LASIK / iLASIK
Dr. Elizabeth Holland has performed thousands of LASIK procedures with outstanding visual outcomes. Dr. Holland performs BLADELESS CUSTOM LASIK surgery, also known as iLASIK, in Greenville, SC. The iLASIK procedure is a two step process involving making a flap and reshaping the cornea with the excimer laser.
LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) uses a laser to change the curvature of the cornea (outer window of the eye). LASIK surgery is proven to have fewer side effects, a quick recovery period, and less complication than other methods of vision correction. In fact, most LASIK surgery patients notice a significant improvement in their vision very soon after their procedure. LASIK surgery removes tissue within the cornea to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Dr. Holland will perform a complete medical evaluation and eye history to determine whether you are a good candidate for the LASIK procedure. She will discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with you. To be a candidate you
- are at least 18 years of age
- want to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses
- have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
- have no health issues affecting their eyes
- have no signs of glaucoma or cataracts
You will arrive at the laser center for your LASIK surgery about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in, you may be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for your procedure and the area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eyes. To numb your eyes, topical anesthetic eye drops will be used; no injections or needles are necessary in this process. When your eyes are totally numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the LASIK surgery procedure. Next, the Intralase will create a hinged flap of thin corneal tissue. Some patients notice a slight pressure sensation during this part of the procedure, and the vision may be darkened. After the flaps are made, you are positioned under the laser for the treatment. Dr. Holland will gently fold the flap out of the way. You will need to stare at the target light during the treatment, which usually lasts less than one minute, but may be slightly longer for more severe corrections. The flap will then be placed back in position.
Following your iLASIK surgery procedure, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. You will wear a protective shield while sleeping for approximately one week and steroid and antibiotic drops will be prescribed for one week postoperatively. Immediately following your procedure you may experience blurry vision, like looking out under water, and someone will need to drive you home. We recommend that you relax for the rest of the day. Discomfort within the first 12 to 24 hours is not uncommon and this symptom is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. You should be able to resume your normal daily activities the next day. Dr. Holland will personally examine you the day after surgery to make sure that the eye is healing well.
Only you can make the important decision to have iLASIK surgery. The goal of LASIK surgery is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK surgery has proven to be a safe, highly effective, and permanent procedure. Any surgical procedure presents an inherent risk. Many complications and risks associated with LASIK surgery can be reduced or eliminated through careful LASIK surgery patient selection and careful pre-operative testing using the latest LASIK surgery diagnostic technology. Dr. Holland will personally examine your eyes and review all of the preoperative information to ensure the most accurate treatment for your iLASIK procedure.
Some mild visual side effects may be experienced after LASIK surgery. However, these visual side effects tend to be mild and diminish over time. Dryness, glare and halos are rare side effects. Every patient responds to the iLASIK procedure differently. Occasionally, an enhancement procedure may need to be performed. The enhancement is usually performed three to six months after the initial surgery once the eye has stabilized.
Come in today for a consultation with Dr. Elizabeth Holland to discuss whether you are a candidate for iLASIK. Call the Holland Eye Center at (864) 312-3399.