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The Laser Vision Correction Experience
What Happens During LASIK Eye Surgery?

Imagine Seeing Clearly Without Contacts or Glasses...

Although many patients seek out laser vision correction simply because they dislike wearing glasses, the treatment is more than a vision care cosmetic solution. The human eye tends towards dryness as we age, making the use of contact lenses more uncomfortable. Certain types of employment require excellent vision without corrective devices. In other jobs, the use of glasses may be inconvenient. LASIK, laser eye surgery, offers the potential to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses or in many cases, eliminate them all together. For those people, who for whatever reason, have never liked to wear corrective lenses of any kind, laser eye surgery is an exciting, safe, and effective alternative.

LASIK pre-operative evaluation

You will need a thorough exam from a LASIK surgeon who has advanced training in laser vision correction to determine if your vision can be improved by the treatment. At Fichman Eye Center, we offer you a free consultation with no obligation. Our staff will answer your questions and let you know if laser vision correction is right for you. During this consultation we will also discuss the various LASIK laser vision technology. We will explain Blade-less LASIK with the Intralase femtosecond laser and we will also discuss wavefront technology with Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix. Because Fichman Eye Center is dedicated to the best and safest outcomes our center invests in the latest LASIK technology.

LASIK eye surgery procedure (also Known AS Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis)

The results of the patient’s pre-op eye exam will determine the treatment parameters that are entered into the laser’s computer. The patient remains awake and pain-free during the treatment. Prior to treatment, the physician administers anesthetic eye drops to the patient to numb the eye. After the eye drops have had a chance to take effect, the patient is led to a treatment room and positioned in a comfortable chair underneath the laser system.  A suction ring is then applied which is designed to hold the eye steady and also confirms the pressure of the eye. The surgeon then creates a thin corneal flap using a device called a microkeratome. (Ask us about Intralase LASIK! If a BLADE bothers you, Intralase is an all-laser approach without a BLADE). NEXT, the surgeon tests for laser alignment and walks the patient through the fixation process. The corneal flap is lifted up, and the laser beam is applied to the exposed interior surface of the cornea to reshape the tissue. The computer-controlled excimer laser removes the tissue under the flap and reshapes the cornea of the affected eye. In less than 60 seconds, high-energy pulses from the excimer laser actually reshape the internal cornea with extreme accuracy. The flap is then replaced over the treated area. This corneal flap serves a natural bandage, which eliminates the discomfort associated with other types of refractive surgery, and expedites the healing process. Dr. Fichman will then watch the eye for five minutes to ensure proper healing. Because of the extraordinary bonding properties of the corneal tissue, stitches are not needed to keep the flap in place postoperatively.

After the treatment, drops are placed in the eye to facilitate the healing process. During the 24-48 hours after the treatment, most patients will experience a sensation in the eye and/or some mild discomfort. Typically, the patient will notice improved vision in 3-5 days or sooner following the treatment. Treatment follow-up generally involves a visit to the doctor the next day, in a month, three months and six months after surgery. Vision may fluctuate over the next few weeks, but usually stabilizes within three months.

If you are interested in determining whether you are a candidate for LASIK eye surgery please make sure to click here to complete our LASIK self Evaluation TEST. If you would like to contact us directly please go ahead and fill out our contact form. Once we receive your request a patient counselor will be in touch with you. At Fichman Eye Center we take great pride if offering many vision correction options not just LASIK eye surgery. If you are not a candidate for LASIK Dr. Fichman will determine the best possible option and discuss the potential risks or benefits.

Tips for LASIK Treatment Day

• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup, perfume or cologne on the day of the procedure.
• Bring a friend or family member! They can accompany you through most of the process and drive you home.
• Do not wear contacts for the prescribed period prior to the procedure. In the case of gas permeable or hard lenses, they should not be worn for three weeks prior to the procedure.
  
• If you wear soft lenses, they should not be worn for three days prior to the procedure.

An Introduction to Laser Vision Correction
Interesting things to know about LASIK eye surgery

Laser vision correction is performed with an excimer laser that has been thoroughly tested and clinically proven. Over 2,500 treatments were performed with the excimer laser in the U.S. clinical trials for safety and effectiveness. After extensive testing and follow-up over a six-year period, the excimer laser has been proven safe and effective for the treatment of the large majority of prescriptions.

The excimer laser was first developed in 1972. The excimer laser does not cut tissue like a scalpel; rather it ablates or vaporizes tissue from the corneal surface. The laser is able to precisely shape or sculpt the corneal surface.

In the U.S. clinical trials for low myopia conducted by Summit Technology, Inc., 100% of the patients studied experienced improved natural or uncorrected vision. Over 95% were returned to 20/40 sight or better which is the driving standard in most states, and were able to enjoy life and perform most activities without contacts or glasses. Two-thirds achieved 20/20 vision.

Bausch & Lomb's Technolas® 217A (Our Excimer LASER)

You now have access to the latest vision correction technology available — Bausch & Lomb's Technolas® 217A excimer laser. More LASIK procedures are done with Technolas lasers worldwide than with any other system. Using the most advanced technology available, Bausch & Lomb's Technolas® 217A, is the world's leading excimer laser. Its innovative "flying spot" technology produces an extremely smooth corneal surface. Unlike current standard lasers, the Technolas 217A uses a state-of-the-art feedback mechanism that makes sure every pulse is placed exactly as prescribed. And the Technolas 217A is the only laser designed ergonomically for LASIK. Which means greater comfort for you and greater flexibility for your surgeon.

The newest generation excimer lasers, such as Bausch & Lomb's Technolas® 217A, utilize an innovative technology called a "flying spot laser." A narrow beam (about 2 mm wide) contacts the eye at lightning speed in a pattern that allows the eye to clear in one place before contacting that area again. The laser beam covers a broad surface area, but does not penetrate as deep as in RK procedures. Unlike the broad beam, the full width of the flying spot beam is placed on the cornea during every pulse. This technology produces a smoother corneal shape and helps increase the accuracy and efficiency of the surgery.

LASIK or Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis offers a number of benefits to patients who are nearsighted, farsighted and astigmatic. With the aid of the Excimer laser, the cornea is reshaped to allow light to focus properly on the retina, thereby reducing or even eliminating a lifetime of dependence on corrective lenses for hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.

Page Topics: Laser Vision Correction in Manchester, Laser Vision Correction in Hartford Connecticut, LASIK Connecticut, laser eye surgery Hartford, laser eye surgery Manchester, CT. Excimer Lasers, LASIK self evaluation tests, LASIK Treatment day at Fichman Eye Center.