About LASIK
LASIK stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, which is the most commonly performed type of laser vision correction surgery today. LASIK has helped millions of people reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Not everyone, however, is a candidate for LASIK.
In people with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, the clear front wall of the eye, called the cornea, does not adequately focus images to provide clear vision. One reason for this is that the shape of the cornea is not optimal. During LASIK, a precise laser called the excimer laser is used to precisely reshape the cornea to allow it to clearly focus images.
The LASIK Procedure
During LASIK, the surgeon first applies anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye for surgery. A specialized ring is applied to hold the eye open and steady.
Step One
At Northwestern Medicine, an IntraLase® iFS® advanced femtosecond laser, rather than a blade, is then used to create a flap on the outermost layer of the cornea, which is the outer wall of the eye. IntraLase technology is uniquely able to program the dimensions of your flap based on what’s best for your eyes. The IntraLase laser creates your flap from below the surface of the cornea without ever cutting it. Ultra-fast pulses of laser energy create the flap at a precise depth pre-determined by your surgeon. Your surgeon will then gently lift the flap to allow for the second step of your LASIK treatment.
Step Two
Once the flap is created, the VISX Star S4 IR® excimer laser is used to correct the shape of the cornea, or outer layer of the eye. This specific type of “cool” laser generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range and can’t be seen by the human eye. Because the laser does not generate any heat, it causes no tissue damage. As the treatment with the laser proceeds, microscopic layers of tissue―approximately 1/10 the width of a human hair―are removed. The laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired result. This process is done in a series of steps:
LASIK Risks
Before surgery, you should be well educated on the potential benefits and risks of LASIK and PRK. After your pre-operative evaluation, you should have a good understanding of the risks and how they apply to your specific situation. It is important to discuss any concerns directly with your surgeon.
Click here for a review of the risks listed by the FDA.
Understanding Re-treatment
Be sure to discuss the topic of LASIK re-treatment with your surgeon. Re-treatments, also called enhancements, may be required to achieve optimal outcomes, although this is rare. The need for a re-treatment is most often identified within the first three months. Within the first year following surgery, any need for enhancement is covered by your initial payment.
In people with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, the clear front wall of the eye, called the cornea, does not adequately focus images to provide clear vision. One reason for this is that the shape of the cornea is not optimal. During LASIK, a precise laser called the excimer laser is used to precisely reshape the cornea to allow it to clearly focus images.
The LASIK Procedure
During LASIK, the surgeon first applies anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye for surgery. A specialized ring is applied to hold the eye open and steady.
Step One
At Northwestern Medicine, an IntraLase® iFS® advanced femtosecond laser, rather than a blade, is then used to create a flap on the outermost layer of the cornea, which is the outer wall of the eye. IntraLase technology is uniquely able to program the dimensions of your flap based on what’s best for your eyes. The IntraLase laser creates your flap from below the surface of the cornea without ever cutting it. Ultra-fast pulses of laser energy create the flap at a precise depth pre-determined by your surgeon. Your surgeon will then gently lift the flap to allow for the second step of your LASIK treatment.
Step Two
Once the flap is created, the VISX Star S4 IR® excimer laser is used to correct the shape of the cornea, or outer layer of the eye. This specific type of “cool” laser generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range and can’t be seen by the human eye. Because the laser does not generate any heat, it causes no tissue damage. As the treatment with the laser proceeds, microscopic layers of tissue―approximately 1/10 the width of a human hair―are removed. The laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to achieve the desired result. This process is done in a series of steps:
- Once the corneal flap is lifted, pulses from the excimer laser reshape the internal cornea with accuracy up to 0.25 microns, or 1/4000 of a millimeter. Typically, the reshaping with the excimer laser takes 10 to 20 seconds, but may take slightly more or less time depending on the level of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism you have.
- The corneal flap is then gently put back into its original position over the treated area.
- Because of its extraordinary bonding properties, the corneal flap serves as a natural bandage, which means no sutures are needed and healing typically happens quickly. The flap usually reseals overnight and is stable the following day.
- At your follow-up appointments, your surgeon will monitor your eye for proper healing.
LASIK Risks
Before surgery, you should be well educated on the potential benefits and risks of LASIK and PRK. After your pre-operative evaluation, you should have a good understanding of the risks and how they apply to your specific situation. It is important to discuss any concerns directly with your surgeon.
Click here for a review of the risks listed by the FDA.
Understanding Re-treatment
Be sure to discuss the topic of LASIK re-treatment with your surgeon. Re-treatments, also called enhancements, may be required to achieve optimal outcomes, although this is rare. The need for a re-treatment is most often identified within the first three months. Within the first year following surgery, any need for enhancement is covered by your initial payment.
Schedule Your free Lasik Consultation
Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation and discover if you are a candidate for LASIK. To schedule a consultation, call us at 312.695.2549 or fill out this online form.
OUR LOCATION
The Northwestern Medicine LASIK team is located at 259 E. Erie St, Chicago, Illinois in Lavin Pavilion, Suite 1510. For more information, please visit our Contact Us page.
The Northwestern Medicine LASIK team is located at 259 E. Erie St, Chicago, Illinois in Lavin Pavilion, Suite 1510. For more information, please visit our Contact Us page.
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