LASIK Eye Surgery

Advanced Laser Vision Correction

At Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, we're proud to offer LASIK laser eye surgery, one of the most effective and popular vision correction procedures available today. Our experienced team uses the latest laser technology to help you achieve clear vision and reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

What is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a precise, computer-controlled laser procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors. The procedure works by changing the way light enters your eye, allowing it to focus properly on the retina for clear vision.

How LASIK Works

1. Flap Creation: A thin flap is created in the corneal tissue
2. Laser Reshaping: The underlying cornea is precisely reshaped with an excimer laser
3. Flap Replacement: The flap is repositioned and heals naturally
4. Immediate Results: Vision improvement is often noticeable immediately

Conditions Treated by LASIK

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

• Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
• Eye is too long or cornea too steep
• Light focuses in front of the retina
• LASIK flattens the cornea to correct focus

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

• Difficulty focusing on near objects
• Eye is too short or cornea too flat
• Light focuses behind the retina
• LASIK steepens the cornea for proper focus

Astigmatism

• Irregular corneal shape causes blurred vision
• Light focuses at multiple points
• Can occur with nearsightedness or farsightedness
• LASIK smooths corneal irregularities

LASIK Candidacy Requirements

Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. We perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you're suitable for the procedure:

Basic Requirements

• Age: 18 years or older (preferably 21+)
• Stable Vision: No significant prescription changes for at least 1 year
• Healthy Eyes: No active eye infections or diseases
• Adequate Corneal Thickness: Sufficient tissue for safe laser treatment
• Realistic Expectations: Understanding of potential outcomes and limitations

Medical Considerations

• No pregnancy or nursing (hormonal changes affect vision)
• No autoimmune disorders (may affect healing)
• No severe dry eye syndrome
• No severe refractive errors beyond treatable range
• No keratoconus or other corneal diseases

Pre-Surgery Evaluation

Your LASIK journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine your candidacy:

Comprehensive Eye Examination

• Detailed Medical History: Review of eye health and medications
• Visual Acuity Testing: Precise measurement of current vision
• Refraction Assessment: Determining exact prescription
• Corneal Topography: Mapping corneal shape and irregularities
• Pachymetry: Measuring corneal thickness
• Wavefront Analysis: Detecting higher-order aberrations
• Dilated Fundus Exam: Checking retinal and optic nerve health

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

• Corneal Aberrometry: Detailed corneal analysis
• Tear Film Evaluation: Assessing dry eye risk
• Pupil Size Measurement: Important for night vision outcomes
• Epithelial Thickness Mapping: Ensuring safe treatment zones

The LASIK Procedure

Day of Surgery

The LASIK procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes per eye:

1. Preparation (10 minutes):
   • Numbing eye drops applied
   • Eye positioned under laser
   • Eyelid held open with gentle speculum
2. Flap Creation (30 seconds):
   • Femtosecond laser creates corneal flap
   • Bladeless, precise technique
   • Flap gently lifted to expose corneal tissue
3. Laser Treatment (30-60 seconds):
   • Excimer laser reshapes cornea
   • Computer-controlled precision
   • Eye tracking ensures accuracy
4. Flap Replacement:
   • Flap repositioned over treated area
   • Natural adhesion begins immediately
   • No stitches required

LASIK Technology Options

Bladeless LASIK (All-Laser LASIK)

• Femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap
• More precise than mechanical microkeratome
• Reduced risk of flap complications
• Faster healing and recovery

Wavefront-Guided LASIK

• Custom treatment based on your unique eye characteristics
• Corrects higher-order aberrations
• Potentially superior night vision outcomes
• Reduced risk of glare and halos

Topography-Guided LASIK

• Treatment based on detailed corneal mapping
• Ideal for irregular astigmatism
• Optimizes corneal symmetry
• May improve visual quality

Recovery and Healing

Immediate Post-Surgery (First 24 Hours)

• Vision: Significant improvement often noticed immediately
• Symptoms: Mild discomfort, tearing, light sensitivity
• Activity: Rest with eyes closed, no rubbing
• Medications: Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops

Short-Term Recovery (1-7 Days)

• Vision continues to improve
• Return to most normal activities
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and eye makeup
• Wear protective eyewear as directed

Long-Term Healing (1-6 Months)

• Final visual results stabilize
• All restrictions typically lifted
• Regular follow-up appointments
• Long-term success monitoring

LASIK Results and Expectations

Success Rates

• 20/20 Vision or Better: Over 90% of patients
• 20/40 Vision or Better: Over 99% of patients
• Satisfaction Rate: Over 95% of patients
• Enhancement Rate: Less than 5% need touch-up procedures

Potential Benefits

• Reduced dependence on glasses and contacts
• Improved quality of life and convenience
• Enhanced sports and recreational activities
• Cost savings over time (no glasses/contacts)
• Quick recovery with minimal downtime

Alternative Procedures

If you're not a candidate for LASIK, we offer alternative vision correction options:

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

• Surface laser treatment without flap creation
• Good for thin corneas or irregular surfaces
• Longer recovery time but excellent results
• No flap-related complications

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)

• Combines advantages of LASIK and PRK
• Preserves more corneal tissue
• Good for active lifestyle patients
• Reduced dry eye risk

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

• Replacement of natural lens with artificial lens
• Good for high refractive errors
• Prevents future cataract development
• Can correct presbyopia

Risks and Complications

While LASIK is very safe, it's important to understand potential risks:

Common Side Effects (Usually Temporary)

• Dry eyes (most common)
• Light sensitivity
• Glare or halos around lights
• Fluctuating vision
• Mild discomfort or irritation

Rare Complications

• Infection (less than 0.1%)
• Flap complications
• Under or over-correction
• Regression of treatment effect
• Loss of best corrected vision (extremely rare)

Cost and Financing

Investment in Your Vision

• LASIK is typically not covered by insurance
• Cost varies based on technology and surgeon expertise
• Lifetime savings compared to glasses/contacts
• Financing options available
• HSA/FSA funds can often be used

What's Included

• Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation
• LASIK procedure for both eyes
• Post-operative care and follow-up visits
• Enhancement guarantee (if needed)
• Lifetime aftercare program

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation

Take the first step toward clear vision without glasses or contacts. Our experienced LASIK team will evaluate your candidacy, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision about laser vision correction.

Contact Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center today to schedule your complimentary LASIK consultation. Discover if LASIK is right for you and start your journey to visual freedom.