Do you constantly lose contact lenses or feel uncomfortable with your glasses? LASIK, short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, might be able to help correct your vision. While LASIK isn’t right for everyone, most people with refractive errors can benefit from corrective eye surgery.
As an experienced ophthalmologist, Dr. Stephen Khachikian provides cutting-edge technology to his patients in Rapid City, South Dakota. This includes laser eye surgery procedures like LASIK to correct vision and remove the need to wear corrective lenses.
LASIK is designed to correct refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It cannot correct age-related presbyopia, and those with severe refractive errors might not be good candidates for this procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Khachikian thoroughly evaluates your eyes to make sure you can safely undergo LASIK. This involves testing your vision, measuring your corneas, and going through your medical history.
The results of LASIK depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your refractive errors, your overall health, and the skill of the surgeon. However, the odds are in your favor. 90% of people are able to see clearly without corrective lenses, with most of them achieving 20/20 vision after the procedure.
Every surgery has risks, but the chances of suffering complications from LASIK are actually quite low. You might experience some temporary dry eye, but this should subside in a few weeks. More serious risks include vision loss, undercorrected vision, and problems with the corneal flap. However, incidences of these types of severe complications are extremely rare.
LASIK is relatively quick and painless, and Dr. Khachikian performs all procedures in our Laser Center outpatient office. He completely numbs your eyes before surgery, and provides you with pain relief afterward to make sure you aren’t in discomfort. The entire process takes about an hour, and you can go home the same day.
You can prepare for LASIK by removing any eye makeup and thoroughly cleaning your eyes the morning of the procedure. You also need to arrange a ride home, since you won’t be able to drive yourself.
It’s important to follow Dr. Khachikian’s instructions following your surgery. He gives you eye drops, medication, and instructions before sending you home, and you should avoid eye makeup, hot tubs, and swimming until he approves it.
You can expect to see vision improvements within the next few days, but it might take longer in some cases.
To learn more about LASIK and determine if it’s right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Khachikian. Call us at 605-203-4256, or book online.
