LASIK

Most people have to wear glasses or contact lenses to achieve 20/20 vision. Many can’t leave the house without one of these corrective lenses, and some can barely even manage at home without them. This reliance on glasses or contact lenses can be inconvenient, especially for those who experience eye irritation from contacts, don’t like the appearance of glasses, or engage in watersports or outdoor activities that make them even more of a hassle.

That’s why laser vision correction has become so popular. With a quick, innovative procedure, many patients can achieve 20/20 vision or better, allowing them to leave glasses and contact lenses behind. The most well-known and frequently performed laser vision correction surgery is LASIK.

What is LASIK?

LASIK, “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,” is a revolutionary laser vision correction procedure designed to address common refractive vision errors. It can improve nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Dr. Wu calls this the “Instagram procedure” since patients are thrilled with the results the day after surgery and often eagerly share their happy news on social media, excited about their new glasses-free life.

Using advanced laser technology, LASIK enhances visual clarity and reduces or eliminates the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. This quick 15-20 minute outpatient procedure involves reshaping the cornea (the eye’s transparent front surface) to optimize how light enters and focuses onto the retina, thus improving overall visual acuity.

Learn More About LASIK

Anyone considering laser eye surgery should consult with an experienced cornea refractive eye surgeon like Dr. Jennifer Wu. She will assess your eyes and discuss your health history, lifestyle, and unique needs to help determine the best treatment option for you. Many people find that LASIK gives them more freedom to enjoy their hobbies and interests. Recreational activities like swimming, surfing, and hiking can be even more fun without the inconvenience of contact lenses or glasses holding you back.

Patients with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and other refractive errors can significantly improve their vision with LASIK. Ideal candidates for LASIK should be over 18 with overall healthy eyes and stable vision. Certain conditions, such as dry eyes and glaucoma, may affect your eligibility for LASIK. Additionally, Dr. Wu may not recommend LASIK if you have severe dry eye or frequently engage in contact sports and may discuss alternative procedures, such as SMILE or ICL.

Thanks to cutting-edge laser technology, LASIK is a fast, comfortable procedure. It takes just a few minutes per eye, and the entire surgery is done in approximately 20 minutes. 

LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors that result from a misshapen eyeball. If the eyeball is too long and the cornea curves too much, myopia (nearsightedness) occurs. Or, if the eyeball is shorter than normal and the cornea is too flat, the patient may have hyperopia (farsightedness). Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is unevenly curved (like an egg). LASIK can correct these problems by reshaping the cornea.

First, you’ll receive numbing eye drops so you won’t feel any discomfort. Some patients also choose to receive a mild sedative. Dr. Jennifer Wu will then use a laser to cut a thin flap in your cornea, gently lifting the flap to expose the tissue underneath. The laser then reshapes the corneal tissue to correct your refractive error. Once the flap is replaced, the procedure is complete.

You can return home after LASIK with the help of a friend or family member to drive you. Your eyes will likely feel itchy, dry, and uncomfortable for the first day. It’s normal for your vision to be blurry at first, which should improve within a few hours. 

Dr. Wu will give you medicated eye drops to promote healing. You’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days and hot tubs or saunas for two weeks. Don’t wear contact lenses, rub your eyes, or apply eye makeup for the first few days after LASIK.
Patients can usually return to work a day or two after their LASIK procedure. You’ll have follow-up appointments with Dr. Wu so she can monitor your recovery and progress. Typically, your first follow-up will be the day after surgery, and you will have a few appointments after that for six months.

Most patients notice improved vision within a few days of LASIK. Your eyes will have completely healed in approximately three months, at which point you’ll enjoy optimal results from the procedure. Most people achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK. Some patients still need glasses or contact lenses. Dr. Wu can discuss what improvements you can expect based on your unique case.

LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea, so it yields long-term results. However, it can’t stop the aging process. Most people experience deteriorating vision over time. Typically, patients enjoy the benefits of LASIK for many years. Over time, usually ten years, the original refractive error may regress after LASIK. In these cases, patients may choose to have another enhancement procedure.

Dr. Jennifer Wu can answer your questions about LASIK and guide you on what to expect from the procedure. Most LASIK patients are very satisfied with their results and love having clearer vision without contacts or glasses!

Our Advanced Technology For LASIK

Dr. Wu prioritizes using the latest technology and methods to perform vision correction procedures like bladeless all-laser LASIK. With her advanced technology and methods, she can often offer these procedures to patients whom other eye surgeons have turned away. Dr. Wu customizes the laser treatment profile for each patient based on their individual needs and pre-surgery scans. Furthermore, Dr. Wu can help patients achieve improved vision if they are dissatisfied with the results from a previous procedure elsewhere.

If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK or other vision correction procedures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Wu. She believes an optimal option exists for every patient, and her mission is to help you find yours.

Take the Next Step

Hello, Clear Vision!

Ready to learn more about LASIK and how you can achieve clearer vision with Dr. Wu? Fill out the form below or call us at (949) 208-9090 to schedule an eye exam and consultation at One EyeCare. Dr. Jennifer Wu is dedicated to providing you with personalized care and the most advanced treatment options. She proudly serves Orange County in Costa Mesa, CA.

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