Our Procedure

To treat nearsightedness, the steep cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from in front of the retina to directly on the retina.

To treat farsightedness, the flat cornea is made steeper by removing tissue outside of the central optical zone of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from behind the retina to directly on the retina.

To treat astigmatism, the cornea is made more spherical - like a basketball instead of a football. This eliminates multiple focusing points within the eye and creates one point of focus on the retina. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

When laser vision correction was first performed in 1988, only low to moderately nearsighted patients without astigmatism could be treated. Today, with the second and third generation Excimer lasers, and advancements in surgical technique, very low to high degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be effectively treated. And for many patients that were previously not candidates for laser vision correction, such as large pupils, or thin corneas, newer surgical techniques now allow them to enjoy the benefits of clear vision without dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

At your initial free consultation you will receive an evaluation to determine whether you are candidate for LASIK. Dr. Domenic Izzo and Christel Kerchner, our LASIK Counselor, will guide you through the process and educate you about the entire procedure. If you are a good candidate for LASIK, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. You will have the opportunity to have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

When you make the decision to have LASIK, and before the procedure, you will undergo the wavescan measurement, during which time your eye will be "mapped." This “map” is used to guide the laser during the procedure.

What to expect on surgery day

You will arrive at the laser center about a ½ hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in, you may be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure

Next, an instrument called a microkeratome will create a hinged flap of thin corneal tissue, and your doctor will gently fold the flap out of the way. During this process you may feel a little pressure but no pain. You will then be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The Excimer laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative “mapping” exam. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed. To finish the procedure, the protective layer will be folded back into place where it will bond without the need for stitches.

Following the procedure, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. Then, you will be given additional eye drops, and your eyes may be shielded for protection. Your vision will probably be a little blurry at first, so someone will need to drive you home. You should relax for the rest of the day. You may experience some discomfort for 12 to 24 hours, but this is usually alleviated with an over the counter pain reliever. Some people experience sensitivity to light, and watering or swelling of their eyes for a few days following their procedure.

Realistic Expectations:

The decision to have LASIK is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee that you will have the results you desire. The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their vision after LASIK, and can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.

Serious complications with LASIK are extremely rare. LASIK is a safe, effective, and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Many of the risks and complications associated with this procedure can be reduced or eliminated through careful patient selection and thorough pre-operative testing using the latest diagnostic technology.

After LASIK, you may experience some visual side effects. These visual side effects are usually mild and diminish over time. But there is a slight chance that some of these side effects won´t go away completely, such as feelings of dryness, glare and halos.

Since everyone heals somewhat differently, a small percentage of patients may be slightly over or under corrected. Once the eye has stabilized (three to six months), you and your doctor can discuss whether a re-treatment enhancement could help fine-tune your vision if necessary.