LASIK/PRK
If you’re interested in Lasik surgery in Somerset, KY, you’ll find the skilled, professional care you’re looking for with Dr. Mark Henry at Southern Kentucky Eye Center. LASIK has made it possible for most people to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses following this procedure.
At Southern Kentucky Eye Center, we’ve performed the Lasik procedure for thousands of patients, with very positive results. We offer a FREE Consultation for LASIK and flexible financing options.
How LASIK Works
When your vision is poor, your cornea (the surface of your eye) is misshaped and is not focusing light correctly onto your retina. Nearsightedness is a result of light focusing too far ahead of the retina. Farsightedness is a result of your cornea focusing light too far behind your retina. If you have astigmatism, you cornea is oblong—like a football–causing a distorted focus of the light on your retina. Dr. Mark Henry uses a VISX Star S4 excimer laser to reshape and correct the focal point of your cornea’s surface. The result is clearer vision for his Somerset and Southern Kentucky patients.
To access the cornea for laser reshaping, a flap is first created with a femtosecond laser. This all-laser process is blade free with lasers assisting the surgeon in both phases of the procedure. The flap is gently placed back and vision returns to normal within a day of surgery. Patients often notice a vast improvement in their vision before they even leave our office the day of their procedure.
LASIK can be used to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and even your astigmatism.
LASIK – The Permanent Change
Your eyes are permanently changed during your LASIK procedure. LASIK does not “wear off” or “lose its effect” over time.
That said, your eyes might change internally following certain life events. Because of this, many eye surgeons do not recommend the LASIK procedure following any major changes in your eyes —many of which occur in the early stages of life (ex. pregnancy). LASIK is not ideal for children because of the developmental changes in their eyes as they grow. LASIK for children would require continual fine-tuning very shortly after the procedure.
In contrast, LASIK performed on patients over the age of 18 has a much greater incidence of establishing a long-term correction. Even as an adult, our eyes can change over time, so we suggest an in-depth meeting with a Dr. Henry to discuss the changes you are experiencing in your vision. This will help Dr. Henry decide whether LASIK is right for you now or perhaps sometime in the future.
It’s also important to note that even if changes do occur, minor corrections can be performed with procedures called ‘enhancements,’ although these are seldom necessary.
After-LASIK Experience
All-Laser LASIK patients typically experience rapid visual recovery. Many patients achieve notably improved vision the day after their procedures. Vision usually continues to improve in the following days and weeks. Full effects of LASIK are normally achieved within 2-3 months.
Most daily activities can be resumed almost immediately following the LASIK procedure. Dr. Henry may recommend wearing safety glasses following the procedure. Also, contact sports and swimming should be avoided for 3-4 weeks. Feel free to speak with Dr. Henry about your unique circumstances and any restrictions that might apply during your FREE consultation.
Most patients who undergo All-Laser LASIK don’t require corrective lenses following their procedure for their daily tasks. However, due to natural aging, some over-40 patients may require reading glasses due to presbyopia (over-40 vision), which can occur whether you have had LASIK or not. Due to presbyopia, some patients require a minor prescription for certain activities like night driving, even following LASIK.
Non-LASIK Options
If you are not a candidate for LASIK, other treatment options are available including Visian ICLs and PRK. Dr. Henry will discuss your options with you during your free consultation.
LASIK and Over 40 Vision
Presbyopia patients—also know as “over-40″ or “old age” vision–may also choose a procedure called “monovision” to combat the effects of aging. Monovision allows patients to use one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. LifeStyle Lenses can also treat presbyopia. Dr. Henry is happy to discuss all options for your unique vision, and we’ll work with you to choose the right procedure that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Learn More About LASIK!
Schedule Your FREE Consultation | Or Call Our Patient Counselors at 606.679.7778 or toll-free at 888.SEE.YOU2 (888.733.9682)