LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis and it is one of the most widely performed elective eye surgeries of today. LASIK is a painless and easy procedure, which is one of the reasons it is preferred among individuals that are looking for a convenient way to improve their eyesight. The total LASIK procedure takes less than an hour's time, and patients will typically notice dramatic changes in their vision within a few short days. If you are living in Colorado and are looking for a way to correct your vision due to near or farsightedness, astigmatism, or cataracts, there are skilled and professional LASIK Colorado surgeons that can assist you with this incredible procedure.

The LASIK Procedure

LASIK is painless and convenient, and the results are permanent. Even if your vision issues have been with you since childhood, LASIK surgery can help. The procedure is a simple two step process that only takes one appointment to complete, and it is completely safe. The first step in the procedure consists of the doctor using a laser to create a small flap in the cornea. The eye is numbed beforehand, so there is absolutely no pain, and general anesthesia is not needed. Once the doctor has created the small incision, they will use a second laser that directs cool, pulsating light onto the inner cornea. An eye-tracking device tracks the specific movements of the eye during this process to ensure accuracy. Once the pulsing light treatment is complete, the doctor will reposition the flap for proper healing, and they will provide you with a protective shield that will speed up healing and protect the eye from rubbing.

Your Denver LASIK surgeon will schedule a time for you to come back for a follow up visit, and this is usually within the 1-2 days. At your follow up appointment, the doctor will make sure that everything is healing properly and will conduct a series of tests to ensure that your vision is improving. Within a week or two, your vision will be crystal clear and the need for prescription eyewear may be completely eliminated. Some patients continue to wear reading glasses or a lowered prescription, and this is perfectly normal. Vision is greatly increased in most patients, but there are natural vision changes that occur with aging that may still require glasses from time to time.

Are You a Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK surgery assists with a variety of vision issues, but there are certain requirements that a patient must meet. If you are not a candidate for LASIK, your Colorado LASIK specialist will advise on the best procedure to suit your vision needs. In order to qualify for LASIK, the patient must be at least 18 years old and in good health. Autoimmune diseases and diabetes can cause possible complications during the procedure, so it is important that your eye specialist is aware of your health history. If you are pregnant or nursing, you will need to wait until after you have given birth as well as stopped nursing before proceeding. Individuals that wear contacts must refrain from wearing them for a specific amount of time in order to ensure proper healing, and your vision must be stable for a full year prior to surgery.

Perfect Vision

LASIK surgery is a safe and effective way to treat a variety of vision issues. The success rate of this procedure truly speaks for itself, as many patients display 20/20 to 20/40 vision within a few weeks of surgery. For individuals that have always struggled with vision issues, this procedure is definitely life-changing.