LASIK
Todd J Bragin, MD, FACS, PC
Ophthalmologist located in Lynbrook, NY
If the idea of waking up in the morning and being able to see without reaching for your glasses sounds appealing, consider LASIK eye surgery. Todd Bragin, MD, PC, a board-certified ophthalmologist and member of TLC Laser Eye Centers, practicing in Lynbrook, New York, offers LASIK surgery at our local TLC Laser Eye Center to correct your vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Call Dr. Bragin, or schedule a consultation online today to find out if LASIK is right for you.
LASIK Q & A
What is LASIK?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses) surgery corrects refractive vision problems including nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). LASIK reshapes your cornea, which changes the way that light enters your eye and focuses on your cornea to provide sharp, clear vision.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is an excellent option if you have mild-to-moderate vision problems due to abnormalities in the shape your eyeball or cornea such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, if you have a very high refractive error — strong eyeglasses or contact lens prescription — LASIK may not be right for you.
Additionally, LASIK doesn’t fix presbyopia, an age-related vision problem that occurs when the lenses in your eye stiffen as you age. Other factors that could exclude you from LASIK include:
- Refractive instability — your contact lens or eyeglasses prescription has changed within the last year
- Eye diseases — such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts
- Participation in contact sports — increases your risk for blows to the face
- Keratoconus — thinning corneas
- Previous eye injuries or surgeries
If you’re interested in LASIK, make an appointment with Dr. Bragin. Even if LASIK isn’t right for you, other eye surgeries are available that could correct your vision.
What happens during a LASIK procedure?
LASIK is a relatively quick outpatient procedure that should take around 10 minutes for both eyes. Dr. Bragin begins by putting numbing drops in your eyes and a mild sedative if desired to help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout your treatment. You may feel some pressure during LASIK but no pain.
You lie on a treatment table, and he places a lid speculum in your eye to hold your lid open during the surgery. Then, using the laser, he makes a small flap in your cornea and uses a computer to adjust the laser for your prescription. While you look at a target light, the laser sends pulses of light onto your cornea, reshaping it to correct your refractive error.
What should I expect after LASIK?
After your procedure, you will rest for a bit, and Dr. Bragin will provide a brief post-operative exam before a friend or family member drives you home. You may have some mild itching or burning sensations, and although your vision will be slightly blurry, symptoms usually subside by the following day.
Your vision will continue to become clearer and sharper over a few days as any swelling subsides. Even though you can go back to work the day after your LASIK procedure, you may want to take a day to rest at home.
For mild prescriptions, or thinner corneas, photorefractive keratectomy or PRK is offered. There is no flap and the laser simply reshapes your cornea to your prescription to give you clear vision. Clinical results are the same, although PRK results usually take 3-4 days to reach 20/20 vision.
Call Dr. Bragin, or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about LASIK and if it’s right for you.