LASIK in Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge Eye Physicians is excited to offer LASIK eye surgery for the treatment of common refractive errors. LASIK has been FDA approved since 1999 and can improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism with advanced laser technology. This procedure uses state-of-the-art systems to change the curvature of the cornea to enable light to focus properly on the retina for clearer vision. With LASIK, results are almost immediate and are long-lasting. It can also decrease or completely eliminate your dependency on glasses and contacts. Plan a visit at our Baton Rouge, LA office today to sit down with one of our experienced ophthalmologists to learn if laser vision correction is right for you.

LASIK surgery in Baton Rouge, LA at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians can help you achieve clearer, crisper vision with several great benefits, including:

• A LASIK procedure is quick, easy, and comfortable
• Corrects multiple refractive errors
• Provides virtually immediate vision improvement
• Reduces reliance on glasses and contacts
• Makes exercise, sports, and outdoor activities easier
• Recovery is quick
• No stitches or bandages
• Adjustments can be made as vision naturally changes
• FDA-approved safe and effective

Most patients who wear glasses or contacts, want to improve their vision, and are in good overall health are candidates for a LASIK procedure. The ideal candidates are those who:

• Are aged 18 or older
• Have a stable vision prescription for at least one year
• Have healthy eyes (no dry eye)
• Have a prescription within LASIK’s range (-11 to +5, 5 diopters for astigmatism)
• Have sufficient corneal thickness
• Are NOT pregnant

LASIK is a remarkably quick vision correction treatment and takes about ten minutes from start to finish. First, the eyes will be numbed and a special ring will be placed over each eye to prevent blinking. Then, we will use the advanced laser instrument to create a thin corneal flap. Then, we delicately fold the flap out of the way to use the laser to correct the contour of the underlying corneal tissue. Once this is complete, we will adjust the flap back into its correct position where it can then self-heal with no stitches. Patients will need to use antibiotics and lubricating eye drops for 2 – 4 weeks following their surgery.

After the LASIK procedure, patients should go home and try to sleep for several hours. This is necessary because the anesthetic will start to wear off and patients will feel a stinging sensation or like there is dirt in their eyes. Taking a nap is the most effective way to get through the first hours of the recovery period. It is vital not to massage them, even lightly, for 7 – 14 days as they heal. Eyesight should improve within 24 hours following the operating, and the results will continue to progress further over the next several weeks. Patients may also experience spells of fuzzy vision, night vision issues, and glare while recovering. These side effects are to be expected and usually dissipate over the next six months. Your Baton Rouge Eye Physicians doctor will likely require you to come back for one or more follow-up visits to check their recovery progress. LASIK patients must also use antibiotic and lubricating eye drops for a few weeks after LASIK.

Are LASIK results permanent?
Following your surgery, you will have a brief recovery period. Generally, it takes the eyes 6 – 8 months to settle into their new prescription. After your eyes stabilize, your results will last a long time. Any new prescription changes occur because of the natural aging process, which happens to everyone.

Does LASIK prevent me from getting other eye diseases?
LASIK does not stop the development of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye conditions. Ophthalmologists often call LASIK "disease neutral" because it doesn't cause other diseases, doesn't prevent future diseases, or doesn't stop ophthalmologists from treating potential diseases.

How soon can I drive after LASIK?
After your LASIK procedure, you can generally start driving within 1 – 3 days. However, this depends on if you have one or both eyes treated at the same time. The Department of Motor Vehicles allows individuals to drive with 20/40 or better vision. Around 90% of all men and women who receive LASIK surgery have this level of eyesight by the first day following their treatment.

Does LASIK surgery hurt?
LASIK should not hurt, and most patients don't experience any discomfort during their LASIK procedure. Before one of our experienced Baton Rouge, LA ophthalmologists begins, they will numb your eyes with anesthetic drops to keep you comfortable during the procedure. While you may feel a pressure sensation as the corneal flap is being made, actual pain is rare. Any discomfort you may feel after the procedure shouldn't last long. Sleep and eye drops, as well as Tylenol or ibuprofen, are usually enough to counteract discomfort.

What's the difference between PRK and LASIK?
PRK and LASIK are each laser eye surgery procedures that reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. With PRK, the laser is used on the surface of the eye, while with LASIK, the laser work is performed under a thin, protective, corneal flap. The long-term results are similar between both surgeries. Recovery from LASIK is usually faster and is associated with less discomfort and a reduced possibility of scarring.

Remarkable developments in LASIK technology are allowing more and more people to take advantage of laser refractive surgery. If you have been told years ago that you wouldn't be a candidate for LASIK, plan a consultation at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians to check on whether that's still true. Patients who aren't ideal candidates for LASIK might be candidates for a different refractive surgery option, including PRK. Our team is here to help our Baton Rouge, LA patients achieve their best eyesight possible.