LASIK in Newport Beach, Orange County

LASIK is a procedure that is safe, effective surgery that is considered to be one of the most popular refractive procedures available for vision correction. Although LASIK may not always give patients perfect vision, it can greatly reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, enabling patients to live a more active lifestyle.

Combining both corneal flap surgery and excimer laser vision correction techniques, LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) has proven to be a dramatically effective technique for correcting many visual aberrations, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Dr. Feinerman, always striving to provide his patients with the most advanced technologies, is proud to offer the Zyoptix™ laser at his Newport Beach office, serving the Orange County area.

The history of LASIK reaches back many decades. Corneal flap surgery was developed by South American doctors in the 1960s, and excimer lasers have been used to correct corneal surfaces since 1987. However, it was not until the early 1990s in Greece that these two procedures were combined to create the LASIK process.

Am I a Candidate?

Typically, anyone who is over the age of 18, has not had a significant change in vision and can see clearly with contact lenses or glasses is a good candidate for vision correction surgery. Innovations in technology are allowing an increased number of people to qualify for the surgery, however people with certain medical histories or conditions may not be good candidates. Dr. Feinerman will be able to help you learn about your different options and determine the best vision correction procedure to fit your needs and expectations.

The LASIK Experience

First, each patient will undergo a complete series of examinations, consultation, and mapping with Newport Beach surgeon Dr. Feinerman. During this time, the patient will be able to have any questions answered, and Dr. Feinerman will determine the best course of treatment.

On the day of the LASIK procedure, with the patient reclined comfortably in a chair, Dr. Feinerman will administer a topical anesthetic to the eye and will then gently create a flap in the cornea.

Dr. Feinerman will then lift the flap and use the Zyoptix™ laser to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue that correspond with the map of your cornea. About a minute later, the correction will be complete, and the corneal flap will be replaced into its natural position.

The healing process is greatly aided by the corneal flap, as it allows the sensitive, treated portion of the eye to remain covered over several weeks, unlike other forms of laser surgery such as PRK.

What to Expect After LASIK

Most patients generally recover very quickly following LASIK treatment.

A majority of people report that they can see clearly the next day, and that they experience a minimum of discomfort in the weeks following surgery. This is due to the fact that the corneal flap placed over the area of treatment resists normal causes of irritation during the healing phase.

The side effects of LASIK are, for the most part, mild and temporary. Some of these side effects may include dry eyes and an increase in halos and glare; it should be noted that people with large pupils or more severe refractive corrections are more likely to experience these temporary effects. As the eye heals, these symptoms generally subside.

Other potential complications will be discussed with each patient, based on their specific situation and anticipated outcome.

Questions to ask your LASIK Surgeon:

• How long have you been performing LASIK?

• What percentage of patients receive 20/20 vision?

• Are you certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology?

• How many LASIK procedures have you performed in the last year?

• Will my vision change after surgery?

• Will I need an enhancement?

• What is the recovery time?

   

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