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Lasik  Surgery Charleroi, Uniontown and Pittsburgh, PA.

When looking to have Refractive Surgery with Martinelli Eye and Laser Centers, rest assured that your eyes are in the most capable hands. Our Doctors are committed to providing the most advanced eye care possible. That is why our doctors have made it their mission to be at the forefront of many medical developments. This includes incorporating the state-of-the-art LASIK system from VISX®. The VISX® CustomVue® utilizes customized “Wavefront” and “Eye-Tracking” technologies to assure that you are receiving the most sophisticated treatment available today. When it comes to LASIK surgery, it is clear why you should choose Martinelli Eye and Laser Centers. Dr. Martinelli believes in the procedures so much…he has had the procedure done himself!

LASIK has become increasingly popular over the years and with new advances in laser technology enabling those who are farsighted, nearsighted and with astigmatism to have the option of this procedure. LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) can change the curve of the cornea using a laser to correct vision. As an outpatient surgical procedure, most patients can return to normal activity the next day.

What Makes Martinelli Eye and Laser Centers So Different?

Complete Continuity of Eye Care – You see one doctor from beginning to end of treatment. This direct, one-on-one approach in total-service environment makes all the difference in providing quality care and building trust, something we have been doing since 1966.

High Success Rate – Our success rate for LASIK surgery is high because our patients are always excellent candidates. Some patients are surprised that we refuse to recommend surgery for them. They shouldn’t be. We are always looking out for our patients, offering the best state-of-the-art solution for their individual needs.  That is why we carefully examine every patient to make sure they are a suitable candidate for a successful LASIK procedure.

LASIK removes tissue within the cornea to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

To treat nearsightedness, the steep cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from in front of the retina to directly on the retina.

To treat farsightedness, the flat cornea is made steeper by removing tissue outside of the central optical zone of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from behind the retina to directly on the retina.

To treat astigmatism, the cornea is made more spherical -- like a basketball instead of a football. This eliminates multiple focusing points within the eye and creates one point of focus on the retina. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

LASIK is for those who:

• want to reduce or eliminate thir dependence on glasses or contacts
• are at least 18 years of age
• have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
• have no health issues affecting their eyes
• have no signs of glaucoma or cataracts

What to expect on surgery day:

	You will arrive at the laser center about an hour prior to your procedure

You will arrive at the laser center about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you may be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.

Next, an instrument called a microkeratome will create a hinged flap of thin corneal tissue, and your doctor will gently fold the flap out of the way. During this process, you may feel a little pressure, but no pain. You will then be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The Excimer laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed. To finish the procedure, the protective layer will be folded back into place where it will bond without the need for stitches.

Following your procedure, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. Then you will be given additional eye drops, and your eyes may be shielded for protection. Your vision will probably be a little blurry at first, so someone will need to drive you home. You should relax for the rest of the day. You may experience some discomfort for 12 to 24 hours, but this is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some people experience sensitivity to light, and watering or swelling of their eyes for a few days following their procedure.

 

You will be asked to come back the next day for another examination of your eye(s). Most people can actually see well enough to drive the next day but it's best not to drive until you have been examined. You should be able to resume your normal activities the day after surgery.
Vision can fluctuate for up to six months, but most people can see well enough to pass a driver's license vision exam following their procedure.

Realistic expectations:

	The vast majority of our patients can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.

The decision to have LASIK is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire. The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their vision after LASIK and can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.

Serious complications with LASIK are extremely rare. LASIK is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Many of the risks and complications associated with this procedure can be reduced or eliminated through careful patient selection and thorough pre-operative testing using the latest diagnostic technology.

After LASIK, you may experience some visual side effects. These visual side effects are usually mild and diminish over time. But there is a slight chance that some of these side effects won't go away completely, such as feelings of dryness, glare and halos.

	Everyone heals somewhat differently

Since everyone heals somewhat differently, some patients may over react to the procedure and some may under react resulting in overcorrections and undercorrections. Once the eye has stablized (3 to 6 months) you and your doctor can discuss whether a re-treatment could help fine tune your vision if you are over or under corrected.

After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if LASIK is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Alternatives to LASIK

LASIK is not the only surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. To learn about other procedures go to the surgical and laser vision correction procedures section of our Web Site. You may also choose to make an appointment or request additional information to learn more about this exciting procedure.  We offer a number of finance options and affordable payment plans. For more information please contact our office at (724) 485-9091.

Lasik  Surgery Charleroi, Uniontown and Pittsburgh, PA.

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