LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most popular type of vision correction procedures or refractive surgery. LASIK uses the excimer laser to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism by modifying the shape of the cornea to improve your vision.

How LASIK works

LASIK results

Over 95% of LASIK patients achieve unaided distance vision of 20/20 or better without an enhancement procedure. Vision improvement is rapid with most of the improvement apparent on the first day after the procedure. While slight fluctuations in vision can occur in the first week, most patients return to regular activities the next day.

Your LASIK consultation 

• Please bring your current glasses, previous glasses or your contact lenses to the examination.
• It is best not to wear soft contact lenses within one week of the consultation or hard contact lenses for four weeks prior to the LASIK evaluation. This will allow the surface of your cornea to resume its normal shape.
• Your eyes will be dilated during the examination; therefore you should bring sunglasses to assist you in driving home after the examination.

• A refraction (a measurement of the optics of your eye)
• Topographic mapping of the surface of your eye. This computerized image maps the curvature of the cornea, similar to a geological relief map (see example at right). Each color represents a different steepness of curvature. The exam mapping shown at the right is an example of a corneal map indicating astigmatism.
• A dilated refraction to verify your prescription and check for retinal disease
• A comprehensive discussion of your individual eye health and recom-
  endations for your refractive laser surgery.

• Discontinue soft contact lens wear at least one week prior and hard contact lenses at least one month prior to the laser procedure. This will allow the surface of your cornea to resume its normal shape.
• After your surgery, you will need a friend or relative to drive you home. It is best to rest quietly with the eyelids closed for most of the remainder of the day.

• You will check in one hour prior to your scheduled surgery time for preoperative testing, forms, eye drops, and a mild sedative (Valium) to help you relax. 
• You will remain awake and comfortable during the laser procedure. A numbing topical anesthetic drop will be put into your eye and sterile drapes applied.
• The LASIK procedure takes approximately 8 minutes per eye and typically involves no discomfort. There is a slight pressure sensation experienced for a few seconds while the LASIK flap is created.
• When the surgery is complete, you will be escorted to an examining room for a post-operative check. The post-operative instructions will be reviewed and then you will be ready to return home.
• Please remember all patients need to be escorted home from the surgery. You should plan to be at the Laser Center for a total of approximately 2 hours.

• For the first day and night your eye will be protected with a clear plastic shield. The shield can be removed the morning after surgery by the patient, but should be reapplied at bedtime for the first 5 days.
• Upon arriving home, sleep and relaxation for the eye are best for recovery. Keeping the eyelids closed keeps the cornea moist and speeds recovery.
• You will need to follow post-operative instructions for the eye drop medications beginning the day after your laser procedure.
• While most patients experience little or no discomfort after LASIK surgery, some do experience low to moderate sandy or foreign body sensation. This is relieved with use of the post-operative drops including artificial tears.
• You will return to Dr. Sawusch's office the next day for your one-day post-operative exam. Follow-up appointments are generally scheduled for one day, one week, and one month following surgery.

1. Dry eyes most patients experience transient dryness of the eyes which my require use of artificial tears or punctal plugs. Increased dryness of the eyes typically lasts 3 or more months and rarely may be permanent.
2. Glare from bright light sources, such as oncoming headlights while driving at night may occur but generally improves and often resolves over the first six months after the procedure. In a few cases, patients use eye drops to keep the pupil small, thereby reducing glare. Wavefront or custom LASIK has reduced the liklihood of developing glare or halos.
3. Shadowing, doubling of vision, or "ghost images" usually resolves on its own, but sometimes requires further treatments.
4. Variable vision may occur depending upon the procedure for weeks to months after the procedure. Some individuals experience a small fluctuation in the precise focus over the course of the day. This daily fluctuation generally subsides during the month after the surgery.
5. Overcorrection and undercorrection occurs in some patients who feel that the uncorrected vision is not as good as desired. This may require the use of glasses, contact lenses, or a laser enhancement procedure.
6. Inflammation occurs occasionally under the LASIK flap and requires increased use of anti-inflammatory eyedrops until resolved.