LASIK is the most common form of laser vision correction. LASIK can treat both nearsightedness and farsightedness with or without astigmatism. During the procedure, a special device creates a hinged flap of thin corneal tissue, and the flap is gently folded out of the way. The laser reshapes the underlying tissue, and then Dr. Falgoust replaces the corneal flap over the treated area where it bonds securely, without the need for stitches.
Most patients elect to have LASIK performed on both eyes at the same time. Most LASIK patients recover very quickly, and most experience little, if any, discomfort. Functional vision returns very rapidly, with the majority of patients seeing well enough to drive in a day or two without glasses or contact lenses.
To be a good candidate for LASIK, the cornea must be of sufficient thickness to allow for the flap to be made and still have enough tissue under the flap to allow for proper amount of tissue to be removed to achieve the targeted level of correction. Patients with severe dry eye syndrome, very thin corneas, may be better candidates for other refractive procedures.
