LASIK surgeons in Orange County have seen a wide array of developments in laser vision correction in the past couple of decades. Now that laser technology has achieved even better safety, accuracy, and customization properties than before, the LASIK procedure has been more widely available as a vision correction alternative. Many people are choosing laser eye surgery to further their career goals or simply to enhance their current lifestyle.
So, where did it all start? Orange County LASIK experts delve into the history of laser eye surgery and its increasing benefits. The numbers say it all. Around 94% of nearsighted patients that have a prescription of -7 or better are able to achieve 20/20 vision or better after getting LASIK.
Advanced technology is the key to successfully performing LASIK on such a tiny surface as the cornea. Most patients have a cornea that measures at 500 to 600 micrometers. So, in order to safely and effectively remove corneal tissue, LASIK surgeons in Orange County must utilize tools such as the microkeratome blade, femtosecond laser, and excimer laser. Depending on whether the patient is receiving bladeless or blade LASIK, the necessary resources will vary.
When LASIK first started out, surgeons relied on the microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap through which they could remove the tissue causing vision problems. Then, LASIK surgeons could use the excimer laser (approved by the FDA in 1999) in order to reshape the cornea and restore a patient’s vision as much as possible. Once the corneal flap was replaced, it acted as a natural bandage to help the eye heal after the surgery.
Since the femtosecond laser was invented, LASIK surgeons have been able to create the corneal flap with laser technology, thus creating the bladeless LASIK method. Many doctors say that the femtosecond laser makes the surgery more predictable and customizable. LASIK surgeons can use this technology to control the orientation, shape, and size of the flap which better fits each patient’s needs. The femtosecond laser also decreases the risk of induced astigmatism, corneal abrasions, and a long recovery period.
While the excimer laser has existed for a long time, it has improved over the years with Wavefront technology. With the newly added VISX CustomVue System, excimer lasers can map out a patient’s cornea. This allows surgeons to program the most naturally fitting treatment option for their vision goals.
LASIK eye surgery is more affordable, efficient, and accurate with the advancement of technology over the years. Now that everything can be customized to fit an individual’s vision needs, more people are eligible to receive this kind of vision correction. Before, people with thinner corneas or stronger prescriptions were not considered as candidates for LASIK.
If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and you’re tired of your prescription lenses, then LASIK might be the right option for you. In order to determine your eligibility, you can have a comprehensive eye exam at a LASIK eye clinic. Your LASIK specialist will be able to answer any questions you have about the procedure and give you advice for the day of the surgery.