Transform Your Vision with LASIK
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the world's most popular vision correction procedure, having helped millions of people achieve clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. At Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, we provide comprehensive LASIK evaluations and work with top-rated surgical centers to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the LASIK process, from initial consultation through post-operative care, ensuring you make an informed decision about your vision correction options.
How LASIK Works
LASIK surgery corrects vision by reshaping the cornea (the clear front part of your eye) to better focus light onto the retina. The procedure involves:
- Creating a Corneal Flap: A thin flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea
- Reshaping the Cornea: An excimer laser precisely removes microscopic amounts of tissue
- Repositioning the Flap: The flap is carefully repositioned to heal naturally
Conditions Treated by LASIK
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
- Corrected by flattening the cornea
- Excellent success rates for mild to moderate myopia
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
- Difficulty focusing on close objects
- Corrected by steepening the cornea
- Effective for low to moderate hyperopia
Astigmatism
- Blurred vision at all distances
- Caused by irregular corneal shape
- Corrected by smoothing corneal irregularities
Advanced LASIK Technology
Bladeless LASIK (All-Laser LASIK)
The latest advancement in LASIK technology:
- Femtosecond Laser: Creates precise, customized flaps
- Enhanced Safety: Reduced risk of complications
- Faster Healing: Improved recovery time
- Better Outcomes: More predictable results
Wavefront-Guided LASIK
Custom vision correction tailored to your unique eye:
- Maps microscopic imperfections in your optical system
- Provides "HD vision" quality results
- Reduces risk of night vision problems
- Addresses higher-order aberrations
Topography-Guided LASIK
Advanced treatment for irregular corneas:
- Uses detailed corneal mapping
- Excellent for post-surgical corrections
- Treats irregular astigmatism
- Improves visual quality
LASIK Candidacy Requirements
To be a good candidate for LASIK, you should have:
Age and Vision Stability
- At least 18 years old (preferably 21+)
- Stable prescription for at least 1 year
- Prescription within treatable range
Eye Health Requirements
- Healthy corneas with adequate thickness
- No active eye diseases or infections
- No history of certain eye conditions
- Adequate tear film
General Health Factors
- No autoimmune diseases affecting healing
- Not pregnant or nursing
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
- Commitment to post-operative care
The LASIK Process at Arizona's Vision
Comprehensive Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation:
- Complete eye examination: Health and vision assessment
- Corneal mapping: Detailed topography and pachymetry
- Pupil measurements: Size evaluation in different lighting
- Tear film assessment: Dry eye evaluation
- Prescription verification: Accurate refraction
- Candidacy determination: Personalized recommendation
Pre-Operative Preparation
- Discontinue contact lens wear as directed
- Arrange transportation for surgery day
- Review pre-operative instructions
- Complete any required testing
Surgery Day
- Duration: 10-15 minutes per eye
- Anesthesia: Topical numbing drops only
- Comfort: Minimal to no discomfort
- Recovery area: Brief observation period
Post-Operative Care
- 24-hour check: Next day follow-up
- Eye drops: Prescribed medication regimen
- Activity restrictions: Temporary limitations
- Progress visits: Regular monitoring appointments
Benefits of LASIK Surgery
Immediate Benefits
- Rapid visual improvement (often next day)
- Freedom from glasses and contacts
- Enhanced quality of life
- Increased confidence and convenience
Long-Term Advantages
- Permanent vision correction
- Cost savings over time
- Active lifestyle benefits
- Professional advantages
Lifestyle Improvements
- No more fogged glasses
- Swimming and sports freedom
- Travel convenience
- Emergency preparedness
LASIK Success Rates and Outcomes
- 20/20 vision or better: 96% of patients
- 20/40 vision or better: 99% of patients
- Patient satisfaction: Over 98%
- Enhancement rate: Less than 5%
- Serious complications: Less than 1%
Alternative Procedures
If LASIK isn't right for you, we also evaluate for:
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Surface laser treatment
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): Minimally invasive procedure
- ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses): For high prescriptions
- Refractive Lens Exchange: For presbyopia correction
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LASIK painful?
Most patients experience little to no pain during LASIK. Numbing drops eliminate discomfort, and any mild irritation afterward typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 days and see dramatic improvement within the first week.
Will I need reading glasses after LASIK?
If you're over 40, you may still need reading glasses due to presbyopia, which is a natural aging process unrelated to your distance vision correction.