LASIK BASICS: UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS

By Garett Dickinson

Incredibly complex and powerful yet small and delicate, the eyes are a marvel of nature. They convert light stimuli around us into nerve impulses the brain can interpret. The wonder of sight has inspired medical practitioners, scholars and artists since ancient times.

Although impressive, the eyes are still subject to ailments and conditions, like any part of our body. LASIK, or laser in-situ keratomileusis, is a procedure that uses a laser to reshape the eye.

The cornea, responsible for refracting light to the retina, can be excessively curved or flat. LASIK corrects this and, with it, the problems of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Since its FDA approval in the 1990s, millions of people have received LASIK, and it is the most common vision correction surgery. The process has evolved since its turn-of-the-millennia adoption and is now even easier for patients.

Retinal specialist, Moss J. Fenberg, founder and president of Southwest Eye Consultants, spoke to these advances. He highlighted that the modern procedure only needs lasers to reshape the eye. Previously, a blade would be used to remove the cornea’s outer layer so that the LASIK could be applied underneath. This laser-only method reduces discomfort and minimizes the healing time, which are concerns he regularly hears from patients.

Fenberg said he sympathized with patients’ concerns, expressing that loss of sight is one of the biggest fears for most people, often second only to death.

“Every operation consultation I do, people are fearful, even if they need the procedure to preserve their vision,” Fenberg said. While these concerns are understandable, Dr. Fenberg reassures patients that the procedure is safe and that surgical teams work together to give patients a smooth experience.

“First and foremost, proper sedation is remarkable and helps patients to be at ease,” Dr. Fenberg stated. He explained that anesthetists keep patients relaxed for the entire procedure, so even though patients are kept awake, there is no need to fear accidentally moving, blinking or experiencing discomfort.

Anesthesia, in conjunction with the laser-only approach, makes the process much easier for patients. “It’s a fast recovery,” Fenberg continued, “for most patients, it’s 24 to 48 hours of discomfort at most, if there is any, and a pretty rapid feeling of full recovery.”

Although no surgeons are currently performing LASIK in Durango, Southwest Eye Consultants works with patients who travel to Denver, Grand Junction and Albuquerque for their LASIK procedure.

Through the evaluation process, patients learn if they are a LASIK candidate or if an alternative would be better. They can discuss potential side effects, such as dry eyes or light sensitivity. Although these side effects can be experienced after surgery, they rarely become long-term.

There are things patients may need to do to prepare, such as not wearing contacts leading up to the operation and avoiding makeup before the surgery. A doctor will advise patients of more specific details.

The procedure itself is fast, often less than an hour. Common sensations afterward include itching or burning and blurry vision. These symptoms usually clear up quickly, as Fenberg mentioned, and a patient will follow up with their doctor in the days afterward and can discuss any issues with them.

Before booking an appointment for eye surgery, you’ll also want to consider other factors, such as whether the procedure is considered elective by your insurance provider. Once you book an appointment, be sure to secure transportation since LASIK is an outpatient procedure.