LASIK is the number one choice of refractive surgeons and patients worldwide to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The first LASIK procedure was performed more than 12 years ago, and more than 5 million procedures have been performed in the United States alone. LASIK treats low to high amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure works by reshaping corneal tissue layers just beneath the outer surface of the eye. It is generally a painless procedure with a very quick recovery for most patients. There are no needles used; only a drop to numb the cornea to take away any pain sensation.

LASIK is a two-stage process. The initial stage involves the creation of a “corneal flap," a hinged tissue layer that is lifted back like opening the hood of a car. Stage 1 historically has been performed with an instrument called a microkeratome, a surgical instrument that the doctor uses to manually create the flap. This stage has now been advanced with a revolutionary laser technology called Intralase. Intralase offers the safest and most precise process of flap creation in the world today by using a computer-guided laser beam to create a corneal flap. Stage 2 is the laser treatment utilizing the VISX ActiveTrak Star S4 excimer laser system to reshape the corneal tissue. The excimer laser fires a cool, invisible beam. The average laser treatment time ranges from 15 to 45 seconds and the patient feels nothing. The excimer laser allows more precision than ever thought possible. One pulse of the beam removes 0.25 microns of corneal tissue. To put this precision into perspective, note that the average human cell is 10 microns in diameter and a typical human hair is 70 microns in thickness.

Recovery from LASIK is generally very easy. Most patients will notice an improvement in vision without glasses even the night of their surgery. Functional vision usually returns within 24 to 48 hours after your procedure. The recovery is generally painless. Many patients are able to drive themselves back the next day for their 1-day post-operative exam with Dr. Eisner.

LASIK is an extremely safe and successful procedure. With the addition of Intralase, traditional LASIK has been made even safer than before. It is always important to keep in mind that this is a surgical procedure and, therefore, has inherent risk. During your consultation and pre-operative exam, these risks will be discussed thoroughly. The most important fact regarding risk and complication is that surgical experience plays a major role in reducing their occurrence. Dr. Eisner has performed over 11,000 laser procedures, and you are in the best hands you can be in here in Central Georgia. No other local doctor has performed this surgery as often and as successfully as Dr. Eisner.

Obviously, visual outcomes vary from patient to patient. Not all patients achieve 20/20 vision, however most patients are able to achieve clear, functional vision without the need for glasses or contacts. There is a healing process that occurs with this procedure, and fluctuations in vision are normal for some time after surgery. However, functional vision is normally achieved in a short time, and patients return to work quickly.

LASIK procedures are normally performed on Thursday. Normal post-operative care begins the day after surgery. Dr. Eisner will see you again in 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. This post-operative care is included in your initial price for laser vision correction.