LASIK Overview

LASIK Eye Surgery Boston, Massachusetts

The decision to have a refractive procedure such as Laser Vision Correction is an important one and we want you to know that we are always here to answer any questions to may have. ViolinVision, Premium Eye Care Options from Dr. George Violin, offers the most advanced and trusted technology available for laser vision correction procedures in Boston. This includes the IntraLase and Allegretto Wave lasers combined together to achieve Bladeless, Wavefront Optimized LASIK. Our highly skilled team of vision correction specialists, led by Dr. Violin, is available to educate and guide you through your decision making process. We consider it a privilege to have patients such as yourself trust their vision to our practice.

LASIK

LASIK is the most frequently performed procedure used today to reduce or eliminate the use of glasses or contact lenses. LASIK (Laser In-situ Keratomileusis) involves using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea and help restore vision compromised by nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. For clear vision to occur, light rays must pass through several structures, including the cornea, and focus directly on the retina. If the cornea is too steep or too flat in relation to the length of the eye, light rays will focus in front of the retina (myopia) or behind the retina (hyperopia). If the cornea is curved unevenly, there will be two or more focal points, resulting in blurred vision (astigmatism).

During the LASIK procedure, a flap is created in the outer layers of the cornea, using either the IntraLase FS Laser or a microsurgical instrument called a microkeratome. The reshaping of the cornea with the excimer laser is performed under this protective layer of corneal tissue. Once this flap is created, the flap is gently folded back, exposing the underlying cornea. The cool beam of the excimer laser is then used to remove microscopic layers of tissue and precisely sculpt the exposed cornea to correct your refractive error.

To correct nearsightedness, the laser removes tissue centrally to decrease the corneal curvature, allowing light rays to focus farther back in the eye to reach the retina. To correct farsightedness, the laser removes tissue in the periphery of the cornea to increase the curvature and move the focal point forward. To correct astigmatism, the laser removes tissue in precisely determined areas to equalize the curvature of the cornea. Upon completion of the laser portion of the treatment, Dr. Violin gently places the flap back into its original position over the treated corneal tissue. The cornea has extraordinary natural bonding qualities which allow effective healing without the necessity of stitches. Visual recovery is rapid after LASIK. Most patients can resume normal activities the next day while experiencing little or no discomfort. Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing drops are required for at least one week after your procedure. It is also necessary to wear protective eye goggles at night during the initial healing period.

The majority of Dr. Violin's patients achieve their desired correction, and are happy with their results after one treatment. For those who would like their results to be"fine tuned," an"enhancement," or second treatment, is usually possible.