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Since the late 1970's incisional refractive surgery (RK) has been used to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism in patients throughout the world. Refractive surgery has rapidly advanced over the past few years. The most significant contribution to the advancement of refractive surgery has been the application of the excimer laser to precisely reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea). Currently the great majority of refractive surgeries performed in the U.S. are laser procedures.

Recently laser vision correction has been further refined into a procedure known as LASIK. LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) provides rapid recovery of vision with very little discomfort and decreased risk of scarring. LASIK combines the precision of the excimer laser with the rapid healing of lamellar surgery. Lamellar surgery is the process of creating a protective layer of tissue under which the laser correction is performed. The thin protective layer is created with a special instrument called a microkeratome. The microkeratome is an automated device manufactured to micron precision.

LASIK

Microkeratome

LASIK is now used to treat nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. The procedure takes about 10 minutes per eye and is performed with eye drops for anesthesia (numbing). Most patients prefer to have both eyes treated at the same time.

LASIK

Afterward, LASIK patients experience very rapid recovery of vision. Most patients can see well enough to drive and work on the first day after the procedure.

Commonly Asked Questions

Who is a candidate?

LASIK can be used to treat most adults who wear glasses and/or contact lenses. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are all treatable with LASIK. Currently nearsightedness between -1.00 and -8.00 diopters, farsightedness from +1.00 to +4.00, and astigmatism of 0.75 to 4.00 can be effectively treated with LASIK. Each patient and their eyes are evaluated on an individual basis. Patients must be free of medical diseases and eye problems, which may affect or be affected by LASIK. Dr. Wild evaluates each patient thoroughly to make sure that they are a good candidate for LASIK.

How is the procedure performed?

LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure under topical anesthesia (eye drops only). Patients are given a mild sedative to help them relax during the procedure. With the rapid recovery of vision and relative little post operative discomfort, patients do very well and prefer to have both eyes treated during the same session. Both eyes can be treated in about 20 minutes total. At the conclusion of the procedure, patients are given clear plastic eye shields to be worn for the first 24 hours.

How soon does my vision improve?

Patients notice a significant improvement in their vision by the next day. Most patients are able to see 20/40 or better without glasses by the first day. Over the next few days the vision continues to improve. Some patients may notice additional improvement over the next few weeks to months. During the first few days after surgery some patients may notice halos around lights and difficulty with their reading vision. These symptoms are usually gone after a few weeks.

How much time off work/school is needed?

Most patients are able to return to work the following day after the procedure.

Will I ever need to wear glasses again?

As our eyes age they lose their ability to focus up-close. This is known as presbyopia. This process usually causes difficulty with close-work when patients are in their mid-forties. Since this process is unrelated to the eyes' nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, it is unaffected by LASIK. Therefore patients usually require reading glasses for close-work when they are in their mid-forties as all normally sighted persons do.

What if my eyes are not fully corrected by LASIK?

Under and over corrections can occur with LASIK. Eight to ten percent of eyes may require a "touch-up" procedure to fine-tune the vision. This is referred to as an enhancement. Enhancements, when required, are performed at about three months after the initial procedure. This is performed at no additional cost.

Is there anything better than LASIK?

Currently LASIK is the "state of the art" for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Recently the FDA approved implantable rings for the correction of low levels of nearsightedness (-1.00 to -3.00). This technology is reversible and may be a viable option for patients with low levels of nearsightedness.

FDA trials are currently underway on an implantable lens that is inserted inside of the eye next to the natural lens. This technology may prove to be good for high levels of nearsightedness and farsightedness but must pass the FDA evaluation process first.

Why should I have Dr. Wild perform my LASIK surgery?

Dr. Wild has undergone extensive formal training and has years of clinical experience in refractive surgery and LASIK. He has been performing LASIK since its inception in the United States and has continued to stay at the forefront of the technological advances it has undergone. Dr. Wild takes great pride in providing total care for his patients. He personally evaluates and discusses the risks, benefits, side effects, and recovery process with each patient individually. Dr. Wild's technicians have both undergone LASIK. They help patients to understand what to expect and how to prepare for the procedure based on their personal experience. Dr. Wild follows his patients closely after LASIK, and insures that all of their questions and concerns are addressed.