LASIK Procedure
LASIK Surgery Procedure

LASIK, an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a refractive procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. It is the most common type of refractive surgery. Using targeted laser beam energy, the LASIK procedure reshapes the cornea so that light rays are focused more precisely on the retina, producing clear, sharp vision.

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What is LASIK Surgery & Why Should You Visit John Kownacki, MD?

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The popularity of LASIK treatments stems from the fact that they provide not only more freedom from glasses and contacts, but also the opportunity to see better than with corrective eyewear. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are some of the most common visual issues that can be treated by LASIK. Dr. John Kownacki, MD (Medical Doctor), will employ cutting-edge eye-mapping technology to assess your vision difficulties as well as the anomalies in each eye.


We'll propose the LASIK technique that makes the most sense for attaining your best vision after evaluating if you're a candidate for LASIK.


Candidates Eligible For LASIK

LASIK is considered a safe procedure, yet it is not ideal for everyone. A thorough medical evaluation of the patient’s eyes must be performed to determine whether the LASIK procedure is appropriate. Good candidates for LASIK are patients who:

Are over 18 years old

Not pregnant or nursing

In general good health

Have had stable vision for at least 6 months

Have healthy corneal tissue, thick enough for a flap

Have refractive errors that fall within the treatable range

It is also important for patients to fully understand the details and risks of the procedure, and to maintain realistic expectations for the outcome.

Benefits Of LASIK

One of the primary benefits of LASIK is that patients immediately experience improved vision after surgery. For many people, laser eye surgery can correct their vision sufficiently to permit them to perform all, or most, of their daily activities without eyeglasses or contact lenses. Approximately 90 percent of patients who have undergone LASIK achieve 20/20 to 20/40 vision as a result of the procedure.


LASIK has the advantage of being a short procedure that results in permanent vision improvement. Most patients who choose to undergo LASIK achieve clear vision without corrective lenses while also benefiting from minimal downtime and only mild post-operative discomfort.


The LASIK Procedure

LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis using only numbing eye drops to reduce any potential discomfort. The entire surgery takes about 10 minutes to perform, although patients can expect to spend a few hours at the doctor’s office. If requested, patients can receive an oral sedative prior to surgery to reduce any anxieties about the procedure.


During the LASIK procedure, the patient lies down in a reclining chair as the doctor positions the laser precisely over the eye. A speculum is used to keep the eye open while the eye is cleaned and anesthetic eye drops are administered. A corneal flap is created with either a blade or a laser. The surgeon gently lifts the surface of the cornea aside, enabling the excimer laser to reshape the curvature of the cornea.

The excimer laser delivers customized pulses of light energy based on each patient’s prescription. The measurements for customization are determined prior to surgery, with the precise positioning confirmed prior to the start of the procedure. The second eye is treated immediately after the first. Following the surgery, the patient is provided with a protective shield to protect the eyes from bright lights.


Risks Of LASIK

Any surgical procedure carries some risks, and patients should be aware that changes to the cornea made during LASIK cannot be reversed. Nonetheless, LASIK is considered safe for most eligible patients. While rare, complications may occur after the procedure, including:

Postsurgical infection

Astigmatism

Dry eyes

Flap complications

Increased sensitivity to light

Fluctuating vision

Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision

Visual problems, such as halos or night glare

Recovery After the LASIK Proce

After LASIK, patients rest in the ophthalmologist’s office for a short time before having someone else escort them home. Medication may be prescribed to relieve any discomfort experienced during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, but most patients tolerate this procedure well. The doctor will likely recommend a few hours of rest after treatment. Most patients are able to return to work and other regular activities the very next day. Patients who have undergone LASIK are instructed to avoid strenuous activities for at least a week.


Typically, patients experience a significant improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure, but the full benefits of LASIK may not be apparent for several months. While patients can achieve clear vision from LASIK, this procedure does not prevent the development of presbyopia, the age-related vision changes that occur after the age of 40. Many patients will need reading glasses for this condition, but their distance vision will remain clear.

You Are Important To Us.

Looking to improve your vision? Interested in our LASIK procedure? Make an appointment now!

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Patient Testimonials

Our patients love us!

The staff at the Lasik Institute are extremely professional and helpful. They walk you through the entire process and help remove any doubts or concerns that you may be initially feeling....

Pete T.

It's been almost 7 years since Dr. Kownacki performed my LASIK surgery and I'm still 20/20. It was an amazingly quick, painless procedure that totally changed my life. I felt totally safe and was...

Cody K.

Had the best experience at this facility! Everyone I encountered throughout my consultation, surgery day, and post op appointments were so sweet & pleasant. Special shout out to the kind gentleman...


Abigail

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EYE CLINIC FAQS

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

  • Tell me a little bit about Dr. John Kownacki.

    John J. Kownacki, M.D. is an ophthalmologist with extensive training and experience. Dr. Kownacki earned his M.D. at St. Louis University and completed his ophthalmology residency there. He is an American Board of Ophthalmology board-certified ophthalmologist who served as the Air Force's Chief Ophthalmologist at Davis-Monthan AFB. He has completed research in the field of refractive surgery and uses cutting-edge technology and equipment in his practice. Above all, Dr. John Kownacki, M.D. provides ophthalmology treatments in a friendly, relaxing environment, ensuring that you are at peace during your eye correction process.

  • What is LASIK eye surgery?

    A LASIK surgeon's most popular procedure for treating myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism is LASIK. The LASIK surgical treatment, like other forms of refractive surgery, reshapes the cornea to allow light entering the eye to be correctly focused onto the retina for sharper vision.


    LASIK surgery is very painless and only takes around 15 minutes to complete for both eyes. The benefits of enhanced vision without the need of eyeglasses or contact lenses begin right after the surgery, and eyesight normally improves and stabilizes over the course of a few days.


    If you are not a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery, other vision correction operations such as PRK and LASIK surgery, as well as phakic IOL surgery, are available.

  • Where are you located?

    8881 Fletcher Pkwy Suite 395 La Mesa CA 91942 is the address of our eye clinic.


    Call our clinic at 979-485-0485 or see our phone number on the upper right hand corner of your screen. One of our pleasant workers will be more than pleased to assist you with any questions or general requests.


  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    Personal checks are not accepted. We take cash, money orders, debit cards, and credit cards.

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