LASIK Procedures

Serving you in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove and the surrounding areas.

During LASIK Surgery

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There are many people who can benefit greatly from having LASIK surgery. Patients who suffer from astigmatisms, myopia or hyperopia are among those who may want to consider LASIK. Our physicians will examine and evaluation your vision and will discuss what your treatment options are and will establish if you would be a good candidate for LASIK.

LASIK surgery can dramatically reduce or eliminate your need to wear glasses or contacts, which can significantly enhance your quality of life. Contact Northwest Eye Physicians to schedule your consultation with one of our physicians and learn more about LASIK surgery.

During LASIK Surgery

During LASIK surgery a small flap will be made on the surface of your cornea to allow the physician access to the corneal tissue. A surgical tool called a microkeratome will be used for this incision. Next, a special laser called an “excimer laser” will be used to reshape your cornea. This corrects for any abnormal light refraction that goes onto your retina. The light refraction is improved, allowing for an enhanced ability to focus more clearly and sharpen your vision. The laser will be situated over your eye and you will be asked to stare at a light. Staring at a light helps you to have your eye fixed on one spot before the laser is used.

Once the laser reshaping is finished, the corneal flap will be replaced. The flap typically will be completely healed within a few weeks. We will place a shield over your eye to give it protection since stiches are not utilized with LASIK. LASIK surgery provides numerous benefits including improved vision, restored confidence and reduced or eliminated dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Our LASIK surgeons will provide you with extremely thorough information regarding the benefits and risks of treatment so you can make an informed decision about whether LASIK is right for you.

After LASIK Surgery

You should notice a significant improvement in your vision immediately after you have the surgery. For some patients, it may take a few weeks up to a few months for their eyes to heal completely. There may be minor discomfort after the surgery, but the majority of patients feel fine the following day and are able to resume their normal activities. We will also prescribe medication for any minor pain you may experience from the surgery since some patients feel a mild stinging or experience a burning sensation. If you feel any severe pain, you should contact us immediately.

Within the next 24-48 hours, you should schedule a follow-up post-operative visit so we can remove your eye shield and test your vision. We will give you eye drops so that your eyes can be kept well lubricated to help your cornea to heal. We ask that for the first three days following your surgery that you limit your physical activity. During the six months that follow, we will ask that you schedule regular eye exam.