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LASIK is a precise laser procedure which has now been performed in millions of patients throughout the world. It can correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism by changing the shape of the cornea.
Several advantages of current LASIK techniques include fast healing and rapid visual recovery, minimal risk of postoperative scarring or haze and very little or no pain.
The actual laser procedure is fairly brief. The patient's prescription and intended correction are entered into a computer which controls the laser. Following anesthetic eye drops a thin flap is created in the top layers of the cornea. The excimer laser emits a cool beam of light and the computer-guided laser removes a minute layer of the inner corneal tissue.
To correct myopia the cornea is flattened by removing more tissue in the center of the cornea than the periphery. To correct hyperopia the cornea is steepened by removing more tissue in the periphery of the cornea than the central zone. To correct for astigmatism more corneal tissue is removed in one direction or axis than the opposing direction.
After the laser is applied, which typically lasts less than 30-60 seconds, the corneal flap is repositioned. At the end of the procedure patients are given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to control inflammation. The procedure is painless and takes approximately 10 minutes per eye. Typically both eyes are done consecutively during the same session. Patients are able to drive the next day and return to work shortly thereafter.
Drs. Parelman and Unterman are specially trained corneal surgeons who have completed a cornea and refractive surgery fellowship. In additions to LASIK, they routinely perform cornea transplants and other corneal surgeries, and have taught these techniques to other surgeons.
LASIK is performed at the Laser Sight Center, 3840 West 75th Street, Prairie Village, Kansas adjacent to the Mid-America Eye Center offices. Drs. Parelman and Unterman use a Star S3 Visx laser, which is FDA approved for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The S3 has active eye tracking as well as the ability to perform a wider treatment zone for patients with large pupils.
Although the technical aspects of the LASIK procedure are certainly important, as with any surgery the surgeon's personal attention to the unique needs of each patient is of equal importance. Unlike many LASIK practices, Drs. Parelman and Unterman personally perform each patient's preoperative evaluation to determine the type of procedure which would benefit the patient most and personally answer questions. Similarly, Drs. Parelman and Unterman perform the postoperative exams and discuss pertinent findings.
To determine whether LASIK is the right procedure for you, please call our office and schedule a LASIK evaluation with Dr. Parelman or Dr. Unterman at no charge.
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