Lifetime Eyecare
Optometrists & Aesthetic Specialists located in Jenison, MI
LASIK refractive eye surgery is by far the most popular type of eye surgery in the United States because, for many, it means they can leave their corrective lenses behind. Allen Smith, OD, and Nicole Gdowski, OD, of Lifetime Eyecare in Jenison, Michigan, offer pre-op and post-op care and referrals to trusted eye surgeons, ensuring you get the best care before, during, and after you take this step towards better eyesight. For a consultation, call or book an appointment online.
LASIK Q & A
What is LASIK surgery?
Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, is an eye surgery used to correct common eye problems, including farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. These eye problems prevent you from seeing clearly, due to a deformity in the cornea of the eye. A malformed cornea causes the light to move, or refract, incorrectly and causes you to see a blurry image, either close up or far away.
LASIK is used to correct the deformity of your cornea, allowing you to see clearly without the need for corrective lenses. This procedure uses precise, highly accurate laser-technology, guided by an eye surgeon with specialized experience in refractive surgery.
How does LASIK work?
LASIK uses specialized instruments to lift a thin flap of the cornea. This allows your eye surgeon to expertly reshape the cornea using the specialized laser. Changes that may be made to the cornea using this technique include:
- Elevating a flat cornea to correct farsightedness
- Flattening out a steep cornea to correct nearsightedness
- Smoothing a cornea with an irregular shape to correct astigmatism
The reshaped cornea is then replaced, and the eye heals without a need for stitches.
What does LASIK entail?
Having LASIK done is a team effort that involves your eye doctor and an eye surgeon. Dr. Smith and Dr. Gdowski offer pre-op care, to establish that you are a good candidate for LASIK and to refer you to a trusted eye surgeon. They also offer post-op care, to ensure proper healing and the best possible long-term results.
An eye surgeon at a local eye surgery center performs your LASIK procedure. The day of your procedure:
- You are in the office around an hour to an hour and a half
- You receive a mild sedative to help you relax
- Numbing drops are placed in your eyes
- Your LASIK procedure takes about 10-15 minutes
- You should not be in pain, though you may feel some pressure
- You have some blurriness immediately after surgery
Your vision improves over time, as your eyes heal and adapt to the new changes made by LASIK. Typically, you will see your eye doctor at Lifetime Eyecare the day after surgery, and several times over the next six months.
Dr. Smith and Dr. Gdowski recommend you have yearly checkups to monitor your long-term results and to continue healthy eye care.
For a consultation about LASIK, call or schedule an appointment online with Lifetime Eyecare.
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