Curious to know what it would be like to wake up in the morning with crisp, clear vision? Ready to free yourself from the hassle of glasses and contacts? Here at Eye Physicians Associates, we’re dedicated to offering the best LASIK eye surgery in Milwaukee, WI. Our team of eye care experts are committed to providing you with premium, patient-centered care to enhance your vision and improve your quality of life.
What is LASIK?
LASIK, or “laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis,” is the best known and most commonly performed type of eye surgery to correct refractive errors. Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. Variations in the shape of the eye or curvature of the cornea cause different types of vision problems.
LASIK can be used to correct several types of refractive errors:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia), in which close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal, or the cornea curves too sharply.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia), in which distant objects may seem clear, but close objects are blurry. This happens when the eyeball is shorter than average, or the cornea is too flat.
- Astigmatism results in near and distant objects appearing blurry or distorted. This is caused by an uneven or flattened curvature of the cornea.
Is LASIK safe?
LASIK surgery has been performed on over two million people with a 96% patient satisfaction rate. LASIK safety and success has improved with the availability of advanced technology. Most LASIK surgery is now “blade free” and is handled with precise femtosecond lasers. There are, however, risks and complications to all surgeries.
Certain medications or health conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, or cataracts can affect how quickly the eye heals after surgery. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of LASIK eye surgery with your doctor before moving forward with the procedure. Your surgeon will need to review your medical history and perform a comprehensive evaluation in order to determine LASIK candidacy.
How well will I see after LASIK surgery?
The success of LASIK depends on the level of a patient’s refractive error prior to surgery. LASIK can be less successful for patients with severe vision problems. Your doctor will carefully evaluate your eyes in the pre-operative consultation and can often predict how much vision improvement can be achieved.
It may not be possible to correct all types of vision. More than 80% of patients who have LASIK can perform most daily functions well without glasses or contact lenses. Some patients experience a dramatic improvement in their distance vision but need reading glasses for close work. Again, a comprehensive evaluation is the best way to determine whether or not you’re a candidate for LASIK.
Can anyone have refractive surgery?
LASIK is not recommended for everyone. Your doctor will conduct a thorough eye examination and review your medical history before deciding if you are a good candidate for LASIK.
Patients with the following conditions are likely not a good fit for LASIK surgery:
- Thin corneas
- Keratoconus
- Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Other eye diseases such as glaucoma, keratitis, and uveitis
- Persistent dry eye
- Weakened immune system
- Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)
- Pregnancy and other hormonal changes
Patients who do not qualify for LASIK may be a candidate for an alternative refractive surgery procedure such as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) or the Visian ICL, an implantable contact lens. Schedule an appointment with a board-certified ophthalmologist to determine which procedure is best for you.
What happens during LASIK surgery?
LASIK is a simple outpatient procedure that takes less than a half hour. Most patients have the procedure in both eyes on the same day. You will sit in a reclining chair, and your doctor will administer numbing eye drops. You need to be awake, but many patients take medication to relax and ease anxiety.
Eye Physician Associates, S.C. offers the most advanced laser technology with the Wavelight® Refractive Suite. Your surgeon will utilize the Wavelight FS200 femtosecond laser to create a precise, micro-thin flap on the cornea. Then, the EX 500 excimer laser will be used to refine the shape of the cornea. This state-of-the art laser is fast, precise and safe.
What happens after LASIK surgery?
Your vision may be blurry immediately after the surgery. Your eyes may also itch, burn, or be watery. It’s important to note that these sensations are temporary — they should not last more than a day or two. A patch or shield is recommended to protect the eye right after surgery. Most patients can return to their normal routine the day after LASIK.
Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up visit a day or two after surgery to evaluate how the eye is healing and to make sure there are no serious complications.
Will I see immediate results?
Some patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision after LASIK, but it can take two to three months for vision to stabilize in order to experience maximum results. Some patients may need “enhancement” surgery to receive a more precise vision correction after LASIK. This is very normal and is generally included in the price of the surgery.
Risks and Complications of LASIK
There are risks and complications with every eye surgery. Some complications are temporary, and some can be serious and permanent. The risk of a serious complication from LASIK is low, but it can happen to some patients. Careful pre-operative evaluation by a board-certified eye surgeon can drastically reduce the risk of complications from LASIK.
Patient compliance is also very important. In order to have the best chance of success after LASIK, make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations before and after surgery. Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure your eyes heal properly.
Common complications from LASIK include the following:
- Dry eye
- Scratchiness
- Glare and halos
- Problems with night driving
- Light sensitivity
- Decrease in contrast sensitivity, so that objects appear fuzzy or gray
LASIK Eye Surgery, Milwaukee, WI
Looking for a board-certified LASIK surgeon in Milwaukee or Greenfield? Contact Eye Physicians Associates, S.C. in Milwaukee, WI to schedule your complimentary LASIK consultation today!