At SoCal Eye, we understand that every eye is different. Our experienced ophthalmologists use advanced diagnostic technology to evaluate your vision, eye health, and individual needs before recommending laser vision correction.
Whether LASIK is right for you—or another procedure may be more appropriate—our goal is to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your eyes, your vision, and your lifestyle.
Step 1: Your LASIK Consultation
Your LASIK journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation. This examination gives your SoCal Eye surgeon detailed information about your vision and the health and structure of your eyes.
Eye & Health Assessment
We review your general health, medications, vision history, and overall eye health. Certain medical or eye conditions can affect LASIK candidacy, so this is an important first step in determining whether laser vision correction is appropriate for you.
Comprehensive Eye Exam & Wavefront Analysis
Your prescription and visual characteristics are carefully measured. Advanced diagnostic technology provides detailed information about how your eyes focus light and helps your surgeon develop an individualized treatment plan.
Corneal Topography & Thickness Mapping
LASIK reshapes the cornea, making a detailed evaluation of your corneal health particularly important.
We measure the shape, curvature, and thickness of your corneas to help determine whether LASIK can be safely performed and how treatment should be planned.
A Treatment Plan Designed for Your Eyes
No two eyes are exactly alike. Your surgeon reviews the results of your examination and diagnostic testing to determine whether you are a good candidate for LASIK.
If LASIK is appropriate, your treatment can be planned according to your individual prescription and visual characteristics. If another vision-correction procedure may be more appropriate, your surgeon will discuss those options with you.
Your SoCal Eye team will also explain the procedure, potential benefits and risks, expected recovery, and cost of treatment.
We encourage you to ask questions. Our goal is to make sure you understand your options and feel comfortable with your treatment decision.
Step 2: The LASIK Procedure
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a laser vision-correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to change the way light is focused inside the eye.
LASIK can be used to treat common refractive errors including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
The procedure involves creating a thin corneal flap, reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser, and then carefully repositioning the flap.
LASIK Procedure: Step by Step
1. Numbing Your Eyes
Numbing eye drops are applied before the procedure to keep you comfortable. An eyelid holder helps keep your eye open so you don’t have to worry about blinking during treatment.
2. Creating the Corneal Flap
A femtosecond laser creates a thin, precisely positioned flap on the surface of the cornea.
Your surgeon gently lifts the flap to provide access to the underlying corneal tissue.
3. Reshaping the Cornea
A computer-guided excimer laser precisely reshapes the underlying corneal tissue according to your individualized treatment plan.
The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue to change the curvature of the cornea. This allows light entering the eye to focus more accurately on the retina.
Modern laser systems also incorporate eye-tracking technology designed to help maintain accurate treatment positioning during the procedure.
4. Repositioning the Flap
Once the laser treatment is complete, your surgeon gently returns the corneal flap to its original position.
The flap begins to naturally adhere as the eye heals, and stitches are generally not required.
What About PRK?
LASIK isn’t the only type of laser vision correction.
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) reshapes the cornea without creating a LASIK flap. Instead, treatment is performed at the surface of the cornea.
PRK may be recommended for some patients based on factors such as corneal thickness, corneal shape, lifestyle, prescription, or other characteristics identified during the LASIK evaluation.
Your SoCal Eye surgeon can help determine whether LASIK, PRK, or another vision-correction option may be most appropriate for your eyes.
Step 3: LASIK Recovery & Results
Many patients notice an improvement in their vision soon after LASIK, although everyone’s recovery is different and vision may fluctuate during the initial healing period.
During the first hours or days after surgery, you may experience temporary symptoms such as mild irritation or discomfort, watery eyes, light sensitivity, dryness, or blurry or fluctuating vision.
These symptoms typically improve as your eyes heal.
Your SoCal Eye team will provide detailed instructions for caring for your eyes after LASIK. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing your eyes, temporarily limiting certain activities, and protecting your eyes during the early stages of recovery.
Follow-up examinations allow your surgeon to monitor your healing and visual progress.
Your Vision. Your Lifestyle. Your Treatment.
LASIK isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure.
At SoCal Eye, we combine a comprehensive eye evaluation, advanced diagnostic technology, and the experience of our ophthalmologists to determine whether LASIK is appropriate for you and develop a treatment plan based on your individual vision needs.
Ready to find out if LASIK is right for you?
SoCal Eye: LASIK Long Beach
All treatment begins with a Consultation with a SoCal Eye LASIK Specialist or LASIK Surgeon in Long Beach. For LASIK Treatment in Long Beach, Schedule an Appointment today at (562) 531-2020 or send us an Online Consultation Request
