About LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)
at Center for Sight in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

LASIK, which is known medically as Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is a method of corneal laser eye surgery that was developed to allow Laser Eye Surgery patients to enjoy even less discomfort after their procedure and an even quicker visual recovery.

To accomplish this, eye surgeons and researchers began developing a technique whereby instead of applying the laser energy directly to the surface of the cornea as in PRK, they could apply it between the layers of the cornea. This is achieved by creating a very thin flap of corneal tissue that can be lifted and the laser energy applied, and then is readily replaced without the need for stitches. This type of Laser Eye Surgery is called “lamellar eye surgery” because it is performed between the layers of corneal tissue. Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomlieusis or LASIK Eye Surgery, which literally means, “to reshape the cornea from within” is the most common type of Laser Eye Surgery performed today and is one of the most frequently performed surgeries of any type.

The LASIK Procedure

To begin your LASIK procedure, the doctor will instruct the staff to place a few eye drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils and then another set of eye drops to numb the surface of your eye. This will make you quite comfortable during your treatment.

Next, a staff member will escort you into the Excimer Laser suite and help you to position yourself comfortably on the moveable “bedlike” table that is actually the laser system. The doctor will gently place a small instrument between your eyelids to help you remember to keep them open during your LASIK surgery.

Then, the doctor will then create a very thin layer, which is a “flap” of clear tissue in the center of the cornea. He will then carefully fold the flap over and allow the inner layer of the cornea to be visible so that the laser energy can be applied. The actual application can take from 30-90 seconds depending on the amount of correction that you require.

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You will be asked to look at a small light and try and hold your eyes steady. There is no need to be concerned about moving your eyes during your treatment as the laser will actually “scan” the position of your eyes 4,000 times per second to identify the exact position of your eye and will then “track” and adjust its position 100 times per second in order to keep perfectly aligned with your eye movement.

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Based on your examination, your prescription and other measurements and calculations collected at your LASIK consultation, the doctor will instruct the staff to program certain information into a computer that will monitor and control the actual application of the laser. Upon completion of the laser application, the doctor will have changed the curvature of your cornea so that it will be the shape necessary to correct your vision.

The doctor will then gently replace the “flap” back into its proper position. Since the cornea is able to “stick” to itself, there is no need to use sutures or “stitches” to hold it in place.

LASIK surgery has the desirable characteristics of allowing the healing and visual recover process to be very quick for most patients. For a few days after your LASIK Eye Surgery, you will need to be careful not to rub or bump your eyes too much.

It is expected that you will have a mild “sandy” or “gritty” sensation during the first day or so after your LASIK surgery.

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The doctor and his staff will give you complete instructions regarding eye drops and medications to use to help the healing and visual recovery process.

            YOU NEED TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

The Doctor will require that you return for scheduled follow-up visits to check the healing process, regardless of how well you think you are doing. Most Center for Sight LASIK patients are able to pass the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Registry of Motor Vehicles Eye Test without eyeglasses or contacts within a day or so after their LASIK Surgery with the doctor.

Please fee free to contact the Center for Sight Refractive Surgery Coordinator at 1.866.603.5599 to schedule a Free Laser Eye Surgery Consultation.

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Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients seeking LASIK Eye Surgery in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton, and Tiverton.

Laser Vision Correction

PRK Photorefractice Keratectomy

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASEK Eye Surgery

Epi-LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

Custom Wavefront LASIK

For a complete review of Laser Eye Surgery including LASIK, LASIK risks, LASIK complications, contraindications to having LASIK, possible LASIK problems and LASIK side effects you may visit www.fda.gov or www.seewithlasik.com.