LASIK laser eye surgery in Phoenix Co-Management

LASIK Eye Surgery: Your Path to Clear Vision

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the most popular elective procedures in the world, helping millions of people achieve clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. At Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, we provide comprehensive LASIK consultations, pre-operative evaluations, and post-operative care in partnership with leading refractive surgeons.

While we don't perform LASIK surgery ourselves, Dr. Page's expertise ensures you receive thorough evaluation, accurate information, and excellent ongoing care throughout your LASIK journey.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses a precision laser to reshape the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye), correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. By changing the cornea's shape, LASIK allows light to focus properly on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.

How LASIK Works

The procedure involves two main steps:

• Flap Creation: A thin, hinged flap is created on the cornea's surface using either a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome blade
• Corneal Reshaping: An excimer laser removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea according to your prescription
• Flap Replacement: The corneal flap is repositioned, where it heals naturally without stitches

The entire procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes, and most patients experience improved vision immediately or within 24 hours.

Am I a LASIK Candidate?

Not everyone is suitable for LASIK surgery. Good candidates typically meet the following criteria:

General Requirements

• At least 18 years old (21+ for some procedures)
• Stable vision prescription for at least one year
• Healthy eyes free from disease or infection
• Adequate corneal thickness
• No autoimmune or immunodeficiency disorders
• Not pregnant or nursing
• Realistic expectations about results

Prescription Ranges

LASIK can correct:

• Nearsightedness: Up to -12.00 diopters
• Farsightedness: Up to +6.00 diopters
• Astigmatism: Up to 6.00 diopters

Conditions That May Disqualify You

• Keratoconus or other corneal diseases
• Severe dry eye syndrome
• Unstable refractive error
• Thin corneas
• Large pupils in dim light
• Certain eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, retinal problems)
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Certain autoimmune conditions

Our Comprehensive LASIK Consultation

Your LASIK journey begins with a thorough consultation at Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center. During this appointment, we'll determine if you're a good candidate and provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Pre-Operative Evaluation Includes:

• Complete Medical History: Discussion of your overall health, medications, and eye history
• Comprehensive Eye Examination: Detailed assessment of your eye health
• Refractive Measurement: Precise determination of your prescription
• Corneal Topography: Detailed mapping of your cornea's surface to detect irregularities
• Corneal Thickness Measurement: Ensuring adequate tissue for safe surgery
• Pupil Size Assessment: Measuring pupils in different lighting conditions
• Dry Eye Evaluation: Assessing tear production and quality
• Wavefront Analysis: Identifying higher-order aberrations for customized treatment

Education and Consultation

We'll discuss:

• Your suitability for LASIK or alternative procedures
• Expected outcomes based on your specific prescription
• Potential risks and complications
• Recovery timeline and what to expect
• Cost and financing options
• Alternative vision correction options if LASIK isn't suitable

LASIK Procedure: What to Expect

If you're deemed a good candidate, we'll refer you to a trusted, experienced refractive surgeon. Here's what happens on surgery day:

Before Surgery

• Discontinue contact lens wear as directed (typically 1-4 weeks before)
• Arrange transportation (you cannot drive immediately after)
• Eat a light meal and take prescribed medications
• Arrive with clean eyes (no makeup, lotions, or perfumes)

During Surgery

• Numbing eye drops are applied for comfort
• Your eye is held open with a gentle speculum
• You'll fixate on a light while lasers do their work
• The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes for both eyes
• You may feel pressure but no pain

Immediately After

• Your eyes may feel gritty, burning, or watery
• Vision will be blurry initially
• Protective shields may be worn for the first night
• You'll rest at home for the remainder of the day

Post-Operative Care at Arizona's Vision

Your follow-up care is crucial for optimal results and early detection of any issues. We provide comprehensive post-operative monitoring:

Follow-Up Schedule

• 1 Day After Surgery: First post-op check to ensure proper healing
• 1 Week After: Assessment of healing progress and vision improvement
• 1 Month After: Evaluation of visual acuity and eye health
• 3 Months After: Comprehensive check for stability and final results
• 6-12 Months: Long-term follow-up and monitoring

What We Monitor

• Visual acuity at all distances
• Corneal healing and flap position
• Eye surface health
• Dry eye symptoms
• Intraocular pressure
• Overall eye health
• Patient satisfaction and concerns

Recovery and Results

Understanding the recovery process helps you know what to expect:

First 24-48 Hours

• Expect fluctuating vision, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort
• Use prescribed eye drops as directed
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Rest with eyes closed frequently
• Most people can return to work within 1-2 days

First Week

• Vision continues to improve and stabilize
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and contact sports
• No eye makeup for one week
• Wear protective eyewear at night
• Continue all prescribed medications

First Month

• Most activities can be resumed
• Vision continues to sharpen
• Dry eye symptoms may persist but improve
• Night vision gradually improves

Long-Term Results

• Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better
• Over 95% of patients are satisfied with results
• Some patients may need enhancement procedures
• Reading glasses may still be needed after age 40 (presbyopia)
• Regular eye exams remain important for overall eye health

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While LASIK is very safe, it's important to understand potential risks:

Common Side Effects (Usually Temporary)

• Dry eyes
• Glare, halos, or starbursts around lights
• Light sensitivity
• Fluctuating vision
• Under or over-correction

Rare Complications

• Flap complications
• Infection
• Vision loss (extremely rare)
• Regression requiring enhancement

Alternative Vision Correction Options

If LASIK isn't right for you, we can discuss alternatives:

• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Surface laser treatment without a flap
• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): Minimally invasive laser procedure
• ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): Implantable lenses for high prescriptions
• Refractive Lens Exchange: Lens replacement similar to cataract surgery
• Orthokeratology: Overnight contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea

Why Choose Arizona's Vision for LASIK Co-Management?

• Thorough, honest candidacy evaluations
• Advanced diagnostic technology
• Partnership with experienced, reputable surgeons
• Comprehensive pre and post-operative care
• Convenient Phoenix location for follow-up visits
• Personalized attention throughout your journey
• Commitment to your long-term eye health