Laser Vision Correction Procedures Radial Keratotomy Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Laser Manufacturers VISX Related Books Beyond Glasses! The Eye Laser Miracle: The Complete Guide to Better Vision		! Dr. Hedges offers this procedure to his patients and (as with all procedures) individualizes the technique according to the patient's suitability and to a certain extent to the patient's choice. Any patient interested in exploring options regarding refractive surgery should contact our office and arrange a personal evaluation. See below for more details on the personal evaluations.
	SITE NAVIGATION: Laser Vision Correction > Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
	Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis also known as LASIK, has established itself as the procedure of choice for most patients having corrective surgery. Virtually any eyeglass or contact lens prescription can be improved or eliminated using the Lasik technique. Large amounts of myopia(nearsightedness), hyperopia(farsightedness), and astigmatism can be corrected. Most adults are eligible for this procedure. Dr. Hedges has successfully treated patients from age 19 (whose prescription was stable) to patients in their 60s. The initial part of the operation involves tightly applying a microkeratome or cutter to the cornea. This cuts a very thin flap of tissue (about 20-25% of the total thickness of the cornea). The flap is not cut completely loose but is left attached on one side creating a simple hinge. This flap is then folded back and laser energy is applied to the deeper part of the cornea using the excimer laser. The flap is then swung back into position and carefully smoothed out. A major advantage of Lasik is the extremely short recovery period. Patients will begin to see better the same day of surgery. Pain is minimal and eye drops are only needed for 4 or 5 days. The minimal discomfort and short recovery period are the main reasons many patients choose this technique. Inflammation and scarring are far less likely underneath the protective flap than simply applying the laser energy to the surface of the eye as is done with PRK. New designs of microkeratomes have virtually eliminated complications that occurred in the early years of Lasik surgery. Lasik also opens up the possibility of treating a far greater range of prescriptions than would be otherwise possible. This is the best choice for moderate to large amounts of nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. It is also the best procedure for eliminating farsightedness. Dr. Hedges was the first ophthalmologist in Southwest Virginia to use the powerful correction capabilities of the Lasik procedure to help patients who previously could not be fully corrected with earlier methods like RK. He has even been able to improve patients who were not fully corrected with earlier laser techniques. Final visual acuity results using this method are excellent. Most patients can return to their normal activities in just a day or two. Recent reductions in laser manufacturer fees allow us to offer this incredible technology at less expensive rates than just a couple of months ago! Eye Surgery Associates of Southwest Virginia offers personal evaluations to those interested in refractive surgery services. This visit would consist of a thorough measurement of one's eyeglasses and a detailed eye examination. Many complications can be avoided by recognizing all of the features about a patient's eye condition prior to ever going to the operative suite. Patient's who are seriously considering the surgery should leave their soft contacts out for up to 2 week prior to their evaluation visit. Patients wearing gas permeable or hard contacts may need to leave the lenses out for an even longer period, sometimes up to 4 weeks, in order to allow an accurate assessment at the time of your evaluation. After your exam, individual answers specific for each patient can be given. In addition, we can provide references to our patients who have had the surgery, offering further feedback. In comparing results from patient to patient it is most useful to talk to someone who has a similar condition both in terms of age and eyeglass prescription. Please give our office a call or contact us via email if you have any questions.

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