LASIK Laser Vision Correction near Baltimore & Washington
What is LASIK?
LASIK is an exciting laser vision correction procedure that can dramatically
reduce a patient's dependency on contact lenses or eyeglasses. Annually,
LASIK is performed on more than one million patients, correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and in some cases, astigmatism. A LASIK surgeon uses a special laser to permanently change the curvature of the cornea, which is the eye's clear, thin covering. Ultimately, laser vision correction improves the eye's ability to focus properly and strengthens vision.
During the procedure, the LASIK Surgeon makes a narrow incision in the cornea's surface, forming a flap. The flap is gently folded back, exposing the stroma or midsection of the eye. An excimer laser is used to extract a thin layer of the stroma, and the flap is then repositioned. You'll experience improved vision almost immediately! For more information on the LASIK procedure, contact our practice located near Baltimore and Washington, DC.
What are the benefits of LASIK?
The advantages of LASIK include:
- Faster healing time
- Rapid visual recovery
- Less risk of scarring
- Less risk of corneal haze
- Less post-op discomfort
- Treatment of a wider range of refractive error
With LASIK, OUTSTANDING results have been achieved. Almost all patients are able to realize 20/40 or better vision. 20/40 is the minimum visual requirement in most states to allow you to drive WITHOUT restriction on your driver's license. More than 90% of our patients experience 20/20 or better vision.
What is Custom Wavefront LASIK Eye Surgery?
At Baltimore 'Washington Eye Center, LASIK has proven to be a very predictable and effective method of laser eye surgery to correct the more common types of eye conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. These common eye conditions are also called aberrations. Depending on the complexity of your prescription and the type of optical aberrations that are created, the LASIK surgeons at Baltimore Washington Eye Center may suggest that you have Custom Wavefront LASIK surgery, more commonly called Custom LASIK. With Custom Wavefront LASIK, we will actually correct not only the common aberrations of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, but we will correct any other optical aberrations that may effect your vision. In this way, you are sure to achieve the best possible results from your LASIK eye surgery. As part of each and every LASIK consultation at Baltimore Washington Eye Center, we perform the aberrometry measurements that help us guide the decision process as to whether having Custom LASIK or traditional LASIK in Baltimore is right for you.
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with LASIK. These include complications such as dry eyes, corneal edema, corneal scarring, persistent eye discomfort, glares or halos in the line of vision, and reduced night or fog vision.
Additionally, since LASIK has only been performed since 1987, its long-tem effects are not yet known.
If you have any questions for our LASIK surgeons, we encourage you to contact us today!
Are You a Candidate?
Most people ARE laser vision correction candidates! Since a LASIK surgeon can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, many people who currently wear glasses and/or contact lenses do qualify. Here are a few guidelines:
- You must be at least 18 years of age. Growth spurts can change the way children see, so it is best to wait until they reach adulthood.
- It is helpful to have a stable prescription so that the best-corrected vision can be achieved for you with your LASIK procedure.
- You should not have any abnormalities or prior diseases that could affect the healing process. Consult our surgeons with any specific questions on prior eye conditions that might preclude you from having laser vision correction.
- Consider your lifestyle – ask how LASIK can change your life. For most people, having their vision corrected is quite a positive milestone in their lives. The decision to undergo laser vision correction is an extremely personal one. You must think about the things that you enjoy doing (i.e., outdoor activities, sports, occupation, etc.) and your reasons for having the procedure. We can help you weigh the pros and cons.
- Reading glasses are NOT correctable by any form of laser vision correction at this time. Technology is working on this aspect, but it may not be available for a few more years.
Who is NOT a candidate?
Anyone who is or has the following should not consider LASIK surgery:
- Collagen vascular, autoimmune, or immunodeficiency diseases
- Signs of keratoconus
- Pregnant or nursing
- Signs of systematic disease that could affect wound healing
- Ophthalmic herpes simplex or herpes zoster
- Connective tissue disease, diabetes, severe atopic disease, or an immunocompromised state
.: Frequently Asked Laser Vision Correction Questions
Q: Is laser vision correction safe?
A: Yes. More than one million patients worldwide have had this treatment performed on them successfully. The FDA has recognized laser vision correction for nearsightedness and farsightedness with or without astigmatism, and it has found the treatment safe and effective for eligible patients.
Q: Does LASIK eye surgery hurt?
A: No. The treatment itself is painless. Patients may experience some mild discomfort for one to three days after the procedure; many patients report that the sensation feels similar to having an eyelash in your eye.
Q: Do I have to wait for my regular eye exam?
A: No. You can have laser vision correction as soon as you are ready and eligible to do it. Contact Baltimore Washington Eye Center today to schedule your free evaluation.
Q: What happens before the LASIK procedure?
A: Baltimore Washington Eye Center will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether your eyes are healthy and suitable for laser vision correction. Your eyes will be photographed, and a computerized map will be made (called corneal topography). This will assess the shape of your cornea and is one of the many diagnostic tests the doctor uses to help ensure precise LASIK results.
Q: How soon can I return to work after LASIK?
A: Most people go back to work the day after their LASIK treatment. We suggest that you wait two or three days before returning.
Q: How do I know if I can have laser vision correction?
A: Baltimore Washington Eye Center can tell you if laser vision correction is right for you. See our "Am I a Candidate" section for details.
Q: Are there risks?
A: There are risks with any procedure. It is also important to choose a skilled eye surgeon who is experienced in all refractive laser procedures. You will find that we offer high levels of expertise and patient care at Baltimore Washington Eye Center. For more information, please see our "Risks" section.
Q: What is nearsightedness?
A: The normal eye is a perfect sphere, where the cornea and lens focus light to form an image on the back, inside surface of the eye, known as the retina. With nearsightedness, or myopia, the cornea’s curvature is too steep for the shape of the eye. The light is focused in front of the retina, causing images of distant objects to appear blurry.
Q: What is farsightedness?
A: Again, a normal eye will focus on an object, and the image is formed on the retina. Farsightedness, or hyperopia, causes the cornea to be too flat, and images are formed behind the retina.
Q: What is astigmatism?
A: The front of the astigmatic eye has an irregular shape, more oval, like a football. Incoming light focuses at multiple points instead of one. Laser vision correction is now an option for people with astigmatism who want clear, comfortable vision without glasses or contacts.
Q: Will my insurance pay for Laser Vision Correction?
A: Most insurance plans do not cover LVC. However, our Insurance / Billing staff can assist you in determining if your plan offers coverage for these services. Additionally, some insurance plans, while not covering the services do provide for discounts of LVC services that are provided by participating providers. Where insurance coverage does not exist, we offer a number of affordable payment plans, some with interest rates as low as 1.9% and there is also a $0 Down / 0% Interest for 12 months plan available for those who qualify. Call our LVC Counselor at 410/761-8258 if you have any questions.
If you have any questions regarding laser vision correction, please ask your eye doctor. You may send your questions to Baltimore Washington Eye Center or email Dr. Brad Spagnolo at bspagnolo@bweyecenter.com
|
