LASIK Surgery for Farsightedness, Nearsightedness, & Astigmatism

Understanding that there are a wide variety of ways to deal with refractive errors (blurry vision caused by misaligned or distorted optical elements of the eye, not by an organic disease process) namely eyeglasses and contact lenses, one must understand that these are merely corrections for the problem not cures. For those who are interested in a cure for their refractive error the discussion then turns to refractive surgery. The aforementioned LASIK is such a procedure. At Teagle Optometry, we are advocates for the LASIK procedure as a viable alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses. Since 1995 Refractive Surgery has been performed on hundreds of our patients with very positive results. We believe that the right technique, performed by the right surgeon, using the most current technology in equipment and technique will yield the most desired result. That is permanent, long lasting, trouble free clear vision. Currently, LASIK is effective at curing distance vision problems only; it cannot correct the "over 40" need for reading glasses without negatively effecting the distance vision. So as you can imagine, not all refractive error patients will benefit from having the LASIK procedure performed on their eyes. So how do you know if LASIK is right for you? Read on...

At Teagle Optometry, we do not perform LASIK surgery. Our role in the treatment is to provide council and select good patients for LASIK, to provide pre- and post-op care, and to make sure our patients find the right doctor. We looked long and hard to find a surgeon we felt was good enough to entrust our LASIK patients to. That person is Dr. Brad Elkins from Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley (see below).

If you are interested in how refractive surgery can fit into curing your blurry vision, we would be pleased to perform a free refractive surgery consultation to explore what LASIK can or cannot do for you. Please send us an e-mail request or call our office at 661-253-3888 to schedule your appointment today.

Brad S. Elkins MD No matter how many LASIK procedures he performs, Dr. Elkins says he never tires of seeing his patient's enthusiastic reactions to their results.

Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley 16311 Ventura Boulevard Suite 750 Encino, CA 91436 http://www.oaveyes.com Dr. Brad Elkins not only specializes in laser vision correction, but he has also had the procedure himself. In 1996, Dr. Elkins became one of the few Fellowship trained refractive surgeons in the country. Dr. Elkins was the first ophthalmologist to perform LASIK in the San Fernando Valley. He has performed over 5,000 LASIK procedures. Of these, over 2,000 have been performed with Intralase. Dr. Elkins graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from UCLA, and he graduated with honors from UC San Francisco School of Medicine. He completed his internship at UCLA and took his residency in ophthalmology at the famed Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. From there, he completed a fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at the University of Utah. He has been a Physician instructor for numerous LASIK, ALK and RK courses. Today, Dr. Elkins frequently lectures to other physicians on the fine points of refractive surgery. Furthermore, he has authored numerous articles on advanced cataract surgery, corneal transplantation and laser refractive surgery.

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How LASIK Corrects your Focusing Problems:

If you are myopic (nearsighted) the laser phase of your LASIK treatment reduces the curvature of your cornea to focus light on to the retina.

If you are hyperopic (farsighted) the laser phase of your LASIK treatment increases the curvature of the cornea to focus light on to the retina.

If you have astigmatism the PRK laser of your LASIK treatment selectively alters the curvature of the cornea so that the light is focused at a point on the retina rather than 2 focal lines.

Who Qualifies for LASIK?

   > Have stable vision for at least 1 year prior to the time of surgery.
   > Have a full eye examination to rule out conditions that may contraindicate LASIK surgery.
   > Have a refractive problem within the range of effective treatment.
   > Be fully informed of the benefits and possible complications following LASIK surgery.
   > Not currently taking certain medications which may be contraindications to LASIK surgery (notably Accutane &
      Amiodarone).

After LASIK:

Your flaps will be re-evaluated immediately after the treatment is completed. You are then sent to the patient lounge for 30 minutes to rest and allow your eyes to settle. A surgical assistant will go over the eye drops and post operative instructions with you. After 30 minutes your flaps will be re-checked and you are then free to leave the office. You will be advised to take it easy for the remainder of the day. Your vision for the first 12-18 hours immediately after LASIK will be fuzzy, similar to looking through wax paper. When you wake up the following morning your vision will be very good.

The Benefits of LASIK Surgery:

  > Rapid recovery of good vision. The epithelium is relatively untouched in the visual axis.
  > Minimal discomfort lasting only for 1 day.
  > Less tendency of haze formation than in surface PRK.
  > Less tendency to regress.
  > Reduced frequency of post-op eye drops.
  > Reduced frequency of follow up visits.
  > A patient who has had a successful LASIK procedure appreciates these advantages.