LASIK

About LASIK

Refractive error is a common vision problem caused by the cornea’s shape, which prevents light from properly focusing on the retina. LASIK, an outpatient LASER VISION CORRECTION procedure, is used to treat refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

During LASIK surgery, an advanced femtosecond laser is used to create a precise corneal flap, preparing your eye for vision correction. An excimer laser is then applied under the flap to reshape the cornea, effectively correcting your vision.

Lasik Crestview & Okaloosa County

Learn More About LASIK

LASIK is effective in correcting nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. 

In cases where the cornea is very thin, PRK may be a great alternative to LASIK. The type of LASER VISION CORRECTION will be decided on only after a thorough eye evaluation. Dr. Alabata has been performing LASER VISION CORRECTION surgery since 2002. He can help you decide if LASIK is the right choice for you to achieve great visual function with little or no need for glasses or contact lenses. 

While Dr. Alabata can decide if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery, you need to meet certain general requirements.

These include: 

  • an eyeglass or contact lens prescription that has been stable for at least one year
  • be at least 18 years of age
  • have healthy corneas with no conditions that may affect the healing of your eyes, such as: severe dry eye syndrome, autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, cataract, glaucoma, or corneal scarring
  • not be pregnant or breastfeeding

An eye-numbing medication is used to prevent you from feeling any discomfort or irritation during the procedure. A progressive femtosecond medical laser is used to create a thin surgical corneal flap. This flap is then gently lifted, after which an advanced excimer laser eliminates precise microscopic layers of tissue from the cornea. The corneal flap is then gently returned to its proper position. The excimer laser allows for a high degree of accuracy in correcting the refractive error associated with the irregularly shaped cornea resulting in crisp uncorrected visual function.

The entire procedure for both eyes may take approximately 20 – 30 minutes.

You should be able to drive and operate dangerous machinery as soon as one day as long as you have clear vision. However, you should refrain from water activities or working in dirty or dusty environments for approximately two weeks. You will notice a significant improvement in your vision as soon as one day following your procedure. Please note that the healing process for LASIK is significantly shorter than for PRK since the epithelium is left untouched. You will have regularly scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Alabata can monitor your visual improvement or take care of any corneal issues that may occur.

You may experience fluctuations in your vision as your cornea continues to stabilize. In fact, your visual clarity may continue to improve for up to 6 months out. Follow your postoperative regimen, prescribed medication drops, and lubricant drops closely to achieve optimal results.

Greater than 90% of patients enjoy 20/20 or better uncorrected vision following LASIK surgery, and more than 99% achieve 20/40 or better. You might have minor refractive errors remaining after LASIK surgery that may be too insignificant to undergo a second laser treatment, but may cause some minimal blurriness.

If this is the case, you might want to purchase a pair of glasses for use as needed for activities such as driving at night. Also, depending on your age, you might need progressive lenses in order to see small print.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alabata to find out if LASIK or another type of LASER VISION CORRECTION surgery is right for you. A referral is not required. We can give you an accurate recommendation based on your evaluation and your needs. 

See if you are a candidate for LASIK. Call Alabata Eye Center at (850) 331-3937 or complete this form to schedule your free in-person Laser Vision Correction screening. A referral is not necessary. Thank you for trusting our professional services!

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