LASIK Eye Surgery

Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is an FDA-approved surgical procedure intended to reduce dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. The most commonly performed vision correction procedure, LASIK is performed on nearly 1 million patients each year to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism by permanently altering the shape of the cornea, the eye’s thin, transparent covering. Corneal reshaping increases the eye’s focusing power and improves vision.

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What is Contoura® Vision Topography-Guided Custom LASIK?

Since the excimer laser was approved as safe and effective in 1995, millions of Americans have had their vision corrected and have recommended LASIK to friends and family. Our LASIK surgeons take pride in being at the forefront of laser vision correction and are thrilled to be able to offer our patients Contoura® Vision Topography-Guided LASIK. The Contoura® Vision platform utilizes specialized diagnostic tools to create a personalized map of your cornea, the main focusing surface of the eye and the site of LASIK treatment. This map localizes unique imperfections of the corneal surface which can be improved at the time of LASIK laser eye surgery. What this means for our patients is more reliable results and fewer post-operative visual disturbances such as nighttime glare and halos.

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LASIK: The Procedure

Before the LASIK procedure, your eyes will be anesthetized with eye drops and a speculum will be used to restrict eyelid movement. You will be instructed to fixate on a flashing red light with one eye, while the other eye is taped shut.

During LASIK surgery, the surgeon will use a sophisticated laser to create a thin flap. This bladeless technique is accurate and painless. Once the flap is lifted a second laser, the fastest most precise laser in North America, will be used by the surgeon to reshape the corneal surface. Lastly, the flap is then carefully repositioned and given sufficient time to adhere.

The Risks of LASIK

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with LASIK. Although sight-threatening risks are rare – much less than 1% — we encourage you to meet with your surgeon to discuss any possible risks and complications.

The Results

An FDA study on the outcomes of Contoura® Vision LASIK eye surgery showed the following results at 1 year post procedure:

15.7% of eyes 20/10 or better
31.6% of eyes 20/12.5 or better
64.8% of eyes 20/16 or better
92.6% of eyes 20/20 or better
96.5% of eyes 20/25 or better

Apart from these excellent visual acuity results, over 30% of patients actually reported seeing better after LASIK then they had previously with glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK Surgery Washington DC - Laser Eye Surgery

This is not to say that LASIK, as it’s been performed since 1996, is not a safe procedure. On the contrary, our practice has performed well over ten thousand LASIK procedures with overwhelmingly good results. Contoura® Vision Topography-Guided LASIK is expected to provide an extra measure of precision that will allow many patients who’ve been “waiting for better technology” to now feel comfortable having their vision corrected with laser eye surgery.

How does Contoura® Vision Topography-Guided LASIK work?

The diagnostic instruments used with Contoura® Vision LASIK create a map of up to 22,000 unique topographic points on each patient’s eye. This increase in data is then utilized to create an individualized treatment for each patient. The “Phorcides Analytic Engine” takes this a step further by using specialized software to analyze the unique map of each patient’s eye taken using the diagnostic instruments of the Contoura® Vision platform. This assists your surgeon in choosing the optimal treatment plan for your eyes once again leading to improved visual outcomes for our patients.

Contrary to the old myth that “the laser does all the work in LASIK”, adding the more advanced technology of Contoura® Vision and the Phorcides Analytic Engine requires even more surgical expertise and judgment than conventional laser eye surgery.

LASIK Eye Surgery Washington DC using Contoura® Vision Topography-Guided LASIK

Free LASIK Consultation

Our LASIK specialists, Dr. Martin, Dr. Adi and Dr. Flanders, invite you to make an appointment for a free evaluation of your eyes. The exam is without obligation and is offered as a free service to prospective laser surgery candidates. You can count on meeting your surgeon, being carefully evaluated, and having all of your questions and concerns addressed. We will also educate you about the latest developments in Custom LASIK surgery and let you know all of your options.

We look forward to meeting with you and evaluating whether laser eye surgery would be a good choice for you. To schedule a free LASIK consultation, please call our office at (301) 657-5700.

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AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LASIK?

The LASIK procedure allows for correction of low to extreme degrees of myopia, and low to moderate degrees of hyperopia and astigmatism. Because of its many advantages, LASIK is our procedure of choice in most cases, even for lower prescriptions.

After a thorough eye examination, your eye doctor can tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK. Whether laser vision correction is right for you depends on a number of medical considerations. It also depends on you, your lifestyle and your expectations. Speaking with someone who has had laser eye surgery, as well as your eye doctor, can help you make the right decision.

Assuming your eye doctor determines that you are a good candidate for laser vision correction, the decision to have LASIK surgery is ultimately yours. Only you know what impact wearing glasses and/or contact lenses has had on the quality of your life, and only you know the value to you of reducing your dependency on these visual aids.

LASIK News

Can LASIK Eye Surgery Fix Astigmatism?

While LASIK is well-known for correcting nearsightedness and farsightedness, it is also an excellent option for astigmatism correction. Learn more. Read More

Does LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Hurt?

LASIK does not hurt. Most patients only feel a pressure sensation during the eye surgery, and any discomfort after surgery is usually mild and temporary. Learn more. Read More