What is Lasik Surgery

Life-Changing Results

The Excel Laser Vision Institute has been successfully performing LASIK procedures on patients with astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia for over two decades now. Our clinic uses only the most advanced technology and operates under the supervision of Harvard-trained eye surgeon, Dr. Moosa.   Imagine what it would be like to wake up each morning and not have to worry about putting on glasses or contacts. Imagine being able to see clearly throughout the day – no matter what activities or hobbies you are enjoying. Your new vision after LASIK surgery will allow you to focus on the things that matter the most. 

Refractive Errors Treatable by LASIK

Nearsightedness – Myopia: One of the most common vision problems, myopia makes it difficult for people to see objects that are farther away. Vision thus becomes blurred, distorted, and strained at a distance. This is also known as nearsightedness. Historically, LASIK has had great success in correcting this type of vision error.  Farsightedness – Hyperopia: People with hyperopia, otherwise known as farsightedness, have trouble seeing objects that are closer to their eyes. Today, faster lasers, larger spot areas, bladeless flap incisions, intraoperative pachymetry, wavefront-optimized, and wavefront-guided techniques have allowed this refractive error to be treatable by LASIK. Astigmatism:  People with astigmatism experience blurred vision. This condition can occur when the cornea is an irregular shape or when the lens has a particular curvature that prevents light from focusing properly. Astigmatism is a common occurrence with nearsighted or farsighted vision problems and can be corrected with LASIK surgery. 

LASIK Eye Surgery – The Step-By-Step Process

The LASIK procedure requires two basic steps in order to correct refractive errors and improve the visual acuity of the patient. The first step involves the creation of a corneal flap, either with a microkeratome blade or with a femtosecond laser. The first instrument is used in traditional LASIK eye surgery while the second and newest technology can be offered to qualified patients via the bladeless LASIK method. For the second step, the LASIK surgeon will utilize an excimer laser to reshape the patient’s cornea according to their vision needs. On the day of the procedure, here’s what you can expect: 

• Your LASIK surgeon will apply numbing drops to your eye.
• Your eyelids will be gently held in place with a specialized instrument. 
• The flap-making tool will be positioned by a qualified surgeon.
• Your LASIK surgeon will complete the surgery while you relax in the chair.

LASIK is designed to correct hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism by removing different tissue in the cornea. Myopia is corrected by flattening the cornea and removing tissue from the center. Hyperopia is corrected by steepening the cornea and removing tissue from the sides. Finally, astigmatism is corrected by curving the cornea into a more spherical shape and thus removing any outlier tissue.  Once your LASIK surgeon has finished reshaping the cornea, they will reposition the cornea flap that they have cut. This will heal naturally with time. Your surgeon will likely prescribe some eye drops to help with any redness, irritation, or dry eye symptoms. You will schedule post-op appointments with your LASIK surgeon in order to monitor your recovery. LASIK has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any elective procedure. It can take as short as ten minutes, depending on the amount of correction required. Your LASIK surgeon will walk you through the process before your procedure and give you any basic requirements before you come in. Most surgeons recommend that you come into the surgery relaxed with no makeup on and comfortable clothing. When you come in for your surgery, you can bring a designated driver to help you get back home. Most patients are able to get back to their normal routine the next day!