Before, During and After LASIK

in Dalton, Georgia

---

In just a few short years, LASIK, or laser in situ keratomileusis, has become one of the most popular and well-known vision correcting procedures. LASIK is a good option for people who are myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or who have an astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea, causing blurriness).

LASIK surgery works by creating a thin flap on the cornea, then gently lifting the flap and applying a laser light to reshape the cornea, enabling you to once again have clear, sharp vision. This surgery has become popular because it is safe, quick, relatively painless, and has already helped millions of people.

The experienced eye surgeons at Professional Eye Associates believe that LASIK is a very good option for near- and farsighted healthy adults. LASIK is not for people with cataracts and some other conditions. If you are under 40 and undergo LASIK, you may still need to wear reading glasses around the age of 45.

Before Surgery

If you are interested in LASIK surgery, the first step is to schedule a LASIK evaluation at Professional Eye Associates. A LASIK evaluation is easy to set up, just e-mail or call 706-226-2020 to speak with one of our Patient Counselors.

The evaluation will help us make a preliminary determination whether you are a candidate for LASIK or another vision correction procedure, and if so, which procedure would be most appropriate for you.

In general, to be a candidate for laser vision correction you should:

• be at least 18 years of age or old
• have stable vision for at least a year prior to the procedure
• be free of certain diseases of the cornea and retina
• be in good general health
• not be pregnant or less than 3 months post partum

Aside from these general requirements, we recommend you have a number of visual tests to determine whether you are a candidate. At Professional Eye Associates, we will perform these tests in our office and the cost of the tests is $95.00. If you schedule your LASIK surgery within three months of the LASIK evaluation, the $95.00 will be deducted from your total surgery fee.

It is important for you to realize that even if it is determined that you are not a candidate today, it does not mean that you will not be a candidate as new technology becomes available. However, laser vision correction is not for everyone, and some patients (for example, those with certain diseases of the eye involving the cornea or retina), will never be candidates. The best way for you to find out if you are a viable candidate for LASIK is having a LASIK evaluation at Professional Eye Associates.

The secondary objective of the evaluation is to educate you regarding all aspects of laser vision correction, including risks, benefits, options and expected results.

All of us at Professional Eye Associates want you to learn everything you can about your options so you can make an informed decision. The consultation process will help you to understand what you can reasonably expect from the procedure.

Day of Surgery

On the day of your procedure, you should arrive at our laser center as rested and relaxed as possible. You should allow approximately two hours for the entire process. You will first go through a complete preparation process including the administration of mild eye drops to numb your eyes. You may choose to have a mild sedative prior to your procedure. Then, you will enter the laser suite for treatment, which will last only a few minutes on each eye.

The most natural response prior to your procedure is a mixture of both eager anticipation and nervousness. Most LASIK patients describe similar feelings before their procedure, so be reassured this is extremely normal.

Our LASIK surgeons, Dr. William Blackman, Dr. Tim O'Boyle and Dr. Brian Kim have had extensive training on all aspects of laser vision correction, and will work with you to achieve your personal best vision.

Post-Op

Once your procedure is complete you will be able to go home almost immediately to rest. Additional drops will be placed in your eyes and medication may be given to you to use over the next few days. Following the LASIK procedure, an eye shield(s) will be placed over your eye(s). The eye shield is typically worn for 24 hours and then, at bedtime, for several days.

Most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first 24 hours following the procedure and are able to resume all of their regular activities the next day.

It is important for you to understand that follow-up care is as important to your results as the actual procedure. Make sure that you see your Professional Eye Associates doctor for all of your regularly scheduled post-op appointments and then on an annual basis to monitor the health of your eyes.

While laser vision correction has proven to be overwhelmingly successful in reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses, the degree of improvement may vary from individual to individual. Our doctors may perform a free enhancement within the first year after your procedure if you and your doctor agree that an enhancement could be beneficial.

An overwhelming majority of our patients tell us about the dramatic impact the procedure has had on their lives, enabling them to enjoy everyday activities in a way they could not before LASIK.

If you're in the Dalton, Calhoun or Ellijay areas and would like to know more about LASIK , please call or email us any time to schedule an initial consultation. You'll see our facility and amenities, meet our staff, and you can meet one of our doctors to discuss issues and questions. If you'd like to proceed, you can schedule another appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

• Home
• About Us
• Laser Vision Correction
• General Eye Care
• Cosmetic Procedures
• FAQS
• What's New
• Contact Us