LASIK in Los Angeles, CA

The expert ophthalmologists at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles have years of experience performing the most innovative refractive surgery techniques, such as LASIK. OAV surgeons were the first to offer LASIK in the San Fernando Valley back in 1996. LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most popular refractive surgery in the eye health field. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have undergone this remarkable surgery and are amazed by their results.

LASIK eye surgery, FDA-approved since 1999, can reduce or eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by precisely altering the curvature of the cornea, which means that light can center normally on the retina. 

At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley, our primary focus is for everyone to receive their clearest vision. We understand that blurry vision can have a tremendous impact on your quality of life and that having the clearest vision possible can enhance everything from work to your favorite recreational activities. Plan a visit at our Encino, CA location to receive a LASIK evaluation with a highly trained eye surgeon and to learn if LASIK is the right treatment for you. 

The Pentacam is a multidimensional diagnostic tool that has drastically improved the diagnostic accuracy of determining who is a good LASIK candidate and who is not. One of the most severe complications from LASIK surgery is ectasia or a weakening of the structural integrity of the cornea. Ophthalmologists have become much more selective in recommending LASIK to extremely nearsighted patients, patients with abnormally shaped corneas, and patients with thin corneas because of the increased risk of ectasia.

LASIK with iDesign is a highly customized approach to vision surgery that uses a high-definition sensor, which maps the eye in a comprehensive, effective manner to capture up to 5x the resolution of standard technologies. This helps to minimize potential aberrations and increases the likelihood that patients will be able to put their eyeglasses away. Results from a clinical study show that patients who underwent LASIK with iDesign were 99% more likely to attain clear vision that meets their expectations, allowing them to participate in sporting events, outdoor activities, and night-time driving. The majority of patients achieved 20/16 or better vision!

LASIK surgery performed by skilled ophthalmologists at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley is a safe and easy way to get a corrective vision procedure without any invasiveness. Additional benefits of LASIK at our Los Angeles, CA facility include:

• Vision improvements that will likely be permanent
• Reducing the need for contact lenses and glasses
• No bandages or stitches
• Minimal, if any, pain
• Returning to normal activities in as little as 24 hours
• A quick procedure that usually takes less than a half-hour
• Making physical activities, sports, and other hobbies easier
• The ability to adjust the eyes as you age
• High probability of returning to 20/20 vision
• No blades are used in the procedure

As a result of some remarkable innovations in LASIK techniques, more and more patients might now be eligible for the procedure. Though you may have been told in the past that LASIK isn't a good option for you, it might be beneficial to look into it again. Only a trained ophthalmologist can properly decide whether anyone is eligible for LASIK, but there are a handful of simple rules that pertain to most patients:

• You need to be 18 years of age or older
• You must have sufficient corneal thickness
• Specific eye disorders or other medical problems might affect a patient's eligibility for LASIK

If you are not a candidate because of an eye condition or insufficient corneal thickness, other refractive surgeries, including PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), may still be a viable solution.

At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in the Los Angeles, CA area, LASIK is a very quick, powerful vision correction procedure. Further, a considerable amount of patients don't experience any pain during the procedure. For the most part, the surgery lasts about 20 minutes in total. Before beginning the surgery, we numb your eyes with no-sting eye drops to avoid any discomfort. Then, a special device is placed within each eye so that the eyes can't move. People receiving LASIK can't see this device and will only feel a slight pressure on the eye. Once the eye is secured, one of our ophthalmologists will utilize an innovative laser to introduce an extremely thin corneal flap. Then, we carefully fold the flap upward to use the laser to correct the curvature of the underlying corneal tissue. As soon as this is finished, we will smooth the corneal flap back into position where it can then reattach itself without stitches. We only perform "all-laser LASIK" and have not used a blade for creating flaps in over 10 years.  Typically, patients who undergo LASIK can have clear vision within one day. You could be on your way to reducing or even doing away with your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Immediately after the procedure is completed at our office in the San Fernando Valley, it's important to go directly home and take a nap for 4 – 5 hours. This is important because right after the surgery, as the anesthetic begins to wear off, patients typically start to feel like there is something in their eyes, as well as some stinging. These feelings lead to a strong urge to blink or rub the eyes, and this is quite bad for them right after surgery. Sleeping is the easiest way to pass through the first hours of the recovery period. It is vital not to rub the eyes, not even gently, for 7 – 14 days as they heal.

Some patients experience improved vision directly following the surgery; however, many patients report hazy vision for around a day or so. Generally, eyesight is dramatically better within a day, and the results will improve over the following 8 – 12 weeks. The majority of patients notice blurry vision, night vision issues, and glare during their recovery periods. These side effects are normal and subside within 4 – 6 months.

Our ophthalmologists will ask patients to come in for additional follow-up appointments to keep an eye on their healing progress. LASIK patients also have to apply prescription and hydrating eye drops for several weeks after their procedure.

Are LASIK results permanent?
LASIK is a long-lasting solution for refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While most patients see 20/20 or better and experience life-changing freedom, some people may need glasses or contacts for some minor tasks after LASIK. Surgery also cannot prevent any future age-related changes to your vision.

Does LASIK prevent me from getting other eye diseases?
LASIK is not a treatment for any other eye diseases, including glaucoma or macular degeneration that could lead to future vision loss. LASIK also cannot prevent cataracts from forming. OAV staff members can perform an eye assessment and make sure you receive the latest treatments for cataracts or other age-related vision problems.

How soon can I drive after LASIK?
You may be excited to drive right away after a LASIK procedure, but patients should wait until they have been cleared by a member of our eye care team in the Los Angeles, CA area. A follow-up appointment is the best time to ask about your next steps after LASIK surgery, including when you can operate a vehicle, work out, and perform other daily activities.

Is LASIK safe?
Yes, LASIK is safe when performed by experienced ophthalmologists like those at OAV in the Los Angeles, CA area. It's one of the most commonly performed eye surgeries with a high success rate.

Will I be awake during LASIK?
During LASIK surgery, patients remain awake. There's no need for general anesthesia. Instead, the eye surgeon uses numbing drops to ensure the eye is comfortable and free from sensation. Some patients might receive a mild sedative to help them relax. Being awake allows you to follow any instructions the surgeon might give, such as focusing on a specific light. The entire procedure is quick, and discomfort is minimal.

Is there an age limit for LASIK?
There isn't a strict age limit for LASIK, but it's typically recommended for individuals over 18 when vision stabilizes. While younger patients must wait, older adults should be aware that age-related eye conditions, like cataracts, might influence their candidacy. Moreover, LASIK outcomes can vary based on the aging process.

What’s the difference between LASIK and PRK?
Both LASIK and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) are procedures to correct vision. The primary difference? In LASIK, a flap is created on the cornea, reshaped, and then placed back. In PRK, the outer layer of the cornea is removed and reshaped without creating a flap. Both have their advantages, and the best choice depends on individual factors.

LASIK technology allows countless new patients to receive laser refractive surgery. If you were advised years ago that you weren't a good candidate for LASIK, please schedule a consultation at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley to find out whether that's still true. People who aren't eligible for LASIK may be eligible for another refractive surgery option, including PRK. We are happy to offer patients in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA a chance at their sharpest eyesight.