People who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses due to the fact that their vision is affected by a certain refractive error – be it farsightedness ( or hyperopia), nearsightedness ( or myopia), or astigmatism ( when light comes to multiple focus points, such as in front and/or behind the retina) – can benefit from a laser-assisted eye surgery procedure called LASIK. This outpatient, quick corrective surgery involves reshaping the cornea to allow light entering the affected eye to be adequately focused on the retina. The procedure itself takes only about 15 minutes for both eyes and it’s virtually pain-free ( an anesthetic drop is instilled in the eye(s) prior to the procedure).
If you’re interested in undergoing this corrective surgical procedure in Castle Rock, CO, you should first schedule an appointment with a well-respected and experienced optometrist in Castle Rock. The LASIK specialists at The Meadows Family Eyecare will conduct a thorough eye exam to assess whether you are a good candidate for this procedure or not. Keep in mind that corneal thickness is a key factor in determining candidacy for LASIK eye surgery ( note that a corneal thickness of minimum 0.5 mm is required). An automated instrument ( corneal topographer) is used to evaluate the thickness of your cornea. If you have an underlying eye condition such as glaucoma, cataracts, or corneal, retinal, or optic nerve disorders, then LASIK may not be the right treatment option for you.
LASIK is performed using a specialized laser (femtosecond laser) to create a thin flap in your cornea. The hinged flap is then folded back in order to allow the specialist to remove ( or ablate), with the aid of another specialized laser called an excimer laser, some corneal tissue and reshape the affected cornea, in a way that addresses the specific refractive error. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is laid back to cover the treated area. During the healing process, the flap seals to the cornea, so no stitches or bandages are required. LASIK has been clinically proven to improve the patient’s vision right after the treatment and implicitly eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
If you’re suffering from a refractive error and you’re considering this corrective surgery, then feel free to contact The Meadows Family Eyecare by calling 303-660-6005 or filling out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with one of the eye center’s LASIK experts so that you can see if LASIK eye surgery is the right procedure for you.
