LASIK is the most common type of vision correction surgery that we perform at Michelson Laser Vision. LASIK is a method of corneal laser eye surgery that we can use to allow patients to enjoy a quick visual recovery with minimal discomfort after their procedure. LASIK is a type of Laser Eye Surgery called “lamellar eye surgery” because it is performed between the layers of corneal tissue. This is achieved by creating a very thin flap of corneal tissue that can be lifted and the laser energy applied, and then the flap can be readily replaced without the need for stitches.
Because Dr. Michelson is not just a LASIK surgeon, but is a Fellowship trained Corneal Surgeon, his training, experience and expertise in performing LASIK in Alabama offers our patients an added sense of confidence in the safety, efficacy and predictability of having LASIK in Birmingham at Michelson Laser Vision. In addition Dr. Michelson and the staff provide you with the LASIK TLC necessary to have not only the best possible results but also the best possible eye surgery experience.
What to Expect During Your LASIK Procedure
To begin your LASIK procedure, Dr. Michelson will instruct the staff to place a few eye drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils and then another set of eye drops to numb the surface of your eye. This will make you quite comfortable during your treatment. You will be seated in a comfortable and relaxed waiting area while the drops have a chance to begin working.
After the drops have had a chance to take effect, a staff member will escort you into testing area where a final measurement-called a wavefront refraction-will be taken. Next, a technician will accompany you into the Excimer Laser suite and help you to position yourself comfortably on the moveable “bedlike” table that is actually the laser system. Dr. Michelson will gently place a small instrument between your eyelids to help you remember to keep them open during your LASIK surgery.
Then, Dr. Michelson will then create a very thin layer, which is a “flap” of clear tissue in the center of the cornea. He will then carefully fold the flap over and allow the inner layer of the cornea to be visible so that the laser energy can be applied. The actual laser application can take from 30-90 seconds depending on the amount of correction that you require.
You will be asked to look at a small light and to try and hold you eyes steady. There is no need to be concerned about moving your eyes during your treatment as the laser will actually “scan” the position of your eyes 4,000 times per second to identify the exact position of your eye and will then “track” and adjust its position 100 times per second in order to keep perfectly aligned with your eye movement.
Based on your examination, your prescription and other measurements and calculations collected at your LASIK consultation, Dr. Michelson will instruct the staff to program certain information into a computer that will monitor and control the actual application of the laser. Upon completion of the laser application, Dr. Michelson will have changed the curvature of your cornea so that it will be the shape necessary to correct your vision.
Dr. Michelson will then gently replace the “flap” back into its proper position. Since the cornea is able to “stick” to itself, there is no need to use sutures or “stitches” to hold it in place.
LASIK surgery is quite “patient friendly” because the nature of the LASIK procedure is that it permits the healing and visual recovery process to be very quick for most patients. For a few days after your LASIK Eye Surgery, you will need to be careful not to rub or bump your eyes too much. It is expected that you will have a mild “sandy” or “gritty” sensation during the first day or so after your LASIK surgery. This is normal.
Dr. Michelson and his staff will give you complete instructions regarding eye drops and medications to use to help the healing and visual recovery process.
YOU NEED TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Dr. Michelson will require that you return for scheduled follow-up visits to check the healing process, regardless of how well you think you are doing. Most LASIK patients at Michelson Laser Vision are able to pass the Alabama Motor Vehicles Eye Test without eyeglasses or contacts within a day or so after their LASIK Surgery with Dr. Michelson.
You should feel free to discuss any fears, concerns, questions or thoughts about LASIK or any corneal laser eye surgery with Dr. Michelson or the staff at Michelson Laser Vision. The Refractive Surgery Coordinator is the key contact for any and all needs you may have regarding Laser Vision Correction at Michelson Laser Vision. She will be pleased to spend whatever time is necessary to review any information about the LASIK procedure, what to expect on LASIK surgery day, follow-up care, fees and affordable “ no money down” easy monthly payment plans that will fit into your budget.
Michelson Laser Vision provides LASIK Eye Surgery in Birmingham and is conveniently located for Alabama eye care patients from Huntsville, Montgomery, Dothan, Tuscaloosa, Adamsville, Forestdale, Fultondale, Gardendale, Center Point, Trussville, Moody, Leeds, Mountain Brook, Fairfield, Midfield, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Bessemer, Helena, Alabaster, Gadsden, Auburn and Prattville Alabama. To schedule an appointment for a free LASIK Eye Surgery Consultation at Michelson Laser Vision, please call us Toll Free 877.871.3937.
