What is LASIK?

LASIK eye surgery is a simple, safe, and painless procedure that corrects your vision using advanced laser technology. Since 1995, this procedure has been performed over 20 million times and is an effective alternative to prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Furthermore, LASIK eye surgery in Houston, TX is even safer and far more professional due to our city’s world-renowned physicians and medical center.

For those dealing with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, LASIK could be the perfect treatment option. This state-of-the-art procedure is virtually painless, and it allows many patients to achieve 20/20 vision.

What techniques do we use during LASIK?

To prepare patients for the procedure, numbing eye drops will be administered. Then the patient’s eyes will be cleaned and propped open with a lid speculum.

First, a thin flap of corneal tissue is created either by a highly specialized instrument known as a microkeratome or by a laser light source. This thin flap is then lifted like a contact lens and a laser light is used to reshape the outer areas of the cornea. Depending on the patient’s condition, the surgeon will adjust the shape of the cornea accordingly. For nearsighted individuals, the cornea is flattened. For farsighted individuals, the cornea is steepened. For individuals dealing with astigmatism, the irregular shape of the cornea is corrected. These adjustments ensure that light is properly focused on the retina.

After the cornea is reshaped, the flap is then laid back to its original position, and its newly formed curvature properly refocuses light without the use of eyeglasses or contacts.

The LASIK procedure only takes 10-15 minutes.

How Do I Prepare for My LASIK Procedure?

To decide whether or not the LASIK procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mattioli. During this consultation, he will evaluate the thickness and shape of your cornea and your eye’s ability to produce moisture. For the two weeks preceding this consultation, you should abstain from wearing contacts as they actually alter the shape of your cornea.

What Should I Expect After My LASIK Procedure?

After the numbing drops wear off, patients may experience a mild itching and burning sensation. It’s important, however, that patients refrain from rubbing their eyes to avoid damaging the healing corneal flap.

Although many patients experience hazy or blurry vision immediately after treatment, they generally have clear and improved vision by the next day. Most patients can resume normal activities such as working and driving the day after their procedure.

To avoid infection, women should refrain from wearing makeup or applying lotions near their eyes for up to two weeks following surgery.

Are You A Candidate For LASIK?

To ensure a safe and effective procedure, your eligibility is based on the current condition of your eyes, as well as a few other key factors. Although, you may be surprised how many people in Houston are LASIK eye surgery candidates. In fact, due to innovative techniques and technology, over 95% of people who wear glasses and/or contacts are eligible for corrective eye surgery. To find out if you’re a candidate, you should set up an appointment with a professional ophthalmologist to ensure a proper evaluation.

Take LASIK Self-Test

How Much Does LASIK Eye Surgery Cost?

In general, the cost of LASIK can vary from $1,000 to $3,000 per eye; some complex procedures can cost significantly more. There are many factors that go into the cost of LASIK. Learn about the cost of LASIK in Houston.

Common LASIK Questions

There are quite a few circumstances that can affect your candidacy for LASIK eye surgery. Although, over 95% of people who wear glasses and/or contacts are eligible for corrective eye surgery.

After applying drop anesthetics, you lie on the laser bed and stare at the central target light. You can blink anytime you want, just stare straight. You may feel some pressure for 10-20 seconds and/or cold eye drops placed periodically, but that’s about it.

The actual LASIK surgery procedure typically lasts only 10-15 minutes.

Yes. If both eyes need treatment, surgery is usually done on both eyes in the same appointment.

Most will notice some improvement as soon as the treatment is complete. Although, your vision will still be foggy and you will require a driver to make it home. In most cases, a patient’s vision will greatly improve the next day and will be capable of driving.

For most occupations, patients typically can go back to work by the next day after LASIK surgery.

Generally by the third day with careful application and removal of any products used around the eyes.

Dr. Mattioli is trained and certified in multiple technologies and procedures enabling you to receive the best treatment and outcome. Many people who were told that they are not candidates for LASIK may now be able to receive even better procedures for their situation.