LASIK
LASIK is Grochmal Eye Center’s vision correction procedure of choice. It’s by far the most popular variation of excimer laser vision correction treatment.
LASIK is an acronym for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, which mean “to use a laser to shape the cornea.” It corrects vision by reshaping the cornea (outer window of the eye) so the light rays focus more precisely on the retina, thereby reducing or eliminating refractive errors.
Lasik is used to treat and correct various vision problems. Nearsightedness is treated by reducing the curvature of the cornea by removing some of the tissue from the center of the cornea. Farsightedness is treated by removing some tissue from the middle third of the cornea, thus making it steeper. Astigmatism is treated by making the cornea more spherical. Tissue is removed from the appropriate areas of the cornea by changing the pattern of the beam.
To achieve the safest and most accurate results, Dr. Grochmal uses the most advanced LASIK technology available, VISX® CustomVue™ and Wavefront™ LASIK. But as with any instrument, it’s the care and skill of the doctor that makes the real difference. Dr. Grochmal’s deep experience makes the difference.
VISX® CustomVue™ and Wavefront™ LASIK
CustomVue™ LASIK refractive eye surgery integrates corneal mapping, the use of the FDA-approved VISX® laser, and Wavefront™ technology – advanced computer equipment to allow a patient’s vision to be corrected at a much more precise degree than traditional refractive eye surgery. Dr. Jay C. Grochmal is extensively skilled and experienced with these types of laser vision correction procedures, and has seen many of his patients achieve extraordinary results.
The VISX® CustomVue™ Procedure
During the VISX® CustomVue™ LASIK procedure, Dr. Grochmal performs corneal mapping which goes beyond the standard refractive test, i.e. “which lens is better–No. 1 or No. 2?” This Wavefront™ analysis will read and map the eyes and evaluate exactly what types of correction are needed and to which degree. This study allows the laser to correct other higher order of visual aberrations. This computer, called Wavefront™, then transmits this customized prescription to the VISX® – an extremely safe, FDA-approved laser used to perform all CustomVue™ refractive eye surgeries. The VISX® laser allows for vision correction to the nearest 1/100 of a power–making it 25 times more effective than refractive eye surgery performed without CustomVue™. What’s more, CustomVue™ is a very quick procedure and pupil dilation is not required.
Recovery & VISX® CustomVue™ Procedure’s High Rates of Success
Patients can expect a relatively quick recovery after LASIK surgery with VISX CustomVue™. Most patients are usually able to return to their normal daily routines the day after the procedure. Patients usually experience little to no discomfort after surgery; however, any post-operative discomfort or sensitivity to bright lights can be alleviated with medication, eyedrops, or the wearing of dark eyeglasses for a brief period of time. Follow-up exams will ensure that the eyes are healing properly. Another advantage of the VISX® CustomVue™ LASIK procedure is that it is known to have less instances of complications such as poor night vision and glare.
According to recent FDA studies, 100% of 189 patients who underwent CustomVue™ refractive eye surgery reported post-operative 20/40 vision or better without contact lenses or glasses, 94% reported 20/20 vision, and 74% reported 20/16 vision or better. The overwhelming majority of those studied also reported that their night vision was much sharper and stronger after the surgery than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
Q: How should you prepare for the LASIK eye surgery Procedure?
A: First, you need to choose a doctor. Jay C. Grochmal, M.D. is one of Baltimore, Maryland’s leading LASIK / laser vision correction eye surgeons, having performed over 2,500 LASIK eye surgery procedures.
Next, schedule a FREE consultation and your LASIK eye surgery procedure date.
Steps to prepare for your LASIK eye surgery:
- Contact lense wearers: You’ll need to remove your contacts for a period of time prior to the laser vision correction treatment so that your cornea can return to its normal, natural shape.
- Soft-lens contact wearers: Remove your contacts for 2 weeks before your procedure.
- Hard-lens contact wearers: Remove your contacts for four weeks or longer before your procedure.
Also, it is a good idea to have a friend or family member drive you home from the laser center after your vision correction procedure is complete.
Q: What happens on the day of the procedure?
A: You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing and remove all your makeup and use no perfume or cologne on the day of your procedure.
When you get to the doctor’s office, Dr. Grochmal or one of his associates will review your treatment plan. You also may be asked to sign a consent form that states you understand all of the risks, complications, and side effects involved in LASIK eye surgery. Ask any last minute questions you might have.
Next, you will be prepped for the procedure. You will sit in a comfortable reclining chair that cradles your head. One of our healthcare practitioners will clean your lashes and your eyelids. You will then have some numbing eye drops instilled. Then the doctor will slide a thin metal instrument under your upper and lower eyelids to keep your eye opened.
Q: What happens during the LASIK eye surgery procedure?
A: During LASIK eye surgery (laser in situ keratomileusis) either a keratome (blade) or a laser is used to create a flap in your cornea that is thinner than a grape skin. The numbing eye drops prevent you from feeling any pain. The surgeon then lifts and peels back the flap with a tiny laser surgery instrument. You will then hear clicking noises as the laser precisely removes and sculpts the exposed bed of your cornea.
Next, the doctor replaces the flap back to its original position so it can re-adhere and heal naturally. The doctor administers anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic eye drops. Often, both eyes are corrected during one visit. Once the procedure is complete, you will be taken to an exam room where you will rest until you are examined to make sure all is fine and then you will be sent home!
Q: How Long Does the Procedure Typically Take?
A: The LASIK eye surgery procedure typically takes about 10 – 15 minutes to correct each eye. The entire office visit might last about an hour and a half or so.
Q: What happens during the recovery phase?
A: During recovery, your eyes may feel gritty, irritated, or watery, and they may be more sensitive to light. These sensations typically last less than a week. Your eye drops will minimize these symptoms.
If you underwent LASIK eye surgery, you may need to wear shields to protect your eyes during sleep for the first few nights following the procedure. You also need to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for about a week. If you had PRK, you wear special bandage contact lenses for four or five days while your eyes heal. You may also need to continue to use eye drops for a few months.
Following both types of surgery, adhere to any guidelines your doctor provides to help ensure proper healing. For example, don’t wear makeup for about a week after surgery. No swimming for three weeks. No rubbing your eyes for about a month.
Most people can return to work either the next day or within a few days after the procedure.
Q: How soon does your vision change?
A: You should notice dramatic visual changes within the first few days following the procedure. Some people report that immediately after the procedure once-blurry items in the doctor’s office are crystal clear. But for about two to three weeks your vision may fluctuate.
To find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK, please contact Dr. Jay C. Grochmal today.