What is LASIK?

Lasik is the acronym for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, a refractive surgical procedure on the cornea in which the excimer laser and microkeratome are rolled into one for rectification of distance vision. The microkeratome is used to trim a thin slice and make a hinged flap in the cornea, the flap is mirrored back, the exposed cornea is remolded by the laser, and the flap is substituted, without surgical seam, to heal back into position. Preoperatively, a local antibiotic and topical anaesthesia are instilled into the eyeball. Postoperatively, the patient gets antibiotic drops and anti-inflammatory drops and wears goggles for 24 hours to prevent slippage.

Dr. Boothe about LASIK Candidates?

-The ideal LASIK candidate is over age 18

-Don't take drugs or undergo therapy that suppresses your immune system

-Are affected by one of the common types of vision prob-lems or refractive error – myopia (nearsightedness), astig-matism (blurred vision caused by an irregular shaped cornea), hyperopia (farsightedness), or a combination thereof (e.g., myopia with astigmatism).

-Candidates may not be affected by an autoimmune disorder, such as Sjogren's Syndrome or Lupus.

-Your prescription for distance vision needs to match a certain minimal strength and that perscription strength (glasses or contacts) must meet FDA-approved guidelines for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

-Accept that laser vision correction has limitations.

-Need perfect or near-perfect vision for careers, driving, or contact sports

-Have No Health Issues Affecting the Eyes

Non-candidates for Lasik

-Amblyopia (wandering eye)

-Do not give informed consent. It is absolutely necessary that candidates adequately discuss the procedure and its benefits and risks with their surgeon, and provide the appropriate consent prior to undergoing the surgery.

-Wish to become pregnant within the next 6 months

-LASIK candidates should not be pregnant or nursing at the time of surgery because hormones may cause fluctuation in refractive error.

-If you have an autoimmune disease or some other type of major illness or chronic condition, you may not qualify. This will depend on what condition you have.

-If your career depends on your eye sight, you may want to consider your options closely.

-Cataracts or diabetic retinopathy with loss of vision

Dr. Boothe: More about Lasik

• You are not a good lasik candidate if your prescription is fluctuating.

• Preexisting medical conditions can affect your vision and the safety and efficacy of LASIK and other vision correction surgery.

• Women who are pregnant, nursing, or intend to become pregnant within the next six months should postpone vision correction surgery until at least two months after they have finished nursing.

• You should not expect perfect vision following lasik. Many lasik advertisements are misleading to people considering laser vision correction, often promising an end to wearing glasses or contact lenses.