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Since the late 1970's, incisional refractive surgery (RK) has treated nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism in patients all over the world, allowing them to experience a new kind of freedom. It is the kind of freedom that allows people to make lifestyle choices that were not options to them before because they were totally dependent on glasses or contact lenses.
In 1995, refractive surgery experienced the dawning of a new era with the advent of the Excimer Laser. Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis or LASIK uses the excimer laser in a surgical process that corrects both eyes and takes less than 30 minutes to perform and can eliminate your dependency on contact lenses and glasses.
Laser Vision Correction can truly change your life. You can experience the freedom of seeing clearly when playing sports, swimming, even something as simple as seeing the alarm clock when getting up in the morning.
Laser vision correction was first approved in America by the Food and Drug Administration in November 1995, although, the first laser procedure was performed in Germany back in 1987. To date, there have been over 4 million laser vision procedures performed throughout the world.
The LASIK procedure (Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis) combines two sophisticated techniques to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. The surgery is painless and eliminates or reduces the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses to see objects clearly. Patients are usually able see more clearly within 24 hours.
The first technique involves the use of an automated instrument, the microkeratome, to create a thin protective layer of corneal tissue (flap) that covers the area to be sculpted by the laser. This flap allows for rapid recovery of vision and reduces discomfort after the procedure.
The second technique uses the Excimer Laser to sculpt the underlying cornea, correcting the refractive error. The eye is not patched, but a protective shield is placed over the eye to prevent inadvertent rubbing of the eye. Visual recovery is typically rapid, and there is little or no post-operative pain. Eye drops, including an antibiotic to guard against infection, are usually taken for a week.
Dr. Scharfman specializes in the LASIK procedure. Many patients will see a dramatic improvement in their vision within the first day and return to normal activities within one to three days.
Atlantic Medical Eye Care uses the Visx Star S4 Excimer Laser System manufactured by VISX, the most trusted laser vision correction company.
VISX invented the technology for laser vision correction more than 15 years ago and is the choice of most eye doctors for their patients. The VISX laser has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Thousands of eye doctors and their staffs have had laser vision correction themselves and have trusted their own eyes to VISX.
Dr. Scharfman will perform a thorough eye examination as part of a complimentary LASIK consultation. You will also be shown video tapes about the procedure to help educate you about LASIK.
Dr. Scharfman will explain the benefits and advantages of having laser vision correction, but he will also discuss some of the complications that might arise. Your consultation will determine whether you are a good candidate for laser vision correction. The following list is a partial list of some of the requirements for LASIK:
- Vision and refraction stable for 6 months
- Contact lenses (gas permeable) out for 4 weeks prior to LASIK
- Contact lenses (soft) out for 1 week prior to LASIK
- Satisfactory eye examination
- Absence of keratoconus
- Adequate corneal thickness
To schedule an appointment for a complimentary LASIK consultation call:
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