San Jose LASIK Surgeons – “All Laser” LASIK Eye Surgery in San Jose, CA

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure designed to correct common refractive vision errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. The goal of LASIK is to reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to improve how light is focused on the retina. During the procedure, a laser is used to create a precise corneal flap, which is lifted to allow for the removal of tissue underneath. This reshaping of the cornea allows light to focus directly on the retina, providing clearer vision. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK is an effective option for many people who are over 18 years old and have had a stable prescription for at least a year. Ideal candidates should have healthy eyes and should not have conditions like dry eyes, keratoconus, or uncontrolled health conditions like diabetes. If you have astigmatism or other refractive issues, LASIK can often still be a viable solution, though a thorough evaluation is required. For individuals who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK, alternatives such as PRK or SMILE LASIK can be considered, especially for patients with thinner corneas or more complex vision issues.

LASIK surgery is typically a quick and straightforward procedure that takes about 10-15 minutes per eye. During the procedure, Dr. Hyver will first use a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea, which is then gently lifted to expose the underlying tissue. The second step involves using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct the refractive error. The excimer laser is programmed to precisely remove microscopic layers of tissue, depending on whether the patient is nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism. Once the correction is made, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned, where it naturally adheres without the need for stitches. You may experience mild discomfort and a slight sensation of pressure, but the procedure is generally pain-free due to the numbing eye drops applied beforehand.

It’s completely normal to feel anxious about blinking or moving your eye during LASIK surgery. However, LASIK technology is designed with safety in mind. The laser used during surgery has an eye-tracking system that ensures precision even if the eye moves slightly. Additionally, you will be given numbing eye drops to ensure you remain comfortable, and a mild sedative may be offered to help you relax. The eye-tracking technology will adjust for any small movements, minimizing the risk of complications.

LASIK surgery is not painful. Before the procedure, your eyes will be numbed with specialized eye drops, so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. You might feel mild pressure or a slight sensation during the procedure, but it typically lasts only for a few seconds. Afterward, some patients report feeling a little scratchiness or dryness, but this discomfort is usually mild and temporary. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort, and your eyes should feel much more comfortable as they heal.

LASIK recovery is generally quick. Many patients notice an improvement in their vision within just 24 hours of the procedure. However, some temporary dryness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may occur in the first few days. These side effects are typically mild and improve within a week. You may be advised to avoid rubbing your eyes and to wear sunglasses in bright light for protection. The majority of patients are able to return to work and normal activities within a day or two, though it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. Full recovery, where your vision stabilizes completely, can take a few months.

After LASIK, you will need to follow specific post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing. This includes using prescribed eye drops to prevent dryness and reduce the risk of infection. It’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes and to refrain from swimming or using hot tubs for a few weeks to reduce the risk of infection. You should also avoid eye makeup for the first few days and protect your eyes from direct sunlight with sunglasses. Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon will ensure that your eyes are healing properly.

The results of LASIK surgery are typically permanent. Most patients enjoy long-term correction of refractive errors, with 20/20 vision or better. However, as you age, natural changes in the eye, such as the development of presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) or cataracts, may affect your vision. In such cases, additional treatment options, like reading glasses or prescription lenses, may be necessary. For most people, LASIK offers long-lasting, clear vision with minimal need for future corrective measures.

Some people experience glare or halos around lights, especially at night, after LASIK surgery. This is a common temporary side effect that can occur as your eyes heal. However, these symptoms generally resolve within weeks to months as your eyes adjust to the correction. Wavefront-Optimized LASIK technology, which is used in our clinic, can minimize these visual disturbances and improve night vision. Most patients report that their night vision improves significantly after the healing process is complete.

Dry eyes are a common side effect after LASIK surgery. The procedure can temporarily affect the nerves in the cornea, which reduces tear production. Many patients experience some dryness, particularly in the first few weeks after surgery. This is typically a temporary condition and can be managed with artificial tears or prescribed eye drops. If dry eye symptoms persist, additional treatments may be recommended to help restore normal tear production.

Yes, LASIK is highly effective at treating astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea, LASIK can correct the uneven curvature that causes distorted or blurred vision, improving the overall clarity of vision and helping to restore quality vision, particularly in low-light conditions.

The procedure is typically completed in 10 to 15 minutes per eye, making it a fast and efficient solution for those seeking improved vision.

Yes, LASIK is an eye surgery that involves altering the structure of the cornea to correct refractive errors. While it is minimally invasive and requires no sutures, it is still a type of surgical intervention.

LASIK is considered very safe, especially with the use of advanced technology like femtosecond lasers and excimer lasers. These lasers provide greater precision and control over the procedure, minimizing the risk of complications.