LASIK Surgery in Los Angeles – LASIK Consultation
L A S I K (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is a procedure that uses cool laser technology to reshape the cornea. The cornea is a part of the eye that helps focus light to create an image on the retina. It works in much the same way that the lens of a camera focuses light to create an image on film. The bending and focusing of light is also known as refraction. Usually, the shape of the cornea and the eye are not perfect and the image on the retina is out-of-focus (blurred) or distorted.
These imperfections in the focusing power of the eye are called refractive errors. There are three primary types of refractive errors: They are myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Persons with myopia, or nearsightedness, have more difficulty seeing distant objects as clearly as near objects. Persons with hyperopia, or farsightedness, have more difficulty seeing near objects as clearly as distant objects. Astigmatism is a distortion of the image on the retina caused by irregularities in the cornea or lens of the eye. Combinations of myopia and astigmatism or hyperopia and astigmatism are common.
In LASIK surgery, a precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue by a special laser reshapes the cornea changing its focusing power. LASIK is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, by using an excimer laser. A very thin “flap” is created on the top surface of the cornea. The “flap” can be created by either an instrument called a “microkeratome” or a special laser developed for this purpose. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middle section of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. Candidates should have both good general health as well as good ocular health. The surgery, takes about five to ten minutes, with the laser application taking less than two minutes.
Village Eyes Optometry is pleased to work with many skilled Lasik surgeons in our area. Schedule a consultation and we can discuss the best treatment and the best surgeon for your individual procedure. We have experience with thousands of Lasik procedures and we can help to make sure that your Lasik experience is the best possible.