients are usually able to drive to this post-operative
appointment and are able to return to work and resume most
normal activities after this first checkup.
Follow-up appointments are recommended at one week and one
month. Regular annual eye exams should be continued
as usual thereafter.
Eau Claire LASIK utilizes a dedicated Alcon Wavelight Refractive Technology Suite, the only one of its kind in the area. This is the newest technology available in the industry today.
Not everyone can have LASIK. A thorough assessment through an eye examination and diagnostic testing is used to determine proper candidates for the procedure.
The procedure is not painful. There is pressure that is felt during a portion of the procedure, but no pain.
Rarely glasses may need to be used, either due to residual refractive error or regression. Reading glasses are to be expected with age, as LASIK does not prevent the need for that.
A typical LASIK patient is between the ages of 20-60, however there are often exceptions on both ends of this age range.
Most patients resume normal activities, including driving, employment and recreational activities, within 24-48 hours.
Refractive surgery is considered permanent. However, in about 1% of patients, in time, an enhancement may be needed to correct residual refractive error or regression.
PRK is a longer recovery time than LASIK, as the surface tissue (Epithelium) regrows over 4-5 days. A special contact lense (known as a bandage contact) is worn for that healing period and then removed by your doctor. Vision returns more slowly, but after a few days, driving vision is usually achieved and at about two weeks, vision is nearing the goal. PRK has the same visual potential as LASIK. CONTOURA can also be performed in PRK patients.
Myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia, all to varying degrees, can be treated with LASIK. The amount that can be treated depends on your exam, corneal thickness and topography..
Although encouraged (staff/doctors participate in this craze), the only benefit to wearing crazy socks is that you will see them clearly without glasses or contacts!
