LASIK Surgery Lee County
There are many options when it comes to LASIK eye surgery in Lee County. Technology has evolved rapidly since the technique was introduced about 20 years ago, and millions of people worldwide have had the surgery performed since then, most with great success.
Elmquist Eye Group provides quality eye care services, including LASIK surgery, in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. E. Trevor Elmquist, DO, and Sarah Eccles-Brown, MD, are board certified ophthalmologists and eye surgeons. Kate Wagner, OD, and associate, Nina Burt, OD, are board certified optometrists who provide expert eye care for all ages.
Dr. Elmquist is proud to be listed as one of Castle Connolly Medical Ltd’s America’s Top Doctors in Ophthalmology. This respected guide identifies the nation’s best doctors in every part of the country and in every medical specialty. Only those doctors who represent the top 1% of doctors in the U.S. are included.
Dr. Eccles-Brown is an experienced eye surgeon whose areas of expertise include LASIK, cataract surgery, eyelid surgery and in-office procedures. She is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
What is LASIK Surgery?
If you have a refractive error, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism or presbyopia, LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea to improve the focusing power of the eye.
First, a corneal flap must be created so that the surgeon can access the inner corneal tissue. This can be done with a handheld instrument, called a microkeratome, which contains a metal blade, or with a femtosecond laser beam, in what we call “all-laser” LASIK.
The flap is then gently lifted, and excimer laser beams are used to reshape the cornea according to the unique requirements of your eyes. A computer controls the amount of laser energy delivered to your eye. This changes the way light rays enter your eye and improves the ability of your eyes to focus.
The flap is then laid back into its normal position. The surgeon smoothes it out to remove any bubbles or wrinkles under the flap, and it heals itself quickly without any need for sutures.
Are You a Good Candidate for LASIK?
If you are at least 18 years old, have stable vision, have had no previous eye surgery, and do not have an eye disease (such as glaucoma or cataracts), you may be a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, but the procedure is not for everyone. If your corneas are too thin for the procedure, you may be a better candidate for a variation of LASIK, called PRK.
Eyes are completely unique, like fingerprints and DNA, and the doctor must evaluate the degree of your refractive error, the size of your pupils, and the thickness of your cornea in order to decide which laser and surgical technique will be best for you. These factors are never the same for all patients.
Is LASIK Painful?
LASIK is virtually painless. The surgeon will numb your eyes with anesthetic eye drops for the procedure, and you will not feel any discomfort. Some people may feel pressure during the 15 to 30 minute surgery, but there is never any pain. After surgery, any minor irritation you may feel can be alleviated with artificial tears and a good night’s sleep.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Although LASIK surgery restores vision in nearly every patient, it does not change the effect that normal aging has on our eyes. Even with LASIK surgery, you may still need reading glasses after the age of 50 and may develop age-related cataracts. Regular checkups with Elmquist Eye Group can help diagnose and treat these problems early.
If you are in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, or elsewhere in Lee County, and have questions about LASIK eye surgery, call Elmquist Eye Group at (239) 936-2020 schedule an appointment. Our doctors will be happy to discuss them with you.