LASIK in Cicero

If you are thinking of having LASIK surgery (Laser-Assisted in-situ Keratomileusis) to correct your vision error, there are many surgeons to choose from in the Cicero area. This is a very reliable and common procedure that results in 20/20 vision or close to it for most patients. In addition to choosing a board-approved and experienced doctor, you should also make sure that you have a good understanding of what to expect and the procedure. LASIK surgery is an evolved form of Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK. This is a procedure in which the surgeon re-shapes the cornea of your eye using a special laser called an excimer laser.

The excimer laser has the ability to ablate and etch away tiny amounts of corneal tissue without harming the surrounding tissue. The right placement of etching can re-shape the cornea so that your eye is re-focused and after the healing process, and the vision error – such as nearsightedness or farsightedness – is corrected. The main problem with PRK is that the top surface (epithelium) of the cornea is ablated, which leaves the entire area treated with the laser open and exposed. Healing is slower and recovery may take longer than with using the LASIK method.

In the LASIK method, on the other hand, the middle layer of the cornea - the stroma - is etched instead of the outer layer. This is done by the surgeon using a very fine blade, called a microtome, which cuts through the top layer and cuts a layer of the stroma. The surgeon forms a flap of corneal tissue, sometimes called the LASIK flap, and folds this back to expose the middle layer for surgery. The layer is typically about 160 micrometers thick. The metal microtome can also be substituted with a laser, called a bladeless microtome or femtosecond laser microkeratome. It is best to consult with your doctor to find out which technique they feel most comfortable using.

After the re-shaping is complete, the surgeon replaces the flap over the ablated area, which heals back into place naturally. The recovery time as well as discomfort level is reduced using LASIK rather than PRK techniques. However, for people who happen to have very thin corneas, sometimes LASIK is not achievable, and the only solution is to ablate the epithelium layer with the PRK technique.

LASIK surgery only takes about 15 minutes to complete, and you will be able to go home shortly following surgery. Even though most people report an improvement in vision immediately after surgery, you must have someone drive you home because it takes a few hours to recover from the eye drops and you will be very sensitive to light. Your vision will improve over the next week or two, and you should be sure to visit your surgeon for the next 12 months to make sure no complications arise.

Cicero, IL

An incorporated town located in Cook County, Illinois, Cicero was named from Cicero, New York, which was named after a Roman Statesman, Marcus Tulliuis Cicero. Cicero is a suburb of Chicago, and is home to about 109,000 residents. The town has many community activities, including events at Cicero Community Park, such as Karaoke, Movie nights and family rodeo events.