LASIK

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that treats refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism (oval curvature), etc., by removing tissue beneath the surface of the cornea.

Leaders in Vision Correction

Chicago Cornea Consultants are leaders in cutting-edge laser vision correction, and we have helped thousands of patients to reclaim their visual clarity, self-confidence, and quality of life. We have four convenient locations to serve you in Chicago, Highland Park, Crystal Lake, and Hoffman Estates.

Seeing is believing at Chicago Cornea Consultants

Since 1986, Chicago Cornea Consultants has provided gold-standard eye care in the Midwest, utilizing best-in-class, cutting-edge technology to help patients reclaim their freedom from glasses and contacts.

Our caring, board-certified ophthalmologists have garnered a reputation for excellence and regularly act as trainers, educating other physicians in their innovative approach. Their work has been highlighted in industry podcasts, magazines, newspapers, and journals, and they have consistently been named among “Chicago’s Top Doctors” by Chicago Magazine. Our specialists have performed thousands of successful procedures, helping patients to once again enjoy all that life has to offer.

What is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure designed to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Here at Chicago Cornea Consultants, our LASIK surgeons use the latest in advanced laser vision correction technology to ensure each patient receives the highest quality results.

In addition to LASIK, our surgeons also offer Epi LASIK, LASEK, and PRK, which are forms of “Advanced Surface Ablation”, or ASA. These procedures may be more suitable for patients with significant refractive errors, thin corneas, or both.

How is LASIK performed?

During the LASIK procedure, a flap is created on the surface of the cornea using femtosecond laser technology. A computer-controlled excimer laser is then used to remove the proper amount of corneal tissue. In less than one minute, the excimer laser reshapes the internal layer of the cornea, or “stroma”. The thin flap of corneal tissue is then folded back into its original position, where it bonds after only a few minutes.

The entire LASIK procedure usually takes about five to seven minutes per eye. No stitches or eye patches are required after LASIK, and the healing time is typically rapid. In fact, most patients are able to return to their regular daily activities the day after their LASIK procedure. Also, the results of LASIK are long-lasting, so you can view the world with a clear, crisp vision for years to come!

What kind of technology does Chicago Cornea Consultants offer?

Our LASIK surgeons utilize femtosecond laser technology, which precisely forms the corneal flap without the need for cutting, as well as the most advanced excimer laser technology available, the Alcon Allegretto Wavelight excimer laser, enabling our surgeons to customize your LASIK treatment using Wavefront-guided treatment profiles. We also work with the VISX Star S4 IR, which uses ActiveTrak technology to monitor eye movement in all three dimensions while avoiding pupil dilation.

With access to virtually all currently available technology, our surgeons can specify which laser is best for your individual vision correction needs. In addition to LASIK, Chicago Cornea Consultants offers SMILE vision correction and is one of only two practices in the region to do so.

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Blade-free femtosecond laser LASIK surgery

Although LASIK eye surgery is an extremely successful procedure, and there are very few cases of complications, there are risks. In many cases, the microkeratome, the tool that was originally used to create the corneal flap, was the source of the problem.

Femtosecond laser LASIK has replaced the mechanical microkeratome with enhanced precision, making LASIK at Chicago Cornea Consultants safer than ever before!

During the procedure, the femtosecond laser is used to precisely create a corneal flap. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea, just like the traditional LASIK procedure.

Some patients who were ineligible for traditional LASIK surgery because their corneas were too thin may be better candidates for femtosecond laser LASIK. Femtosecond laser LASIK is also associated with fewer complications than traditional LASIK since no blade is used. The outer layer of the cornea experiences no trauma, and the procedure is relatively painless. Recovery after femtosecond laser LASIK is similar to that after traditional LASIK, with a few exceptions. Following femtosecond laser LASIK, you may experience some eye irritation for up to two days, and it may take a little longer to recover optimal vision. However, there is a lower incidence of dry eyes, corneal complications, and re-operations with femtosecond laser LASIK than with traditional LASIK.

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

If you answer yes to the following questions, you may be an ideal candidate for LASIK:

Are you over the age of 18?
Have you had a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least two years?
Are you affected by one of the common types of vision problems or refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism?
Do you have sufficient corneal thickness?
Are you free of diseases that may reduce the effectiveness of LASIK or your ability to heal properly and quickly?
Are you adequately informed about the benefits and risks of LASIK?

If you think you may be a good candidate for LASIK, contact Chicago Cornea Consultants in Chicago, Highland Park, Crystal Lake, or Hoffman Estates to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced, caring surgeons.

What are the potential benefits of LASIK?

Most patients who undergo LASIK experience significantly improved vision, and many patients can return to work or normal daily activities the day after surgery. Visual recovery is rapid, and patients report little or no postoperative pain. The risk of scarring or developing corneal haze is minimal in comparison to other vision correction procedures.

Are there risks associated with LASIK?

There are some risks associated with LASIK, including dry eyes, persistent eye pain or discomfort, glares, and/or halos when driving at night. Fortunately, the risk of significant complications is low.

Twenty-three years ago, Dr. Epstein performed monovision LASIK surgery on my eyes. Yesterday, I had my eyes checked and the doctor told me I should "Blow my eye surgeon a kiss" because he did an excellent job on my eyes. They are healthy and my vision is virtually the same as it was 23 years ago. Thank you, Dr. Epstein!

T.J.

LASIK recovery

LASIK eye surgery is a quick outpatient procedure. Patients will return home in sunglasses or protective eye shields.

We recommend that our patients plan to rest their eyes for several hours after undergoing surgery.

Following this initial period of rest, vision may be slightly blurred. However, most patients do notice an immediate improvement in vision.

Eye drops will be prescribed to help patients avoid infection and keep the eyes moist.

Other side effects include mild discomfort, sensitivity to light, halos, and/or glare when driving at night. These side effects usually subside within a week or two after surgery but can persist for a few months. Following recovery, most patients gain 20/20 vision or better.

Contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today

LASIK surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can help patients regain clear vision, minimizing the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you have grown tired of having to constantly keep track of your glasses and contact lenses, LASIK might be an effective long-term solution for you. We use the most advanced laser technology to ensure that our patients are receiving the best LASIK treatment available.

If you are interested in undergoing LASIK surgery, please contact Chicago Cornea Consultants today to schedule a free consultation. Call our office at (800) 8-CORNEA and speak to one of our experienced Refractive Coordinators or request an appointment online!