MYOPIA (NEARSIGHTEDNESS)
What is Myopia?
In the normal eye, light bends through the cornea and lens to focus on the retina. With myopia the eye is longer (or cornea is steeper) causing light to focus in front of the retina. The image is therefore out of focus on the retina and vision is blurred.
Treatment Options
You may choose to wear corrective glasses or contact lenses, or have LASIK surgery.
LASIK Surgery
Before LASIK treatment, light is out of focus on the retina. After LASIK treatment the “flatter” cornea causes light to bend in such a way as to become focused on the retina. Vision is clear.
LASIK can be used to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness (myopia) with the goal of reducing or eliminating dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK uses the computer-controlled Excimer laser to precisely treat the inner tissue of the cornea. The procedure is done using eye drop anesthesia, and while you may feel pressure, the technique is generally not painful.
First an instrument makes a protective flap in the outer layer of the cornea. Next the Excimer laser sculpts the internal corneal tissue to the correct refractive power by flattening the curvature of the exposed corneal tissue. The “flatter” cornea allows light rays to focus more directly on the retina, thereby reducing nearsightedness. After a few minutes of drying, the corneal flap is laid back in its original positions. Due to the cornea's extraordinary natural bonding qualities, the flap seals on without sutures within 2-5 minutes.
Although the vast majority of patients see 20/40 or better postoperatively, individual results cannot be guaranteed. Patients over 40 years old may find they need glasses for close work after surgery. As with any surgical procedure, side effects and complications may occur.
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis at our Sheepshead Bay Cataract and Laser Surgery Center
by Doctor Terraciano.
Most people return to work within on to three days.
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