At Primary Eye Care Associates, we understand the life-changing potential of LASIK surgery for those seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Steven Chander, provides consultations as well as post-operative care for LASIK and other refractive eye surgeries.

What is LASIK?   

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular type of refractive eye surgery that corrects common vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure traditionally involves reshaping your cornea using a laser and a small blade, allowing light to enter your eye correctly and focus on the retina for improved vision. 

Blade-free LASIK eye surgery: A safer and more precise procedure 

Blade-free LASIK is the latest advancement in LASIK surgery, made possible by state-of-the-art IntraLase® laser technology. Unlike traditional LASIK, which relies on a hand-held microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap, IntraLase® LASIK (also known as IntraLASIK) only uses a laser for this crucial step. This computer-guided technology ensures exceptional precision and reduces the risk of complications. 

Alternatives to LASIK 

While LASIK is a popular choice, we understand that it may not be suitable for everyone. In those cases, we may recommend alternative vision correction options such as: 

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is a laser eye surgery similar to LASIK, but instead of creating a corneal flap, the surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea and reshapes the underlying tissue with a laser. PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or those who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. 

Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, also known as “ortho-k” or “corneal reshaping,” is a non-surgical approach to correcting vision issues. Custom-designed gas permeable contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. This temporary reshaping can provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. 

Intraocular lenses (IOLs)
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses that replace the natural lens of the eye. They are typically used in cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedures to correct vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. IOLs come in various types, such as monofocal, multifocal, and accommodating lenses, to cater to different vision needs. 

What are the benefits of LASIK? 

LASIK eye surgery offers numerous benefits that can greatly improve your quality of life. Some of the advantages of undergoing LASIK include:

Improved vision
Many patients experience a significant improvement in their vision, with some achieving 20/20 vision or better after the procedure. 

Reduced dependence on eyewear
LASIK can significantly decrease your dependence on glasses or contact lenses in your everyday life. This can be especially beneficial for those who lead an active lifestyle, participate in sports, or have professions that require clear vision without the hindrance of eyewear.

Long-lasting results
While individual results may vary, LASIK generally provides long-lasting vision correction. Although age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia, may still occur, many patients enjoy the benefits of LASIK for years to come.

Quick recovery
LASIK is a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively short recovery period. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two after the surgery, and visual improvements are often noticeable within hours of the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK and refractive eye surgery? 

LASIK eye surgery is an option for many adults. At our clinic in Chicago, we use the latest diagnostic techniques to determine if LASIK or another surgery is a safe and effective choice for you. Good candidates for laser eye surgery generally meet certain criteria, including: 

• Stable vision: Candidates should have a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription for at least one year, preferably two years, before considering surgery. This ensures that their vision has stabilized, and the procedure is more likely to yield accurate results. 
• Age: Candidates should be at least 18 years old, as vision tends to stabilize by this age. Some surgeons may prefer patients to be over 21 years old to ensure greater prescription stability. 
• Healthy eyes: Good candidates should have healthy eyes without any underlying eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye syndrome. Pre-existing eye conditions may affect the outcome of the surgery or increase the risk of complications. 
• Good overall health: Candidates should be in good general health and free from medical conditions that could affect the healing process or increase the risk of complications. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders may disqualify a person from being a good candidate for refractive surgery. 
• Moderate refractive errors: LASIK and other refractive surgeries work best for individuals with mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Patients with extremely high refractive errors may not achieve optimal results and may still require corrective lenses after the procedure. 
• Appropriate corneal thickness: The cornea must have sufficient thickness to allow for proper reshaping during the surgery. Thin corneas may increase the risk of complications and may not provide optimal results.
   

Your LASIK consultation

 Determining if LASIK is the right choice for you begins with a thorough consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Chander will: 

• Evaluate your overall eye health 
• Determine your prescription stability 
• Assess the thickness and shape of your cornea 
• Discuss your lifestyle, expectations, and vision goals 
• Answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure 

Based on this evaluation, Dr. Chander will determine if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK or other vision correction option and recommend the best course of action for your vision needs.

If we find that you are a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery, we will refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist in the area who will perform the surgery.

What happens after LASIK surgery?   

Once your surgery is complete, Dr. Chander will continue to monitor your recovery and provide post-operative care. We’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure your eyes are healing well, assess your visual acuity, and address any concerns or complications that may arise. 

Is LASIK painful? 

LASIK surgery is generally considered to be a painless procedure. Most patients report minimal discomfort or no pain during the surgery itself. Before the procedure begins, your eyes will be numbed using anesthetic eye drops to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort, pressure, or a sensation of something in the eye during the surgery. 

After the procedure, it’s completely normal for patients to experience some temporary discomfort, such as dryness, itching, or a mild burning sensation in the eyes. These symptoms typically go away within a few hours, and over-the-counter pain relievers and artificial tears can help provide some relief. Overall, most patients find LASIK surgery to be a tolerable and minimally invasive procedure with a relatively quick recovery period. 

Is LASIK surgery safe? 

LASIK surgery is considered to be a very safe and effective procedure for correcting vision problems. Complications are rare with less than one percent of patients experiencing issues. 

While most patients experience a significant improvement in their vision, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects that can occur following the surgery. These side effects are usually temporary and subside as the eyes heal. Some common side effects of LASIK surgery include: 

• Dry eyes: Many patients experience temporary dryness and discomfort in their eyes after LASIK surgery. This is a common side effect as the eyes adjust to the procedure. Eye drops and artificial tears can help alleviate dryness and provide relief. 
• Glare and halos: Some patients may notice increased glare and halos around lights, particularly during nighttime or in low-light conditions. This side effect is usually temporary and diminishes as the eyes heal. 
• Sensitivity to light: After LASIK surgery, your eyes may be more sensitive to bright lights or sunlight. Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear can help reduce discomfort and protect your eyes during this time. 
• Fluctuating vision: It is normal to experience slight fluctuations in your vision during the initial healing period following LASIK surgery. Your vision may take some time to stabilize and reach its final, optimal clarity.

Schedule your LASIK consultation in Chicago 

If you are interested in LASIK or would like to explore your options for laser vision correction, schedule a consultation at Primary Eye Care Associates in Chicago located right near Midway International Airport. Our highly skilled eye care professionals will recommend the treatment option that is best suited to you and your eyes.