Understanding LASIK Incisions

LASIK eye surgery has brought lens-free vision to literally millions of people over the years. Technology continues to improve this medical procedure, making the outcomes more precise than ever before.

So why hasn’t everyone jumped on the LASIK bandwagon? Fear is one factor that keeps some people away. Specifically, fear of the LASIK incision. Let’s face it: our eyes are sensitive, and the thought of having a procedure that involves cutting the cornea can be scary. When you have detailed information about the procedure, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue LASIK.

Type of LASIK Incisions

In LASIK surgery, the surgeon makes a thin flap in the cornea via one of two methods:

• Mechanical tool called a Microkeratome. This is an oscillating, hand-held blade that is controlled by the surgeon. 
• Femtosecond laser also referred to as “bladeless” LASIK. Pre-calculated computer software guides the laser beam to cut the flap at a precise diameter and depth.

The corneal flap is folded back to allow the surgeon to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism issues. When the refractive error work is completed, the surgeon folds the corneal flap back down, where it heals itself. The whole process only takes minutes per eye! And most patients are already experiencing improved vision when they leave the office.

The truth of the matter is that LASIK surgery is quite safe when it is performed by an experienced LASIK surgeon. The Food and Drug Administration has approved nearly 30 lasers; lasers they have deemed to be safe and effective for LASIK surgery. There have also been advances in the microkeratome technology that have increased the effectiveness of the hand-held blade method.

If you would like to learn more about the entire LASIK procedure, contact Inland Eye Institute today to schedule a Free LASIK Evaluation or visit their website at inlandeye.com. Don’t let fear stop you from achieving great vision!

What Really is 20/20 Vision?

It’s widely known that LASIK eye surgery can give some patients 20/20 vision. But what does 20/20 vision really mean?

According to the American Optometric Association, “20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance.”

There are varying degrees of vision based on what research has shown that a “normal” person can see. Other examples include:

·         20/10 vision means that you can see at 20 feet what can normally be seen when standing 10 feet away (your vision is better than normal)

·         20/40 vision means that you have to stand 20 feet away from something to see what you should be able to see at 40 feet away (your vision is worse than normal)

·         20/100 vision means that what should be normally seen at 100 feet away requires you to stand 20 feet away to see it (your vision is poor)

·         20/200 vision is considered legal blindness in the United States

Having 20/20 vision does not mean you have perfect vision because other factors, such as peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, eye coordination and focusing ability play into your overall visual attributes.

If you have less-than-ideal eyesight that causes you to need glasses or contacts to correct your nearsightedness (good close-up vision/bad distance vision), farsightedness (good distance vision/bad close-up vision) or astigmatism (impaired distance and close-up vision), LASIK may help correct your refractive error and put you into the “normal” 20/20 vision range. LASIK surgeons take into consideration many of your unique attributes before recommending LASIK surgery, including your overall eye health, corneal thickness and medical history. 

To find out if LASIK might be able to give you 20/20 vision, contact Inland Eye LASIK in the Inland Empire to schedule your free LASIK Consultation. Call 909-937-9230 or visit inlandeye.com.

Moo-ve Into Better Vision with LASIK

Did you know that July 18, 2013 is Cow Appreciation Day? In honor of this unique observance, here are a few fun facts about how cows’ eyes differ from human eyes:  

• Cow eyes are larger
• Cows cannot move their eyes like humans; they must turn their heads
• Cow eyes glow at night
• Cow eyes are oval shaped
• Cows have only black irises

At Inland Eye Institute, we’re not in the business of treating cow’s eyes; however, we are in the business of correcting the human vision problems of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism through LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK won’t make your eyes glow at night like cows, but it just might free you from the need for contacts or glasses. The LASIK procedure actually changes the shape of your cornea so light can be focused onto your retina properly, resulting in clear vision, even 20/20 vision, for many patients.

If you’d be interested in learning more about how you might be able to moo-ve into better vision with LASIK, contact us today to schedule your free LASIK Consultation in the Inland Empire. Call us today at 909-937-9230 or visit us online at inlandeye.com.

Life After LASIK

Some people wonder what life might be like after they have LASIK. Of course, no two people’s eyes are exactly the same, so no two LASIK procedures will produce the exact same results. However, at their follow-up appointments, many patients express that they…

L – Love their new vision so much that they share their success with family members, friends and even strangers on social media and online review sites

A – Appreciate life without the aggravations and costs of broken glasses, lost contact lenses and expensive replacements and cleaning solutions

S – Show off their beautiful/handsome eyes

I – Impress their friends with their ability to see every menu, clock, street sign and more

K – Kayak, swim and play sports lens-free

No doctor can guarantee 20/20 vision after LASIK, but many patients do achieve this level of vision (or even better) after LASIK! Likewise, no doctor can guarantee that you’ll never have to wear glasses again. 

There are simply no “guarantees” in medicine. But Dr. Blanton at Inland Eye Institute has achieved some amazing results with LASIK procedures, and his patients are walking testimonials to his success.

If you’d like to find out what your life might be after LASIK, contact us today at inlandeye.com or 909-937-9230 to schedule a free, no obligation LASIK Consultation.

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Happy 4th of July!

Have a safe and fun 4th of July from Inland Eye Institute!