LASIK

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a type of refractive surgery using a laser to treat vision problems caused by refractive errors.  A refractive error is when your eye does not refract (bend) light properly.

Light rays must travel through the cornea and lens in order to see clearly.  The cornea and lens refract (bend) the light so it lands on the retina.  The retina then turns the light into signals that travel to your brain and become images.  When a refractive error exists, the shape of the cornea or lens keeps the light from bending correctly.  When light does not focus on the retina as it should vision becomes blurry.

With LASIK, a laser is used to change the shape of the cornea.  This improves how light is focused on the retina.  LASIK is used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. 

LASIK is used to correct refractive error and improve vision.  LASIK may drastically reduce the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

LASIK Surgery in Austin

  • Prior to Surgery:  You and your ophthalmologist will discuss your vision needs based on your lifestyle.  Your ophthalmologist will thoroughly examine your eyes and make sure you are a candidate for LASIK.
  • Test your vision.  This is to make sure that your vision has not changed.  This will also show how high your refractive error is and whether or not LASIK can be used to correct your vision.
  • Check for other eye problems.  Your ophtholmologist will make sure you do not have any eye problems that could affect your surgery, or LASIK could make those other problems worse. 
  • Measure and map the surface of your cornea.  Your ophthalmologist will check the thickness of your cornea and make precise measurements of the cornea’s surface.  These measurements are used to program the computer based laser used during surgery.
  • Measure your pupil size.  Your pupil size will also be measured.  If your pupil is very large, you could see halos (rings of light) at night after LASIK.

Are You a Candidate?

Click the button below to take our LASIK Self-Test today!

During LASIK

LASIK is performed adjacent to Howerton Eye at Howerton Surgical Center.  This is done as an outpatient procedure.

After LASIK

Common LASIK Questions

 The eye doctors of Howerton Eye want to help you see clearly. LASIK eye surgery is an outstanding treatment that can correct optical issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatisms.

To learn more about LASIK eye surgery and determine if it is right for you, continue reading below for our doctors’ answers to some commonly asked LASIK questions.

To have LASIK Surgery certain requirements must be met.  Here are some of them.

  • At least 18 years or older (ideally, over 21 when vision is more stable)
  • Lens prescription must not have changed within the last year 
  • Refractive error must be one that can be treated with LASIK
  • Corneas must be healthy, and overall eye health must be generally good

Some people are not candidates for LASIK.  They include people with:

  • An unstable (changing) refractive error
  • Extreme levels of myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism
  • Severe dry eye
  • Corneas are too thin
  • Cornea abrasions or disease
  • Keratoconus(cone-shaped cornea)
  • Advanced glaucoma

Results of LASIK procedures will vary from patient to patient, and are based on the amount of vision correction needed and how quickly the patient recovers. While our eye doctors can’t promise that each patient will regain 20/20 vision, most patients who need mild-to-moderate correction will achieve close to 20/20 vision results. These patients will then be able to perform normal, everyday functions—watching TV, driving, playing sports, etc.—without needing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Both LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) laser treatments can help restore your vision and eliminate your dependence on glasses and contacts. However, LASIK offers the following advantages over PRK:

  • Quicker vision recovery
  • Less pain and discomfort
  • Reduced need for prolonged use of anti-inflammatory eye drops

During LASIK eye surgery the surface of the cornea is preserved, thus allowing patients to recover a bit faster. Complete visual recovery with PRK takes about three months longer than it does with LASIK, but patients who undergo PRK enjoy the exact same quality of corrected vision as those who undergo LASIK treatment.

There has been a lot of research on the long-term effects of LASIK eye surgery on the cornea. While no clinical studies have tested the results of LASIK past 10 years, studies have shown LASIK performed on qualified candidates has no long-term negative effects on the eye.

You will experience little-to-no pain during your LASIK procedure. Our eye doctors do not use any needles, and they will numb your eye with an anesthetic drop before the surgery starts. For the first few hours following the procedure your eyes may feel scratchy or “sandy.” We advise taking a nap while this feeling dissipates.

We schedule most procedures for Fridays so patients can be ready for the weekend.

According to research and clinical studies, the risk of reducing your vision via a complication is less than 1%.

Considering what you would pay for glasses and contact lenses over the course of 10 years, the cost of LASIK is comparable. Though, with LASIK you will have the freedom to enjoy clearer vision without needing glasses or contact lenses!

Also, keep in mind that our Austin, TX office accepts financing for LASIK treatment through CareCredit.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been considering LASIK eye surgery, now is the time to act. Contact the team at the Howerton Eye at our Austin, TX location today. We can’t wait to meet you and improve your vision!

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Contact Us Now

If you live in Austin, Southwest Austin, or Kyle, TX and are in search of a great eye doctor, look no further than Howerton Eye Clinic. We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful vision. Contact us now!

South Central Austin

2610 South IH 35,
Austin, TX 78704

(512) 443-9715

Southwest Austin

5625 Eiger Rd., Suite 100,
Austin, TX 78735

(512) 872-6059

Kyle

4282 Farm to Market 1626, Suite 200,
Kyle, TX 78640

(512) 872-6064
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