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Laser vision surgery, or LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis), is an effective outpatient procedure that is suitable for low, moderate, and some higher prescriptions. It is one of the most commonly performed health care procedures in North America.
The excimer laser allows for precision and predictability. Each pulse of the laser can remove 39-millionths of an inch of tissue in 12-billionths of a second. This enables an experienced surgeon to achieve accuracy, while maintaining control throughout the procedure.
However, the LASIK procedure requires a great deal of technical skill and training to perform properly. Dr. Joan L. Frank and Dr. Mark W. Habig work only with the most experienced surgeons when co-managing laser vision surgery for her patients. The TLC network of surgeons has performed more than twice as many laser vision correction procedures than any other doctor network.
Dr. Joan L. Frank, O.D. and Dr. Mark W. Habig, O.D. are certified in Ocular Therapeutics. She is well-qualified to co-manage the care of patients who have laser vision surgery. Your initial eye examination and most of your follow-up care will be handled by Dr. Frank or Dr. Habig, who will be available at any time before or after surgery to answer your concerns and questions.
An extremely detailed map of the surface of your eyes is created by a computer. This map is used by the surgeon to calibrate the excimer laser to your exact prescription. Before the surgery, a few anesthetic drops will be used to numb the eye and prevent pain.
Once the laser has been properly calibrated, your surgeon will place an eyelid holder in your eye to keep it open throughout the procedure. Your surgeon uses a microkeratome (an automated microsurgical instrument similar in design to a carpenter's plane) to create a corneal flap with a thickness of approximately 1/4 of the cornea's depth. A laser beam of light from the excimer laser (which is cool, not hot) then precisely and gently reshapes the cornea.
When the surgery is finished, the flap is carefully put back into place and the eyelid holder is removed. Over the next few days, the flap will heal and bond securely.
The entire procedure takes only about five minutes to complete. The laser is applied to each eye for less than one minute for an average prescription.
After the procedure is completed, you will relax in the recovery room for about fifteen to twenty minutes before you leave. During this time, additional drops will be placed in your eyes to keep them lubricated. You should also be given (1) protective eye shields to prevent you from rubbing your eyes while sleeping during the first night, and (2) sunglasses to reduce the discomfort that sunlight may cause. During this early postoperative period, it is important to not squeeze or rub your eyes. Antibiotic drops are used to prevent infection, and anti-inflammatory drops are used to prevent decrease inflammation.
After leaving the surgery center, many patients will feel the need to rest for a few hours. Later that evening, most patients feel well. Some patients go back to work the next day, while others wait a few days.
Dr. Joan L. Frank or Dr. Mark W. Habig will perform the initial eye examination and consult with you to determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision surgery. We will then make sure that the eye surgeon has all information necessary for a successful procedure.
You will need to go for six or more appointments with Dr. Frank or Dr. Habig at designated intervals after the laser vision surgery. These appointments will ensure that your eyes are healing as expected. There are a few restrictions for the first week following your procedure. As long as you follow our instructions, you should be free to resume all of your normal activities thereafter.