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LASIK
LASIK® surgery is a minimally invasive, permanent solution to enhance your vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses. At Mile High Eye Institute, which has locations in Englewood, Broomfield, and Edwards, Colorado, as well as Goodland, Kansas, board-certified ophthalmologists William Richheimer, MD, and Zachary Vest, MD, perform LASIK surgery for patients with corneal damage or diseases. Dr. Richheimer is the top corneal specialist in Colorado and can perform LASIK procedures in even the most complex cases. Call Mile High Eye Institute or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
What is LASIK?
Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is one of the most popular and well-known corrective procedures in ophthalmology — and for good reason. This fast, safe, minimally invasive procedure harnesses the precision of a computer-controlled excimer laser to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
By painlessly reshaping the cornea, LASIK can dramatically reduce or completely eliminate your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
You may be a good candidate for LASIK if you:
- Are nearsighted, farsighted, or have an astigmatism or presbyopia
- Have not changed your glasses or contact lenses prescription in the last year
- Do not have glaucoma or cataracts
- Are over the age of 18
- Are looking for a permanent vision correction alternative to glasses and contact lenses
During your comprehensive vision assessment, the team at Mile High Eye Institute performs a full eye exam to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for minimally invasive LASIK.
When performing the exam, the team also measures the thickness of your corneas to make sure they can withstand the procedure, as LASIK involves removing small pieces of the cornea to reshape it.
How can I prepare for LASIK?
Once the team determines that you’re a good candidate for LASIK, they can map your corneas and develop a surgical vision correction prescription that matches your current prescription. You should avoid wearing any makeup or lotions on the day of your procedure. Make sure to tell the team about any medications you’re currently taking and ask any questions you may have.
What can I expect from LASIK?
LASIK is an outpatient procedure that takes around 20 minutes, or 10 minutes per eye. You can either treat both eyes in one day or schedule separate appointments for each eye. Before the procedure, the team gives you a sedative and administers a numbing anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Next, the team creates a small incision in the cornea to create a thin flap. After folding over the flap and expertly cleaning the section, the team positions the laser over your eye to reshape your cornea.
The team monitors you for about 30-60 minutes after the procedure to ensure there are no complications. You must have a ride home, as you can’t drive after LASIK. When you return to the office for a follow-up appointment 24-48 hours after the procedure, the team evaluates your vision to make sure the procedure is working as intended.
While most patients experience dramatic improvements in their vision within just two days of LASIK, full results take about two months to appear.
If you’re interested in LASIK, schedule an eye exam with Mile High Eye Institute. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online to learn more.