LASIK Surgery Co-Management

 

LASIK (Laser-Assisted-In-Situ Keratomileusis) is the most common refractive eye surgery today.  Its popularity is still very strong, and patients inquire about their candidacy every day in our practice. LASIK can reduce your dependence on glasses and almost always gives you the ability to function well without the need for glasses or contact lenses.   Although the surgery and recovery is rather quick and so many thousands of patients have had it, it cannot be taken for granted. 

LASIK is most similar to another surgical corrective procedure, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and both represent advances over antiquated procedures such as radial keratotomy (RK) in the surgical treatment of refractive error.  LASIK and PRK have the ability to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and even astigmatism. With a technique called monovision, it can also reduce the need for reading glasses among patients over age 40 who wear bifocals. 

Who Are The Optimal LASIK Candidates?

The best candidate for refractive surgery is:

  • Age 18 or older,

  • With healthy eyes,

  • Adequate corneal thickness,

  • And a stabilized prescription.

Chronic dry eye, corneal disease, or other abnormalities may disqualify a candidate from LASIK surgery.  A comprehensive eye examination may be able to detect these and other issues that could effect your eligibility for refractive surgery. 

C Klear has partnered with Central Arkansas LASIK here in Little Rock to provide LASIK and other refractive procedures for our patients. Although your actual surgery would be performed at the Central Arkansas LASIK surgery center, we will provide the necessary pre-operative and post-operative care at our clinic.  It is essential to carefully manage the healing of our patients and communicate these findings with the surgical center for the best overall results.  Being a previous refractive surgery patient herself, Dr. Watson has a niche for this sub-specialty and a strong partnership with the LASIK surgeon and owner of Central Arkansas LASIK, Dr. Edward M. Penick III, M.D.   

“Giving patients all of the vision correction options available to them is of the utmost importance to allow each patient to individually determine what correction option best fits their needs, desires, and lifestyle. Although refractive surgery is not for every person, it can be an absolute life-changer for those who make the educated decision to proceed with it. I am simply here to be your educator.”

If you are interested in learning more about LASIK, please call us to schedule an evaluation.  

 

After LASIK Eyewear

Even if your vision seems perfect after LASIK, you may still require or be more comfortable with eyewear.  For patients over 40 years old (or close), it’s likely you will still need reading glasses after LASIK.  Also, some LASIK patients may benefit from a mild prescription pair of eyeglasses for added safety and comfort while driving at night or in inclement weather situations.

When outdoors, it’s optimal and sometimes urgent to protect your eyes from the sun’s strong and sometimes harmful ultraviolet rays.  Sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection are always best. This is of the remains of utmost importance post-LASIK. For those avid sports players, particular lens materials provide extra strength for optimal eye protection.  Also, any one working with power tools or doing any activity where eye injury is possible should be sure to use safety glasses with special-grade protective lenses.