Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up in the morning and be able to see the alarm clock? Or to be able to read or watch TV without needing glasses?
With laser vision correction, these are all possibilities. Laser vision correction is a procedure that changes the shape of your cornea to improve vision and reduce dependency on contacts or glasses.
“When patients come to us inquiring about this procedure, either I or one of my fellow surgeons will see them from start to finish,” explains Deepinder Dhaliwal, MD, director of cornea and refractive surgery at UPMC Eye Center. “During the patient’s initial visit, we perform a comprehensive eye exam to ensure they are a good candidate with healthy eyes.”
After a patient has been identified as a good candidate a second appointment is made to have the procedure.
Laser vision correction is performed as an outpatient procedure in the office. Topical anesthetic is used, which means there are no needles.
Using a laser, the surgeon shapes the cornea. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Once the procedure is complete the patient is sent home. By the time a patient returns for follow-up the next day, vision should be markedly improved.
Although laser vision correction is usually considered to be an elective procedure, an ophthalmologist trained in refractive surgery can help you determine if it is right for you.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .