About LASIK (Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis)

Since the late 1970's, incisional refractive surgery has treated nearsightedness and astigmatism in patients all over the world, allowing them to experience a new kind of freedom. It's the kind of freedom that allows people to make lifestyle choices that were not options to them before, because they were totally dependent on glasses or contact lenses. Today, refractive surgery is experiencing the dawning of a new era with the advent of the excimer laser. In fact, today's technologically advanced excimer laser is now in its 2nd decade of use for treating nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Laser In-situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, could represent your first step toward less dependence on corrective lenses.

LASIK combines the precision of the excimer laser delivery system with the benefits of Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK) which has been proven to treat a wide range of refractive errors. In the United States, LASIK is now an FDA-appoved use of the excimer laser. This classification means that the procedure has been deemed "safe and effective" by that agency of the Federal government.

How successful is the procedure? To date, medical doctors around the world have performed over 5 million procedures. Dr. Rende’s own statistics show that 100% of his patients achieve "driving vision" or better without glasses. The vast majority of people who undergo LASIK are able to pass a drivers' license test without their glasses or contacts. Since LASIK can be used to treat very high levels of refractive error, a very small percentage of patients may find it beneficial to fine tune the initial procedure with an additional refractive procedure (enhancement) to obtain the best final result.

Definition of LASIK (Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis)

Using the accuracy and precision of the excimer laser, LASIK changes the shape of the cornea to improve the way light is focused or "refracted" by the eye. First, a thin corneal flap is created, as an instrument called a microkeratome glides across the cornea. Then, in just seconds, ultraviolet light and high energy pulses from the excimer laser reshape the internal cornea with accuracy up to 0.25 microns. By adjusting the pattern of the laser beam, it is possible to treat high levels of nearsightedness and moderate amounts of farsightedness and astigmatism.

After the tissue has been reshaped, the flap is replaced in its original position. Because of the cornea's extraordinary natural bonding qualities, healing begins immediately, is rapid and does not require stitches. LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure in the comfort and convenience of a state-of-the-art excimer laser center. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes.

Laser Vision Correction is performed using "eye drop" anesthesia. Some patients report a very slight, postoperative discomfort that can usually be alleviated with medications provided. Many patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision within the first day. For others, vision may be a little blurry and fluctuate for several weeks or more. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Understanding Refractive Errors

Clear vision in the normal eye is the result of light rays passing through the cornea, pupil and lens and focusing directly upon the retina.
Nearsightedness occurs when the cornea is too curved or the eye is too long. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision.
Farsightedness occurs when the cornea is too flat in relation to the length of the eye. This causes light to focus at a point beyond the retina, resulting in blurry close vision and sometimes blurry distance vision, as well.

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped like a football (more curved in one direction than the other) and often occurs with nearsightedness and farsightedness. This causes light to focus on more then one point on the retina, resulting in blurry and distorted vision.

Are You a Candidate?

The Ideal Candidate

In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK has healthy corneas and is over 18 years of age for nearsightedness and farsightedness, and at least age 21 for astigmatism. Candidates should have a stable lens prescription for at least the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates at the time of their exam for LASIK. Dr. Rende can help determine what’s best for you, based on your lifestyle and other factors.

Choosing your Laser Vision Correction Specialist is your most important decision.

Ideally, you should choose an MD who is an Ophthalmic Surgeon, is Board Certified (Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology), a Corneal and External (Eye) Disease Specialist (had significant additional fellowship training in this field) and a Specialist in Laser Vision Correction. Robert Rende, MD, Medical Director of The Eye Center is all of these and more. Dr. Rende has been practicing ophthalmology in Southern California since 1989, and is East County’s only Board Certified Ophthalmologist, who is also a fellowship-trained Cornea Specialist!

Realistic Expectations

The decision to have LASIK is a significant one that ultimately only you, the patient, can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not always achieve 20/20 or even 20/40 uncorrected vision. It cannot correct a condition known as presbyopia, or aging of the eye, which normally occurs after the age of 40 and generally requires the use of reading glasses. In fact, people over 40 who have their distance vision improved may find they need reading glasses after the procedure. It is important to us that you receive all the information you need to make a well-informed decision.

Advanced computerized diagnostic techniques are used to insure your eyes receive the safest treatment possible.

The First Step?

Finding out more about your own, individual refractive error is your first step toward visual independence. This is accomplished by calling The Eye Center at 619-442-3937 (that's 442-EYES) or Toll Free 1 (877) 442-EYES and scheduling a personal, complimentary consultation. Should your refractive error fall within the range of correction for LASIK, more comprehensive tests will be necessary and can easily be arranged at the time of your consultation.

Learn more about: Intralase | Refractive Surgery | PRK | Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more: Free Consultation | Are You a Good Candidate? | Payment Options | LASIK Timeline

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