By Francis D'Ambrosio, Jr., M.D.

About LASIK Eye Surgery
At D'Ambrosio Eye Center, we have been performing LASIK in our offices since 1998. We have provided more than 5,000 patients from throughout greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts the ability to see clearly at distance without the hassle of eyeglasses or contacts. This freedom has allowed our LASIK patients to more comfortably and conveniently live their lives in an active and productive way.

LASIK Eye Surgery is a type of corneal laser eye surgery that we can use to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism with a quick visual recovery and minimal discomfort for patients who wish to see clearly at distance without needing glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is “lamellar eye surgery” because it is performed between the layers of corneal tissue. This is accomplished by gently creating a very thin flap of corneal tissue that can be lifted, the laser energy applied, and then the flap returned to its original position without the need for stitches.

 

Are You a LASIK Candidate?
Most people who wear glasses or contacts to see clearly at distance are usually LASIK candidates. But, there are a number of general guidelines we consider when we schedule and perform your LASIK consultation.  Here are a few of these guidelines:

• You must be at least 18 years of age. Growth spurts can change the way children see, so it is best to wait until they reach adulthood.
• It is helpful to have a stable prescription so that the best-corrected vision can be achieved for you with your LASIK procedure.
• You should not have any health issues or prior diseases that could affect the healing process. In particular, connective tissue diseases, collagen vascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, or immunodeficiency conditions could make you a poor candidate. Some examples include certain types of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus Erythematosis, and HIV.
• A previous history of eye infections such as Herpes Zoster or Herpes Simplex may also make you a poor candidate and preclude you from having laser vision correction.
• Any signs of corneal problems such as a particularly thin cornea, dry eyes, irregular astigmatism, keratoconus or other corneal irregularities would probably eliminate you as a LASIK candidate. Also, having previously taken or current use of Accutane (Isoretinoin) for certain skin conditions may exclude you as a LASIK candidate.
• Consider your lifestyle! Think about how LASIK can change your life. For most people, having their vision corrected is quite a positive milestone in their lives. The decision to undergo laser vision correction is an extremely personal one. You must think about the things that you enjoy doing-such as outdoor activities, sports, occupation-and your reasons for having the procedure. We can help you weigh the pros and cons and this can help you set realistic goals and expectations for LASIK.
• Reading glasses are not correctable by any form of laser vision correction at this time, so if you primarily wear glasses or contacts for reading only, you might not be a good candidate.
• If you are pregnant, expecting to become pregnant in the near future, or nursing, it is not likely that you would be a good LASIK candidate.

What to Expect During Your LASIK Procedure
To begin your LASIK procedure we will instruct the staff to place a few eye drops in your eyes to numb the surface of your eye. This will make you quite comfortable during your treatment. You will be seated in a comfortable and relaxed waiting area while the drops have a chance to begin working. After the drops have had a chance to take effect, a staff member will escort you into the Excimer Laser Suite and help you to position yourself comfortably on the moveable “bed-like” area that is actually part of the laser system.

LASIK is a three step process:

1. During the first step, we create a “flap” under which the laser energy is to be applied.

2. In the second step, we carefully fold the "flap" over and allow the inner layer of the cornea to be visible so that the laser energy can be applied. The actual application of the laser energy can take from 15-45 seconds depending on the amount of correction that you require.

3. During the third or final step, we replace the "flap" into its original position and allow it to adhere in position. The LASIK flap is remarkable in that it achieves its position without requiring the use of sutures or stitches.

The nature of the LASIK procedure is that it permits the healing and visual recovery process to be quick and predictable for most patients. For a few days after your LASIK Surgery, you will need to be careful not to rub or bump your eyes. It is expected that you will have a mild “sandy” or “gritty” sensation during the first day or so after your LASIK surgery. This is normal. We will give you complete instructions regarding eye drops and medications to use to help the healing and visual recovery process.

YOU NEED TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

We will require that you return for scheduled follow-up visits to check the healing process, regardless of how well you think you are doing. Most LASIK patients at D'Ambrosio Eye Care are able to pass the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Eye Test without eyeglasses or contacts within a day or so after their LASIK Surgery.

You should feel free to discuss any fears, concerns, questions or thoughts about LASIK or any corneal laser eye surgery with anyone on our staff. Our staff is available to answer any questions or to address any needs you may have regarding Laser Vision Correction at D'Ambrosio Eye Care. We will be pleased to spend whatever time is necessary to review any information about the LASIK procedure, what to expect on LASIK surgery day, follow-up care, fees, and affordable “no money down” easy monthly payment plans that will fit into your budget.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about LASIK Laser Eye Surgery or schedule a Free LASIK Consultation, please call D'Ambrosio Eye Care at 978-728-5423 to schedule an appointment.

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• LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
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