AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LASIK EYE SURGERY?

At Walker Eye Care, we provide comprehensive care to meet the vision needs of our patients. As  optometrists, our doctors offer pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing LASIK eye surgery or other eye surgical procedures. Our goal is to help you attain the clearest vision possible using advanced technologies.

EVALUATION AND REFERRAL

LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery uses the latest advancements in technology to provide faster recovery times and precise results. LASIK surgery has been effective in treating myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and other eye conditions. At Walker Eye Care, we provide evaluations and referrals for patients interested in LASIK surgery.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

Once your surgery is scheduled, we will schedule follow-up appointments for you. Typically, you will begin these follow-ups the day after the surgery and continue at prearranged times over the following six months. After 1 year, a full exam is recommended to determine the long-term results of your procedure. The doctors at Walker Eye Care are experienced in working with patients pre- and post-operation and will answer any questions that you have along the way. If you have questions about LASIK surgery, call us to speak with our knowledgeable staff.

THE LASIK PROCEDURE

To determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, the eye doctor will conduct a pre- LASIK eye examination. The traditional LASIK vision correction procedure begins with the creation of a hinged corneal flap. After the eye is anesthetized with topical eye drops, the LASIK eye surgeon creates the flap on the outer surface of the eye to expose the underlying cornea. The flap can be created with a microkeratome (a hand-held device) or with the IntraLase® laser, which allows the surgeon to create the flap using a computer-guided laser. The cornea is then reshaped using an excimer laser and the flap is replaced. After LASIK eye surgery many patients experience immediate improved vision, although it can take up to six months for vision to stabilize. Patients can expect a short LASIK surgery recovery period but there is usually little to no discomfort following the procedure. Follow-up exams ensure proper healing.

LASIK RISKS AND BENEFITS

Most patients are extremely pleased with their LASIK results. LASIK eye surgery benefits include improved visual activity, freedom from corrective eyewear, and possibly new career opportunities. Patients who achieve a successful LASIK outcome can eliminate their need for glasses or contact lenses, and enjoy the freedom of clear vision at all times. Patients can play sports, swim, spend a day at the beach, and participate in various activities without the restrictions that glasses and contacts bring. LASIK eye surgery is a safe and effective treatment that has continued to gain popularity among patients. A small number of patients – one to five percent – experience LASIK eye surgery complications. LASIK risks include sensitivity to light, haloed or glared vision, irregular astigmatism, dry eyes, loss of visual clarity, and sensitivity. Fortunately, advances in LASIK technology have dramatically reduced complications and many problems can be easily corrected with additional treatment.

STATISTICS – LASIK RESULTS

LASIK eye surgery has become the most popular vision surgery in the country. More than one million Americans undergo LASIK each year. LASIK surgery statistics and information from the FDA indicate that complications occur in just 1 to 5 percent of patients. In most cases, LASIK treatment provides patients with exceptional results, with many patients experiencing 20/20 vision or better following LASIK eye surgery.

Our Relationship with local specialists keeps you seeing your best.

LASIK Vision Correction

In our office, you will receive a thorough and detailed assessment to determine your candidacy for laser vision correction. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. Doctor Walker is fully certified and experienced in laser vision correction pre- and post-operative care.

We know that laser vision correction is a considerable decision, and your needs and expectations will be taken into account in the evaluation process. You will receive an unbiased recommendation as to your suitability for the procedure.

Carolina Eye Associates and TLC Laser Eye Centers, provide the laser correction and we can handle all post-operative visits and subsequent exams.

Cataract Surgery & Low Vision

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye. The lens sits just behind the pupil and is responsible for focusing light. As the lens increases in cloudiness, it becomes more difficult to see objects clearly and bright lights can cause glare. The most common form of cataract is that of aging and it is inevitable as we mature. In most cases, cataracts do not cause any harm to the eye and cataract surgery is only done to improve the vision in which glasses no longer can improve the vision. Cataract surgery is more the patients decision than ours, because we usually preserve surgery only when the cataracts are affecting your daily life. There is no harm in delaying surgery if your life is only minimally affected.

We work with Carolina Eye Associates.