What is LASIK?
LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to alter the shape of the cornea, the clear dome-shaped tissue at the front of your eye to correct refractive errors myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It serves as a safe alternative to glasses and contact lenses for the right candidate.
LASIK Eligibility
To help determine if LASIK is a good choice for you, our Oakland Optometrist at OLIVE and SPEX OPTOMETRY offers LASIK consultations. During your consultation, we will perform a thorough comprehensive eye exam and then educate you on your options. Although we do not perform the surgeries, we have a network of trusted ophthalmologists who will perform the surgery for you. We work with Pacific Vision Institute and would be happy to get you in contact with them. If you choose to undergo LASIK, we will provide you with post-operative care at our office in Oakland, California. Rest assured! We communicate with your surgeon often to monitor your recovery and to ensure your best visual outcome.
Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
Individuals with healthy eyes, stable vision, and no unusual corneal problems are the best LASIK candidates. You should be at least 18 years old. And your prescription should fall within the surgical parameters for LASIK. Higher prescriptions may disqualify you from the procedure. If you have glaucoma, unmanaged dry eye syndrome, or a condition that affects the shape of your cornea, LASIK is not the best way to improve your vision.
What to expect during a LASIK procedure
Most patients take a mild sedative before their LASIK surgery to help them relax during the procedure. You’ll be awake during the entire procedure. Your surgeon will administer numbing drops to numb your eyes. A speculum is used to hold your eyelids open while you stare at a designated light. You will not have to worry about blinking during the procedure. The surgeon uses an instrument laser to cut a flap in your eye and reshape your cornea before placing the flap back into position. This flap will attach to your eye in two to three minutes and continue to heal for a few months after your surgery. The surgery usually takes less than 15 minutes. We suggest that you make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
Recovery after LASIK
You will need to wear a clear shields over your eyes for a few days to protect them while they heal. Your eyes might feel scratchy the day of your procedure; plan on spending the rest of the day relaxing or napping. Your doctor will give you prescription eyedrops to prevent infection and inflammation as well as artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. You will most likely see significantly more clearly right after the procedure and recovery from LASIK is quick you may be able to resume normal activities within a few days.
How does LASIK improve your visual Health?
LASIK reduces or eliminates your reliance on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. It is an excellent alternative if you have issues wearing contact lenses or prefer not to wear glasses.
What are the benefits of LASIK?
There are multiple benefits associated with LASIK:
LASIK can reduce your ongoing expenses for corrective vision lenses and products.
Though LASIK is not covered by insurance, you can ultimately save money on your vision care expenses in the long term. If your LASIK procedure costs $5000 and you usually spend $500 each year on glasses, contacts, and other corrective products, you’ll recoup the cost of your surgery in 10 years.
LASIK offers convenience.
One of the top reasons that Oakland optometrists recommend LASIK to their patients is that it makes their lives more convenient. They no longer have to worry about carrying extra cases to hold their glasses or solutions to clean their contact lenses.
LASIK has a high success rate.
Under the care of our trusted ophthalmologists, an estimated 90 percent of patients can ditch their glasses or contacts after undergoing LASIK. This is a favorable success rate that makes the procedure a safe and wise investment.
If you want to learn more about LASIK, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery is a popular surgical alternative to glasses or contact lenses thanks to the lasting results and easy recovery period.
Other laser eye services
We bring you high quality eyecare designed for your long-term eye health.
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OUR PROMISE
We deliver high-quality eyecare that is compassionate, honest, and genuine. We dedicate time to creating a trusted relationship with you to truly understand your goals, needs, and concerns.
At olive + spex optometry, you can expect eyecare that is uniquely designed to maintain and improve your vision and long-term eye health."
Founder, Optometrist
Dr. Diana Pham
Laser Eye Surgery
LASIK Eye Surgery
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK): A laser eye procedure to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
