Wichita Vision Institute, which was established in 2004, is located in Wichita, KS. Our medical director, Dr. Reena Patel, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. We offer a variety of services that include dry eye treatment, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and LASIK eye surgery.
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK stands for “Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis,” and it is a common eye surgery done to correct such vision problems as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. Over 30 million people throughout the world have undergone LASIK eye surgery.
Before starting, Dr. Patel may give the patient a mild sedative to keep them relaxed before applying numbing drops to their eyes. LASIK surgery can be bladed or blade-less. In bladed LASIK eye surgery, Dr. Patel uses an instrument called a microkeratome to cut a small flap in the cornea; bladeless LASIK surgery involves using a femtosecond laser can be used to do the same thing.
After peeling the flap back, Dr. Patel will reshape the cornea with another laser. She will then return the flap to its original position, and it will seal itself like a natural bandage. The procedure takes about ten minutes for each eye.
Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
A patient who wants to undergo LASIK surgery must be at least 18 years old and in good overall health. Their vision must be stable; it should not have changed within the past year. Candidates also need to have corneas of a certain thickness to undergo LASIK.
People with eye injuries or infections need to wait until their eyes have healed before undergoing LASIK surgery. In addition, patients should provide Dr. Patel with a list of their medications during their consultation.
What is PRK?
PRK, more formally known as photorefractive keratectomy, is the first laser surgery developed to treat eye problems. It is used to treat the same kind of conditions as LASIK, and Dr. Patel may offer it to patients who were not accepted as candidates for LASIK eye surgery. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require making a flap in the cornea, so patients with thin or dry corneas may safely undergo PRK.
PRK involves removing the epithelium, or outermost layer of the cornea. A laser is then used to reshape the cornea, and a medicated disc is placed on the cornea. After removing the disc, Dr. Patel will treat the eye with a salt solution and then place a bandage contact lens over the eye to protect it while a new epithelium grows in. The patient may have to wear the contact lens for several days to several weeks.
LASIK eye surgery has helped many people enjoy improved vision, and it may be able to help you. At Wichita Vision Institute, Dr. Patel will help you find out if this procedure is right for you. Contact our office in Wichita to schedule your consultation and learn more.