SAMPLE WHAT LASIK CAN DO

Transcription

1

2 DECIDING ON LASIK Imagine being able to work, drive, and play sports without having to depend on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) may make this a reality for you. This laser eye surgery can treat many common vision problems. YOUR EYE CARE TEAM You may work with the following eye specialists: An ophthalmologist, a physician who performs your surgery and oversees your eye care. An optometrist, an eye doctor who may be involved with your pre- and postoperative care. An ophthalmic technician, who may assist during LASIK surgery. WHAT LASIK CAN DO LASIK (pronounced LAY-sik ) can improve your vision. This procedure reshapes the cornea (surface of the eye), helping to more clearly focus what you see. Advanced laser technology makes LASIK fast and often painless. Vision begins to improve soon after surgery, and may become stable within weeks. 2 This booklet is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem Krames StayWell, LLC All rights reserved. Made in the USA.

3 TODAY S LASIK TECHNOLOGY Tools that your eye doctor may use during LASIK include: An excimer laser, which produces a concentrated beam of cool ultraviolet (UV) light. Each pulse of this laser can remove a tiny portion of corneal tissue. An excimer laser is so accurate that it can cut a notch in a human hair. It generates no heat and is gentle to tissue. A microkeratome, a microsurgical instrument that can make extremely thin, precise cuts. A femtosecond laser, which produces rapid pulses of light. Like a microkeratome, it can make thin, precise cuts. What You Should CONSIDER LASIK is not for everyone. Be sure to discuss your medical history with your eye doctor. You may not be a good candidate if you: Do not have stable vision. Have a vision problem that is too severe. Have a disease or condition that slows healing or increases your risk of infection. Have an eye disease, such as advanced glaucoma or cataracts. An excimer laser is a precise surgical tool. Are taking certain medications. Are pregnant or nursing, or are planning to become pregnant in the near future. Are uncomfortable with the idea that you may still need glasses or contacts after LASIK surgery. 3

4 Cornea Pupil 4 Lens Cornea HOW THE EYE WORKS Sharp vision depends on many factors. The parts of the eye work together to refract (bend and focus) light rays. If the cornea or the eyeball as a whole is not the right shape, light doesn t focus correctly, and vision is blurry. Retina Emmetropia (normal vision) is maintained when light focuses on the retina. Light is focused in more than one place TURNING LIGHT INTO SIGHT Light enters the eye through the cornea, the eye s clear, dome-shaped covering. The cornea bends light rays to help focus them. Light rays then pass through the pupil to the lens, which changes shape (accommodates) to aid in focusing these rays. Light then reaches the retina (inside lining of the eye). The retina sends signals to the brain, which tells you what you re seeing. Light is focused on retina Light is focused in front of retina Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when light focuses in front of the retina. Distant objects appear blurry. Light is focused behind retina Astigmatism occurs when light focuses in more than one place. Both nearby and distant objects are distorted. Hyperopia (farsightedness) occurs when light focuses behind the retina. Nearby objects appear blurry.

5 HOW LASIK TREATS VISION PROBLEMS LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea so that light focuses correctly. First, the surgeon uses a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser to create a flap in the surface of the cornea. He or she then uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Finally, the flap is replaced so the cornea can heal. IF YOU RE OVER 40 With age, the eye s lens becomes stiff and can t accommodate easily. This causes presbyopia (difficulty focusing on nearby objects). LASIK can t treat presbyopia, so if you re over 40 you may need reading glasses even after surgery. Another option for coping with presbyopia is monovision. To create monovision, LASIK is used to adjust one eye for near vision and the other for distance vision. This option is not for everyone, so discuss it with your eye doctor. A trial period of monovision using contact lenses may help you decide if it s right for you. Evaluating Your VISION To find out whether you re a good candidate for LASIK, you ll need to have a thorough eye exam. This exam may include: Tests of refraction (your corrective lens prescription). Measurement of your pupil. A thorough exam of your cornea. Mapping or scanning of the corneal surface to reveal its exact shape. Cornea Reshaped cornea Ultrasound (images made using sound waves) to measure corneal thickness. Dilation (enlargement) of your pupil to allow your eye doctor to examine the inside of your eye. Questions about your general health, eye health, and medical history. Flap Laser beam Flap replaced 5

6 YOUR LASIK EXPERIENCE The LASIK procedure is quick and causes little or no discomfort. The procedure takes about 15 minutes for each eye. After surgery, your eye doctor monitors your progress and postoperative care. You may be given medication to help you relax. You then lie on your back in a reclining chair. The area around your eyes is cleaned. Eyedrops numb your eye. Your eyelashes are taped out of the way. A small device keeps your eye open. A suction ring is then placed on the eye. This will cause your vision to dim and may cause slight discomfort. Your surgeon creates a flap in the surface of your cornea. This takes less than a minute. You may feel light pressure, but no pain. GETTING READY Your eye doctor will discuss with you how to prepare for surgery. You ll also decide whether both eyes will be treated in the same session. Arrange in advance for a ride home after surgery. WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE During the rest of the procedure, your vision is blurry. The laser is positioned above your eye. You are asked to stare at a light. When your eye is in the right position, the laser is activated. You will hear the laser clicking. After 10 to 90 seconds, laser treatment is finished. The flap is then put back in place. The corneal tissue sticks to itself, so no bandages or stitches are needed. 6

7 YOUR RECOVERY While you recover, you may wear a shield to protect your eye. At first, your eye may itch, burn, or feel irritated. It may also water or hurt a little. To promote healing: Protect your eye from bumps and pokes. Don t scratch, rub, or touch your eye. Use eyedrops as directed by your eye doctor. You may be prescribed several kinds of drops. Follow your eye doctor s instructions about sports, swimming, driving, and other activities. Wear sunglasses and restrict your use of makeup and sunscreen as directed. RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS You may experience temporary or permanent: Burning Halos Dryness Glare Blurriness Starbursts Medical complications may include: Inflammation Flap problems Infection Vision loss AS YOUR VISION IMPROVES You may have mild blurry vision at first. If you have vision problems, you may notice them more at night. Vision often clears within a few days. It should become stable in 4 to 12 weeks. If you re over 40, you may need reading glasses, even if you didn t use them before. In follow-up visits, your eye doctor will monitor healing and vision changes. CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF: You have increased pain more than 24 hours after surgery. You have discharge, redness, or increased irritation. Your vision worsens. 7

8 Consultant: Edward E. Manche, MD, Ophthalmology With contributions by: Henry Gelender, MD, Ophthalmology Edward Y. Koo, MD, Ophthalmology Bruce L. Newman, MD, Ophthalmology Joyce Sarver, OD, Optometry Calvin Sprik, MD, Ophthalmology