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What do Cindy Crawford, Kim Basinger, Troy Aikman, Tiger Woods, Rocky Thompson, Shawn Chambers, Wide Boggs and hundreds more celebrities and professional athletes have in common? All of these celebrities have attained 20/20 or better vision by undergoing LASIK, the much talked about vision correction procedure that promises an end to corrective glasses and contacts for qualified candidates. Chances are we all have a friend, co-worker or family member who raves about the benefits of the popular procedure which has been performed over 2 million times around the world.
A variety of surgical vision correction procedures have been available for the last forty years (e.g. RK, ALK and PRK), so why all the excitement about LASIK? According to 15 years of clinical data, LASIK is safer and more predictable, has better success rates and a shorter recovery time than the prior generations of procedures. Furthermore, LASIK is less stressful for the patient and much more affordable for the budget.
In performing LASIK, short for Later In-Situ Keratomileusis, an automated, precision controlled instrument called the microkeratome is used to create a hinged flap in the cornea no thicker than a strand of human hair. This flap is delicately opened to the side to expose the cornea underneath. Computer controlled pulses of “cool” laser light gently shape the cornea to preprogrammed specifications. The flap is then reset in its original position and adheres immediately without the need for stitches. The entire process usually takes no more than 90 seconds per eye, with both eyes being corrected in one procedure. The patient is typically sent home after 1 1/2 to 2 hours spent in the office.
Some patients are amazed to experience no discomfort whatsoever while others report a mild feeling or irritation much like in eyelash in the eye, which dissipates within 48 hours after the procedure. All patients are asked to return to the office the day after surgery to ensure that flaps arc healing in the correct position. Protective eyewear must be worn for one-week post operatively while sleeping to prevent accidental rubbing. After one week the flaps are usually healed sufficiently so that patients my resume all normal activities. Complete healing occurs within a month.
State-of-the-art laser technology also contributes to the higher success rates of LASIK. The VISX Star 2 Excimer laser leaves a smoother more precise contour on the cornea compared to previous, ”hotter” lasers that produced thermal damage and distortion. Success rates for LASIK are indeed impressive. Worldwide statistics show that 95% of patients attain unaided vision of 20/40 or better (legal driving requirements for most states) and 85% achieve 20/20 or better.
We asked Dr. William Boothe, board certified ophthalmologist and medical director of Boothe Eyecare and Laser Center located in Plano what determines whether a person is a LASIK candidate. He explained that the patient must be over 18 years old; 25 if there is astigmatism present, have a stable vision prescription and are free of any active eye or autoimmune diseases. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not undergo LASIK.
Dr. Boothe confirmed that LASIK corrects a wide range of farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism but cautions that it will not prevent the need for reading glasses sometimes after age 40 which items from a condition in a different part of the eye. ”Each case is dealt with on an individual basis, so it is really necessary to come in for a screening at a reputable LASIK center. We (Boothe Eyecare & Laser Center) offer a complimentary screening and consultation during which we perform complete eye examination using the latest in computer and imaging technology and also take the time to educate the patient as to realistic expectations and possible risks.”
Dr. Boothe confirmed the importance of choosing a reputable LASIK center and qualified physician. ”A good center will make you feel comfortable by educating you. They should provide you with vital information about the procedure, success rates, all possible risks and a complete background on the surgeon.” Dr. Boothe says the best advice he can give is to do your homework on the physician by asking questions about his or her training, accreditations and surgical experience, making certain that he/she is board certified in ophthalmology and trained in corneal and refractive surgery.
So, if you are in that 50% of the population with a need for corrective lenses, it seems like the perfect time to look beyond glasses and contacts and explore the alternative of LASIK vision correction!