A LASIK surgeon is an eye care specialist who specializes in reshaping the eye's cornea flap to improve vision. The term LASIK is an acronym for the refractive surgical procedure in which doctors correct the vision using a microkeratome instrument or a laser. The technical name for the procedure is "laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis." Many people choose LASIK surgery for vision problems as a long-lasting alternative to wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses.
There are different types of vision problems that a LASIK eye surgeon repairs. People who suffer from being nearsighted or farsighted will benefit from the LASIK procedure. Individuals who have astigmatism will also have improved vision after undergoing this technique.
Not everyone is a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. In order to determine if a person is a candidate, he or she must go to a LASIK surgeon and let the doctor examine his or her eyes. There are certain factors the doctor takes into consideration to determine a person’s eligibility, which include making sure the person has good eye health, the extent of the vision correction that would be needed, and making sure there are not any other underlying eye diseases. A person must also be over the age of 18 and not pregnant because the eye shape can actually change during pregnancy due to hormone levels.
Before the surgery, the LASIK surgeon will prepare the eye by putting mild numbing drops into the eyes a few minutes before the surgery. The eyes are held open with a small ring and the surgeon will aim the laser into the eyes, slowly mapping out the new shape of the cornea. There will also be a clicking sound as the laser completes the procedure.
After the surgery, the LASIK surgeon will examine the eye for any signs of irritation. The entire procedure only takes about five minutes for one eye and patients can leave a short time afterward if they have someone to drive them home. Most patients opt to get one eye repaired at a time, and the surgeon will correct the vision in the other eye usually a week later.
Doctors who work as LASIK surgeons should be certified to perform LASIK procedures. These physicians also have to stay up to date on new LASIK technology and current eye care trends. Most eye surgeons are also board certified in ophthalmology and members of organizations such as the American College of Surgeons in the US.
