Laser Vision Correction
Laser Vision Correction Can Decrease Your Dependence on Corrective Lenses
With modern tools and techniques, there are more ways than ever to enjoy sharp, healthy vision. Mario C. Mota, M.D, P.C., offers advanced laser vision correction at his Lincoln, NE, practice. Dr. Mota will thoroughly evaluate your vision and overall eye health to determine the right procedure for you. LASIK(Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular and well-known choice. However, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) can be equally effective and may be a better option if you have unusually thin corneas. Whichever procedure you undergo, you will enjoy our personalized care and advanced technology. After your treatment, we will provide complete follow-ups and guidance to ensure your lifelong ocular health.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK Eye Surgery Is Virtually Risk-Free and Can Dramatically Improve Your Vision
Mario C. Mota, M.D, P.C., offers advanced LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery at his Lincoln, NE, ophthalmology practice. If you have less-than-perfect eyesight and you want to decrease your dependence on glasses or contacts, this procedure may be right for you. Dr. Mota will reshape your corneas and improve their refraction of light. When your eye is able to bend light properly, the rays will focus on the center of your retina, allowing your brain to register a sharper image. After surgery, you could enjoy 20/20 vision or better without wearing glasses or contacts. Dr. Mota proudly uses a state-of-the-art femtosecond laser to perform LASIK surgery. By eliminating manual techniques, he can perform extremely accurate surgery with negligible risks.
Are You a Candidate for LASIK?
If you suffer from mild or moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may be a candidate for LASIK. Because the treatment is so safe, it is appropriate for most patients. Nonetheless, you must meet certain health requirements to qualify.
You should be at least 18 years old, although patients often enjoy best results after their mid-twenties.
You should have worn the same lens prescription for at least a year.
You should not be pregnant or have been pregnant in the last year.
You should not have unusually large pupils, thin corneas, or corneal scarring.
You should discuss any health conditions that may affect healing. These could include diabetes, an autoimmune disease, or an otherwise compromised immune system.
Dr. Mota will evaluate your overall ocular health to make an appropriate treatment recommendation. In some cases, he may suggest PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) or another laser vision correction procedure as an alternative to LASIK.
LASIK is one of the most popular elective surgeries in the country—and for good reason. Though it is quick and minimally invasive, it can have truly spectacular effects.
What to Expect during the LASIK Procedure
Before LASIK, Dr. Mota will conduct a comprehensive eye examination. He will screen your vision and determine the severity of your refractive error. He will also closely evaluate your eye to ascertain how much he needs to alter your cornea. Then, using a femtosecond laser, he will create a very thin flap on the surface of your eye. The advanced laser will create tiny bubbles just under the surface of the tissue. Then Dr. Mota can easily lift the flap to reshape your cornea with an excimer laser. Like the first laser, this device is highly precise, allowing Dr. Mota to achieve the best possible results. Once your cornea has been reshaped, the doctor will lay the flap back over your eye. With the assistance of a protective shield similar to a contact lens, it will heal on its own in a few days. No stitches are necessary.
The Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK is one of the most popular elective surgeries in the country—and for good reason. Though it is quick and minimally invasive, it can have truly spectacular effects. After laser eye surgery, you could enjoy much clearer vision. In fact, without corrective lenses, you will typically enjoy at least 20/40 eyesight, if not near-perfect 20/20 vision. If you do still require glasses or contacts, you will typically rely on them only for certain activities like driving, reading, or doing fine craftwork. Further, these results are usually permanent, although LASIK cannot prevent the development of age-related presbyopia.
Another benefit of LASIK is that it is quite safe. You may experience some initial discomfort, such as inflammation, itchiness, and dryness. Your vision may be blurry for a few days, but long-term complications are rare. One of the biggest benefits of LASIK is that it requires a very short recovery time. You can usually go back to work and your regular routine the day after your surgery. Nevertheless, you will still need to protect your eyes and keep your follow-up appointments with Dr. Mota. The side effects of laser eye surgery typically fade quickly, and you can begin to enjoy clearer vision within a day or two.
LASIK and PRK
LASIK and PRK can both treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While PRK was the precursor to LASIK, the more recently developed procedure has largely replaced PRK, thanks to its shorter recovery time. However, PRK can still be a good option in certain cases. During both treatments, Dr. Mota will reshape your corneas. Most common vision problems occur because your eyes do not refract light correctly. Because light does not focus on the center of your retina, your brain receives a distorted image. By removing a small amount of corneal tissue, Dr. Mota can improve the path of light through your eye.
The difference between LASIK and PRK is that, during LASIK, Dr. Mota will create a corneal flap. Lifting up the top layer of tissue, he can reshape the underlying area. When he is finished, he will simply lay the flap back down, and it will heal naturally. During PRK, however, he will need to remove the top layer of tissue entirely. After surgery, it will grow back naturally. Although PRK is a low-risk procedure like LASIK, your recovery time will take longer. If you have thin corneas or have undergone previous laser eye surgery, PRK may be more appropriate than LASIK. You may also be a PRK candidate if your lifestyle increases your risk for complications.