LASIK Surgery

Laser Vision Correction

"It was so exciting to wake up the next morning and see the alarm clock without my glasses."

Scott & White's new LADARVision® Excimer laser system is the only laser available capable of treating all five types of refractive errors. With this advanced technology, patients who have not been candidates for LASIK in the past may now qualify for surgery.

The new system uses a laser eye tracker with a small laser beam to more accurately reshape the cornea. The LADARTracker™  adjusts and realigns itself with each laser pulse, tracking the position of the eye approximately 4,000 times per second as it precisely guides the laser's placement. The LADARTracker's ™ exacting precision increases the accuracy of the procedure.

LASIK laser vision correction reshapes the corneal tissue under a protective flap of the cornea. LASIK can treat a wide range of vision problems, ranging from low to very high levels of nearsightedness, to low to moderate levels of farsightedness with and without astigmatism.* LASIK benefits include minimal postoperative discomfort and fewer postoperative medications. LASIK patients often have good to excellent vision the day after the LASIK procedure. The vast majority of patients see 20/40 or better after the procedure - the driving standard - and can perform most activities without glasses or contact lenses.

Day of The Procedure

Prior to your scheduled procedure, you and your doctor will determine if one or both of your eyes will be treated during the same session. On the day of the procedure, you will be escorted into the laser room where you will be readied for the procedure.

You will be given eye drops to numb your eye and an eyelid holder is then placed around your eye to prevent you from blinking. A thin protective flap of corneal tissue is created and folded back to one side. The laser beam is applied for approximately 15 to 60 seconds, depending on the amount of correction required. Then, your doctor returns the flap to its original position. The procedure is complete and your doctor or nurse will discuss follow-up care.

You should arrange to have someone with you after the procedure to drive you home and plan to rest for the remainder of the day. It is normal to feel slight discomfort but that usually diminishes within the first day. Your doctor will want to examine your eye the day after your procedure. You should then be able to resume your normal activities.

How LASIK Corrects Refractive Errors

LASIK treats the refractive errors of the eye by changing the shape of the cornea. The resulting shape can eliminate or reduce nearsightedness, farsightedness* and astigmatism.

• A corneal flap is created.
• The cornea is reshaped using the excimer laser.
• The flap is returned to its original position.

The Ideal Candidate

In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK is over 18 years of age and has healthy corneas. Candidates must not have had a significant increase in their refractive prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant are not good candidates for LASIK. Check with your doctor.

Realistic Expectations

The decision to have LASIK is an important one that ultimately only you can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. It cannot correct a condition known as presbyopia, or aging of the eye. This normally occurs around age 40 and may require the use of reading glasses. In fact, people over 40 who have their distance vision improved with LASIK, may find they need reading glasses after the procedure. Your doctor will provide you with additional information that will allow you to make an informed decision.

In the Blink of an Eye

It takes only seconds to treat a lifetime of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Find out if you are a candidate for this life changing procedure by calling your eye doctor to schedule a personal consultation. Should your vision fall within the range of correction for LASIK, and you are a potential candidate, more comprehensive tests may be necessary.

Normal Eye

Clear vision in the normal eye is the result of light rays passing through the cornea, pupil and lens focusing directly on the retina.

Myopia (nearsightedness)

Myopia or nearsightedness occurs when light rays are focused in front of the retina instead of directly on the retina. This means you require correction to clearly see objects at a distance.

Hyperopia* (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia or farsightedness occurs when light rays are not bent enough to focus on the retina. This means you require correction to clearly see objects up close.

Astigmatism

Regular astigmatism occurs when light rays are focused at more than one point on the retina. Astigmatism is a common condition, often occurs with myopia and hyperopia.

*Caution: LASIK for the treatment of hyperopia is currently being performed at Scott & White. LASIK for the treatment of hyperopia with astigmatism with the Apex Plus TM Excimer System is currently limited by United States law to investigational use.

Caution: The Infinity(tm) LS and Apex Plus(tm) Excimer Laser Systems and emphasis discs are indicated to perform LASIK for the reduction or elimination of myopia ranging from 0.0 to -14.0 D with or without astigmatism ranging from -0.5 to -5.0 D in patients who are 18 years of age or older who have documentation of a stable manifest refraction (±0.5 D) over the past year.

Our Surgeon

Dr. Calvin Eshbaugh is the Chief of the Section of Refractive Surgery. He is the only board-certified ophthalmologist in Central Texas that has also completed fellowship training exclusively in refractive surgery. During your pre-operative exam, Dr. Eshbaugh will personally discuss your surgical options with you. Dr. Eshbaugh lives in Temple with his wife and three sons. Ask him about his own LASIK experience!

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