LASIK Surgery
Our doctors have extensive experience in the pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care of LASIK and other vision correction procedures. Dr. Jason Siegmund studied under a nationally recognized LASIK surgeon, and had the procedure himself in 2000, to correct myopia and astigmatism.
What LASIK is
LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. You’ll hear people call it “LASIX,” but the correct name is LASIK, short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Compared with other vision correction procedures it has two clear advantages: relatively little pain afterward, and good vision usually by the very next day.
How the procedure works
An instrument called a microkeratome creates a thin, circular flap in the cornea. Newer technique uses a laser to make that flap instead. The surgeon folds the hinged flap back out of the way, then removes a small amount of corneal tissue underneath with an excimer laser.
The excimer laser uses a cool ultraviolet beam to ablate very tiny amounts of tissue and reshape the cornea. Reshaped correctly, the cornea focuses light onto the retina more accurately, which is what produces the clearer vision. The flap is then laid back in place over the treated area.
Who LASIK can help
Nearsighted, farsighted and astigmatic patients can all benefit. For nearsighted patients the goal is to flatten a cornea that’s too steep; for farsighted patients, to make it steeper. Excimer lasers can also correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more even shape.
Our role: before and after
We don’t perform the surgery. What we do is the part either side of it, working out whether you’re a good candidate in the first place, and then looking after your eyes through recovery. That co-management matters, because most of the follow-up appointments after LASIK are the ones nobody plans for.
Book a LASIK consultation
If you’re thinking about it, start with a consultation. We’ll tell you honestly whether you’re a candidate. Request a time online, or call (843) 796-1155.
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