Dummies Guide to LASIK Surgery!

Welcome to the dummies guide to Lasik surgery. You have made the decision that you are tired of waking up every morning and being blind as a bat. Maybe it is the exhausting routine of contacts morning and night. Perhaps you saw your friends on Instagram post some awesome post op photos. So you find yourself here looking into the mess of medical terms trying to sort out what the heck this surgery is. You came to the right place. This guide will explain the ins and outs of Lasik surgery today at UltraVision here in San Antonio.

The Simplest Version

First of all, the absolute basic principle of Lasik is that a laser is used to reshape the cornea (the transparent layer formed in the front of the eye). This improves how the eye focuses on light rays onto the retina, where visual images are formed. With Lasik your surgeon will create a thin sheet in the cornea using a laser. The surgeon will then fold back the sheet and remove a specific quantity of tissue from the cornea using a laser. The sheet is then laid back onto its original position, where it will heal in place.

The “Tell Me More” Version

So we’re ready to tackle more information! Lasik is performed while you are reclined under the laser machine. The eye is then numbed with a couple of topical drops of anesthetic. An eyelid holder, yes it does exactly what it says, holds the lids back to prevent you from blinking. Next, a suction ring is put on the eye to lift and flatten the cornea. This is when you would feel a small bit pressure, similar to a finger being pressed firmly on the eyelid.

From the moment that the suction ring is put on the eye until it is removed, your vision will seem dim or go black. As the surgeon goes on to create the sheet that we spoke about earlier, they go on to center the laser above your eye uniquely to your eyes measurements. Then the surgeon will check to make sure the laser is positioned correctly. You will then be told to look at a special light (they call it a target light) while the laser sculpts the corneal tissue, which takes less than a minute. The sheet will then be placed back and will stick within 2 to 5 minutes and stitches are not needed.

So What’s the Catch?

With any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that should be thought out. The procedure has been FDA approved since 1998, and Lasik has become a common treatment in the US. The complication rate is low, while infections and inflammation are possible, they can be treated with medication should they arise. Some people will experience side effects after their Lasik that will disappear over time. The side effects include: hazy/blurred vision, difficulty with night vision, driving at night, scratchiness, dry eye symptoms, glares or halos around lights, light sensitivity, discomfort, small pink patches on the white of the eyes and some of these effects could be permanently dependent on the patient. Don’t freak out the list sounds more daunting than it actually is. At times a second procedure might be needed, called an enhancement. These enhancements might be needed to achieve the desired vision correction that you seek. At UltraVision their lifetime pledge commitment is that if an enhancement is needed to maintain the results of the patient’s distance vision, the patient’s that qualify will receive the enhancement at no additional cost. The odds are in your favor!

One Size Does NOT Fit All

Unfortunately with any surgery not everyone can be a candidate. But do not fret for there is a minimal checklist that can get you on your way. The golden ticket for Lasik is to be over 18 years of age and having healthy corneas. Also you should not have had significant increase in your prescription for the last 12 months. That is the golden ticket, but remember if you have certain medical conditions or women that are pregnant may not be good candidates for Lasik. Don’t panic even if you’re not selected for Lasik, there are other new options to correcting your vision.

Now Who The Heck Is This Starck fellow?!

Armed with the basic understanding of what Lasik is, and you’re ready to get into that office and start shooting laser beams off. When you realize, who the heck is about to shooting LASER BEAMS into my eyes? Now we find ourselves in an awkward position to say that Dr. Tomy Starck is in no way related to Iron Man or the House Stark from GOT. Even though he’s no superhero, he is a super surgeon! We could rattle off awards, published papers, international achievements and so on. Some standouts that most people like to know about their doctors and surgeons are the simple.

Dr. Starck is native to Colombia and received his schooling there, only to continue his training here in the US at Harvard Medical School and UTHSC in San Antonio. His experience spans more than two decades. He also received the 1999 Honor Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology for his scientific contributions to ophthalmology.

Some big awards and knowledge that only comes from being one of the best. But hey he is just like you and me! He loves the Spurs, exotic cars, Spanish soccer league, scuba diving and has a rather sizeable liking to sugar cookies. Remember getting to know your surgeon is of upmost importance. Comfort is key for you to feel safe and trusting in the surgeon that could change your life forever.

We hope that you have found this guide to Lasik Surgery helpful and delightful. If you have any questions or wonderments about UltraVision or Dr. Starck please contact us! Vision beyond limits begins today.