LASIK
Overview

LASIK is an FDA approved procedure that is painless, fast, and effective. In most cases, it only takes a few seconds per eye. In total, the surgical appointment is about an hour from start to finish. LASIK the world’s most popular refractive procedure. Tens of millions of patients are enjoying excellent vision and improved lifestyle without having to resort to glasses or contacts. Modern All-Laser Wavefront Optimized LASIK may even help patients achieve better vision than possible with glasses or contacts.

The benefits of LASIK

• Painless. LASIK is associated with very little pain.
• Quick. Both the procedure and vision correction are quick. Vision is corrected almost immediately or by the day after LASIK.
• Little impact. No bandages or stitches are required after laser surgery.
• Highly effective. Around 90% of patients will have their desired vision after LASIK.

During the procedure:

LASIK is performed on each eye separately, with each procedure taking only about five minutes. First, Dr. Benjamin uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin, circular “flap” in the cornea. The flap is then folded back to access the underlying cornea (stoma) and Dr. Benjamin eliminates some corneal tissue using another laser called an Excimer laser.

This highly specialized Excimer laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to remove microscopic amounts of tissue from the cornea to reshape it, refocusing light entering the eye for improved vision. For nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the cornea. For farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. For astigmatism, the Excimer laser works by smoothing an unbalanced cornea into a more normal shape. After the laser reshapes the cornea, the flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed. The cornea is then allowed to heal naturally.

With Benjamin Eye Institute’s modern All-Laser Wavefront Optimized LASIK, our Los Angeles area clients enjoy the most cutting-edge technology available. Wavefront offers the latest technological advancements, creating a computerized “map” of the eye, allowing for more precise correction with the Excimer laser.

Although the basic steps listed above comprise the general nature of the procedure, all LASIK surgeries are not the same. The results will depend on a multitude of factors such as:

• Diagnostic technology used to measure the eyes before the surgery
• The technology used to create the flap (e.g. Microkeratome vs. Intralase)
• The EXCIMER laser used to correct vision (e.g. Visx vs. Allegretto)
• The environment in which the procedure is performed
• The experience and the skill set of the eye surgeon performing the procedure

The quality and training of the support personnel, Benjamin Eye Institute’s technicians, nurses, and assistants are of the highest quality in the Los Angeles area.

Wear comfortable clothing. The laser room temperature is cool so you may want to wear a sweatshirt or a sweater. Avoid wearing clothes made of materials such as wool that may generate lint in the surgical suite. Do not wear any jewelry, e.g. earrings, necklaces, and chains. To ensure safety of your jewelry, please leave it at home.

In consideration of others, and to make certain your visit is as comfortable as possible, please do not bring children with you on the day of your Los Angeles laser eye surgery. Turn off your cell phone and other electronic devices prior to entering the laser room.

Duration of your visit will be approximately 1 1/2 hours.

Prior to your procedure

• Remove your contacts. This is extremely important to both maximize the health of your eyes and assure good results.
• There are generally no restrictions on eating or taking medication before or on your surgery day, however, please advise us of any medications you are taking.
• We recommend avoiding alcohol several hours before and after your procedure, as this tends to dehydrate the tissues.
• You will be given prescriptions for post-operative eye drops that must be filled prior to your procedure.
• Payment is due before the surgery day so that you can focus on your procedure and getting well, rather than the hassles of payment and financing.
• Please review and sign the consent form prior to your procedure.
• Please arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure.

• Please be advised that your follow-up care is as important as the actual procedure.
• You are required to come to our Los Angeles office within the first 24 hours after your LASIK procedure for your first post-operative appointment.
• Continue using your eye medications.
• You may take a shower the day after surgery, but keep your eyes closed. Do not allow water to spray directly into your face. Avoid soap or shampoo in your eyes for one week.
• Do not submerge in any bodies of water such as pools, Jacuzzis, oceans, rivers, or lakes for two weeks after your surgery.
• Mascara should not be used for one week. It is okay to use eye shadow and other make-up.
• Do not rub your eyes for six weeks following your treatment. If your eyes itch, notify your eye doctor and an anti-itch medication can be prescribed.
• Use sunglasses when outdoors for the first four weeks to protect your eyes from wind and dust.
• Wear your eye shield at bedtime for one week (two weeks if you sleep on your stomach) to keep from rubbing your eyes while asleep.
• Light exercise is okay, but avoid excessive workouts for five days.
• It is always recommended that you wear protective eyewear for racquet and contact sports and safety goggles for jobs/hobbies that require them.
• Do not swim; use a sauna or hot tub for two weeks following surgery.
• You may fly two days after surgery.
• Please use your antibiotic eye medication every even hour (e.g. 12PM, 2PM, 4PM, 6PM, 8PM) and your steroid medication every odd hour (1PM, 3PM, 5PM, etc.)
• No scuba diving for three weeks.

We will thoroughly examine your eyes, evaluate your visual needs and design and recommend a treatment that’s best for you. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for LASIK, but don’t worry—we offer a complete range of refractive services, including PRK, ICL, CLR and Premium Cataract Surgery. If you are not a good candidate for one of the procedures we offer, we’ll tell you.

Modern refractive surgery will give you great vision for years to come. However, your eyes and your visual needs may change over time. With our Lifetime Commitment Policy, we will be here every step of the way. Here at the Benjamin Eye Institute, we view your visit with us as the start of what we hope will be a positive, life-long relationship.

Of course, modern, well-maintained and calibrated laser equipment, an experienced surgeon, meticulous pre-operative evaluation, experienced and well-trained laser technicians are crucial to the success of the procedure. However, one important factor is frequently overlooked–the operating room environment.

The ambient humidity and temperature greatly affect not only the laser performance, but most importantly how your eyes respond to the treatment. That’s why at BEI we have a unique, autonomous climate-control system in our laser suite. The air in the suite is conditioned independently from the building’s air conditioning system. The air passes through a series of HEPA filters, which prevent bacteria from contaminating the surgical environment. The air is constantly maintained at a certain humidity and temperature level. This system, unique to our suite, is quite costly, but we think you are worth it!

State of the art technology is at the heart of every successful LASIK procedure. At the Benjamin Eye Institute, we are at the forefront of LASIK technology, employing only the latest technologies and advancements for laser vision correction.