Lasik

LASIK is an acronym for Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. It is a vision correction procedure used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination of these conditions. LASIK has been performed for over thirty years and is the most frequently performed refractive surgery to help reduce the need for contact lenses and glasses for a quarter century. Dr. Penick has performed over 20,000 LASIK procedures since 2005.

Dr. Penick employs the latest Bladeless LASIK technology combined with the fastest and reliably accurate Wavelight Excimer 500 Laser. The procedure lasts approximately ten minutes.

LASIK Surgery Day Expectations

On the day of surgery, please wear comfortable and warm clothing as the laser suites tend to be cool. Patients are prescribed a medication before surgery to help relax. The patient will lie down the on the procedure bed and topical “numbing” drops are applied to the corneas. A suction ring is applied to prevent eye movements to create a specific size and depth corneal flap by the femtosecond laser. The patient is rotated to the excimer laser where the corneal flap is created with a blunt instrument. The patient focuses on a blinking green target light and the excimer laser painlessly reshapes the cornea. Dr. Penick confirms proper positioning and then completes the procedure.

After LASIK

Vision after surgery will be hazy due to the eyes watering following the procedure. The eyes may also have a burning sensation, which is alleviated by using preservative-free tears and/or keeping eyes closed. Vision will be adequate for walking, but not ready for viewing screens. Several hours after the procedure, patients will notice vision improvements. Vision may appear foggy and will most likely seem worse during the mornings and evenings. In most cases, best vision may be achieved within one week.