LASIK 

Have you been considering LASIK surgery to eliminate the need for contact lenses or eyeglasses? If so, getting a LASIK consultation is an essential first step. At Ideal EyeCare, we offer LASIK consultations in Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa to help you decide if LASIK surgery is right for you. We also offer post-operative care for LASIK and other refractive eye surgeries to support you during the healing process and help you get the best possible visual outcome. 

What is refractive eye surgery?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is the most well-known type of refractive surgery. LASIK is a popular treatment to correct vision in people who are nearsighted or farsighted. The procedure uses a laser and sometimes a small blade to reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Many people achieve 20/20 vision or even better after LASIK surgery, which means they no longer need to rely on eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The LASIK procedure is relatively quick and generally does not cause any pain. Before the surgery, numbing drops are applied to the eyes to make the procedure more comfortable. During the surgery, the surgeon creates a small flap on the cornea’s surface and uses the laser to reshape the underlying tissue. Afterward, the flap is replaced, and the eye is allowed to heal naturally.

Who is a good candidate for LASIK surgery? 

Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK surgery. To qualify for surgery, patients must meet several requirements:  

• At least 18 years old 
• Stable vision (no changes in prescription for at least 12 months) 
• Must be in good overall health 
• Must have healthy corneas with sufficient thickness 
• No significant eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, or severe dry eye 
• Not pregnant or nursing 

What should you expect during your LASIK consultation?

During your LASIK consultation at Ideal EyeCare, you and your eye doctor will discuss your lifestyle and vision needs to determine the most appropriate procedure for you. We will also inform you of any risks or side effects as well as the cost, which varies based on the type of LASIK technology used.   

During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor will evaluate your eye health and determine if you are suitable for LASIK vision correction surgery. We will also determine your current eyeglass prescription. LASIK surgery will reshape the cornea, so our optometrist will also assess the shape and thickness of your corneas to confirm it is safe for you to have the surgery.  

We may also examine your eyes to determine if there are possible dry eye problems. Patients with dry eye are at an increased risk of developing post-operative dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, dry eye syndrome is a treatable condition, and patients can receive treatment before undergoing LASIK. If we determine that dry eye treatment is needed, we will develop a customized treatment plan that specifically targets the underlying cause. 

If you are an ideal candidate for refractive eye surgery, we will refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist in your area for continued treatment.    

What happens after LASIK surgery?   

Following LASIK surgery, your body needs time to heal and recover. Ideal EyeCare offers post-operative care for LASIK and refractive eye surgery at our office locations in Omaha and Council Bluffs. We will schedule follow-up visits to examine your healing eyes and check your improving vision. During these visits, we will monitor any side effects and provide guidance on how you can ensure a thorough recovery.   

If you’re interested in LASIK surgery and refractive eye surgery, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. When you call to schedule an appointment, please mention your interest in consulting with an optometrist about LASIK vision correction surgery.