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 Eye Surgery Center |
 Palm Desert |
39700 Bob Hope Dr |
 LaQuinta Laser Center |
 555 Tachevah Drive |
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LASIK
Are You a Candidate?
For over 25 years doctors placed incisions in the cornea to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In the early 1980s, they began looking at lasers to improve the precision and predictability of altering the shape of the cornea. Researchers found that the Excimer laser could remove tissue with up to 0.25 microns of accuracy. Now, in its second decade of use, the technologically advanced Excimer laser has added a tremendous amount of precision, control and safety to the surgical correction of vision errors. Using this remarkable technology, the cornea is reshaped to more accurately focus light on the retina (back of the eye) just as glasses and contact lenses do, thereby reducing or even eliminating a lifetime of dependence on corrective lenses for hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.
THE PROCEDURE
After your eye has been completely numbed using "eye drop" anesthesia, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to prevent you from blinking.
Next, using Intralase technology, a laser creates a protective flap in the cornea and the cornea itself is reshaped below that flap. You will be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes the cornea, usually in less than a minute. Afterward, the protective flap bonds securely to the reshaped cornea beneath, without the need for stitches. After LASIK, some patients report a slight discomfort that usually goes away within 12 to 24 hours.
HOW IT WORKS
To treat nearsightedness, the cornea must be made flatter. This is accomplished by removing tissue from the center of the cornea.
To treat farsightedness, the central cornea must be made steeper. This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area.
To treat astigmatism, the cornea must be made more spherical. By changing the pattern of the beam, tissue is removed in one direction more than the other.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR LASIK?
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
In general, this ideal candidate for LASIK is over 18 years of age and has healthy corneas. Candidate must not have had a significant increase in their prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates for LASIK.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
This decision to have LASIK is an important one that ultimately, only you can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. This goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. It cannot correct a condition known as presbyopia, or aging of the eye. This normally occurs around age 40 and may require the use of reading glasses. In fact, people over 40 who have this distance vision improved with LASIK, may find they need reading glasses after the procedure. Your doctor will provide you with additional information that will allow you to make an informed decision.
IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
It only takes seconds to treat a lifetime of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Find out if you are a candidate for this life changing procedure by calling Brian Bowen at the Milauskas Eye Institute (760) 340-EYES to schedule a free personal consultation. Should your vision fall within the range of correction for LASIK, more comprehensive tests may be necessary.