For those patients who are not satisfied with glasses or contacts, we offer refractive surgical correction. These state-of-the-art procedures, including the latest Excimer Laser Vision Correction, can reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses and contacts as they restore your natural vision. For more information, please call to schedule a free consultation and find out if you may be a candidate for one of these exciting procedures.

Introduction

LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ  Keratomilieusis) is an outpatient procedure that reshapes the front surface of the eye with a laser to improve the eye’s natural focus. It is currently available to treat myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, or hyperopia (farsightedness). LASIK can significantly reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts. Overall, more than 95% of patients achieve 20/40 distance vision or better, and over 60% are able to see 20/20 at distance without glasses or contacts!

Patient Selection

There are certain requirements that determine whether or not an individual is considered a good candidate for these procedures. Some of the more important criteria are listed below:

• Eighteen years or older

• Nearsightedness, astigmatism or farsightedness

• Refraction stable for 6 months or longer

• No soft contacts for at least 1 week

• No rigid contacts for at least 1 month

• No significant systemic disease

Pre-Operative Evaluation

Candidates for LASIK will undergo a thorough evaluation prior to surgery. This includes a complete eye exam with refraction, glaucoma check, and dilation of the pupils. Reevaluations may be made to verify that the eyes are stable. Additionally, a test called corneal topography will be done on all candidates to precisely measures the shape of the eye.

LASIK

The procedure will be scheduled with the Excimer Laser located at the Laser Optic Center in Norfolk. After the eye has been made numb with anesthetic drops, an eyelid holder will be placed so that you don’t need to worry about blinking during the procedure. Once this is in position and the eye has been prepared, the Excimer Laser is then used to reshape the cornea (front surface of the eye). When the laser is done, the eyelid holder is removed and additional eye drops are applied.

Post-Operative Care

You will be discharged from the Laser Optic Center soon after the procedure is finished. You will use eye drops in the immediate post-op period. Depending on how your eye is healing, these drops will usually be stopped within a few weeks, although in certain situations you may be asked to continue taking them for longer periods.

You will be scheduled to return to the office the day after surgery to check on the eye, and additional appointments will be made intermittently thereafter.

Fees and Payment

Financing plans are available through our office… the total cost to have both eyes treated can be as little as $3 per day!