LASIK & Refractive Surgery Co-Management
Discover if laser vision correction is right for you. Carthage Eye Care provides expert consultations and comprehensive co-management for LASIK and other refractive procedures.
What is LASIK?
LASIK – Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis – is the most common refractive eye surgery today. Since its inception, tens of millions of procedures have been performed worldwide to correct vision and reduce dependence on glasses.
LASIK is a type of refractive surgery for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Performed by an ophthalmologist using a laser or microkeratome to reshape the cornea, it provides a permanent alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses for most patients. For those with thin corneas or high myopia, alternative procedures like phakic intraocular lenses may be recommended.
Who Are The Optimal LASIK Candidates?
The best candidate for LASIK is age 18+, has healthy eyes, and adequate corneal thickness. Because the procedure reshapes the eye by removing tissue, corneal health is paramount.
Conditions like chronic dry eye, corneal disease, or other abnormalities may disqualify a candidate. At Carthage Eye Care, we provide comprehensive LASIK pre-operative exams to ensure your safety and success. While LASIK can significantly reduce dependence on glasses, it is an elective procedure with risks that must be weighed against your personal needs and expectations.
Specifics of The LASIK Procedure
LASIK is an ambulatory, two-step procedure that typically takes about 15 minutes for both eyes. First, the surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap of tissue on the cornea. This flap is folded back to allow the laser treatment—which lasts a minute or less—to reshape the underlying tissue. Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is repositioned to heal naturally.
The surgery is quick, almost painless, and vision recovery is rapid. Many patients report seeing 20/20 within 24 hours.
What Is Wavefront LASIK?
Wavefront (or Custom) LASIK uses computerized analysis to map the eye with extreme precision. These procedures are much more accurate than standard prescriptions because they treat "higher-order aberrations"—subtle optical imperfections that regular treatments cannot address.
Studies prove wavefront-guided ablations provide sharper vision and can significantly improve night vision by reducing the risk of halos or glare.
Postoperative Care & Co-Management
Immediately following surgery, you will use medicated eye drops and protective shields. While you can open your eyes, you must not drive home. You'll need to rest your eyes as much as possible on surgery day and avoid rubbing them.
Postoperative care is essential to ensure proper healing. At Carthage Eye Care, we offer co-management services, meaning we handle your follow-up eye exams and recovery monitoring in our office through an agreement with your surgeon. We'll check your vision, ensure your eyes are healing correctly, and answer any questions you have about your recovery.
If Vision Is Blurry After LASIK
While most see clearly within a day, it can take several months for eyes to stabilize completely. If blurred vision persists after several months, a second "enhancement" procedure may be appropriate. If an enhancement isn't required but you still need a minor boost, we can discuss eyeglasses or contact lens options to sharpen your sight.
Essential After-LASIK Eyewear
Even with perfect vision, your eyes need protection. Always wear 100% UV protection sunglasses when outdoors. For sports or manual labor, polycarbonate safety glasses are essential to prevent injury.
Patients over age 40 will likely still require reading glasses for up-close tasks. Additionally, many find that a mild prescription for night driving provides added safety and comfort by eliminating subtle glare.
Long-Term Eye Care
Remember to continue scheduling routine eye exams post-LASIK. Even with perfect vision, your eyes still need to be screened for glaucoma, retinal health, and other conditions. Routine exams at Carthage Eye Care ensure your vision remains stable and your eyes stay healthy for years to come.