User:Drboothedr
Dr Boothe, LASIK (Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is a refractive surgical procedure that results in rapid recovery of vision and has the capability to benefit patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reducing dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Millions of people worldwide have already undergone this exciting and marvelous procedure. Nearly a million people in the U.S. underwent LASIK in 1999 and approximately 1.3 million underwent the procedure in 2000. The great majority of individuals who wear glasses or contacts may now benefit from LASIK. Dr Boothe, candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
LASIK is a procedure in which the eye surgeon creates a thin surface flap of the cornea using a microkeratome to expose underlying tissues (stromal bed). It is within the deeper layers of the cornea that the surgeon then applies the Excimer laser beam to create the refractive ablation. This reshapes the cornea using the extraordinary precision of the Excimer laser.
The laser is programmed prior to each procedure for the ablative "cut" based on the patient's pre-operative refractive error(nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism). Once the laser ablation is completed, the surgeon gently replaces the corneal surface flap to restore surface integrity of the eye. It's as if the refraction is "ground in" to the middle layers of the cornea! The results are often dramatic and very rapid, with most patients seeing well enough to drive a car without correction the very next day. However, the best post-operative visual acuity may not be obtained until 2 to 3 weeks, or in some cases, even a few months, after the procedure.
Dr Boothe - Visual Results with LASIK
LASIK nearly always results in improved vision without correction. Dr Boothe, however, LASIK is an imperfect procedure, and does not always result in 20/20, or even 20/40 visual acuity. The large majority of patients can expect to see well without glasses or contact lenses, however, those patients with the highest degrees of refractive error (above 7.0 D myopia and 3 to 4 D astigmatism) should reduce their expectations for the procedure.
Dr Boothe, LASIK may be used to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. However, not all Excimer lasers are presently FDA approved to treat all three types of refractive errors. For example, some Excimer lasers are not yet FDA approved to treat farsightedness. Your surgeon can provide this information to you at your request.
Dr Boothe LASIK is an elective procedure which, like any procedure, has potential risks and benefits. Dr Boothe, in general, indications for surgery must include an appropriate level of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, as well as an educated and properly motivated patient with realistic expectations. The best candidate for LASIK is an individual who desires to be less dependent on glasses or contact lenses, is willing to accept the risks of the procedure, and understands that an enhancement procedure may sometimes be required.
The primary potential risks include postoperative glare, halos or starburst around lights at night, and infection in the cornea with loss of best corrected visual acuity. Fortunately, risks that threaten vision in the eye, such as infection in the cornea, are very rare.
LASIK Pre-Operative Evaluation - Dr Boothe
Patients who wear soft contact lenses or rigid gas-permeable contact lenses should discontinue their contact lens wear at least 3 days or 3 weeks prior to the evaluation, respectively. Prior to the LASIK procedure, one or more careful refractions (determinations of eyeglass correction needed) will be completed.
Contact lens wearing patients who are believed to have an unstable refraction will be asked to discontinue contact lens wear and return for a repeat refraction in one to three weeks. When back-to-back refractions are stable (equivalent), the procedure may be scheduled. Corneal topography, or a detailed surface map of the cornea, will also be completed to rule-out keratoconus and irregular astigmatism of the cornea. A complete and thorough eye examination including determination of eye pressure, slit-lamp examination, and dilated retinal evaluation will be completed.
The LASIK Procedure - Dr Boothe
The LASIK procedure is completed under topical (eye drop) anesthesia and is typically entirely painless during and after the procedure. Dr Boothe, A few minutes prior to the procedure, anesthetic eye drops will be applied to numb the eye and prevent discomfort during the procedure. A speculum is placed to hold the lids apart, thereby preventing blinking during the procedure. The surgeon places a ring on the surface of the eye designed to hold the eye steady and increase the pressure in the eye. A microkeratome is utilized to create a thin flap of the corneal surface. The surface flap is gently folded to one side in preparation for the laser refractive "cut." The laser, being computer driven for accuracy and precision, is programmed based on the patient's refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism).
The laser delivery is completed next, and takes less than one minute for most patients. Laser delivery may take slightly longer for patients with hyperopia (farsightedness). Finally, the surface flap is returned to its original position restoring the surface integrity of the eye. The surgeon will often observe the eye under the laser microscope for up to 5 minutes to be certain the flap is securely in position. The speculum is removed and the patient may typically leave the laser center within the hour. Many patients now have both eyes treated with LASIK on the same day.
Dr Boothe, the surgeon uses a microkeratome to create the flap. The flap is then positioned to one side of the corneal "bed" as the Excimer laser beam (left) is applied.
The broad beam Excimer laser widens the treatment zone as the procedure progresses.
laser beam ablation nearing completion as the edge of the laser beam approaches the borders of the flap.