LASIK Can Give You Freedom from Glasses

Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are common, and for many years, the only way to see clearly in spite of these errors was by using contacts or eyeglasses. But advancements in technology have given patients a new, long-lasting way to rely on their own eyes to see the world around them. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a relatively simple surgery that permanently alters the shape of the cornea to improve your vision. Dr. Jason H. Nakagawa can evaluate your candidacy for LASIK during a consultation at his Marina Del Rey, CA, office. If you qualify, Dr. Nakagawa can customize a LASIK procedure to bring your world into focus.

Are You a Good Candidate? 

LASIK is a great option for many patients, but there are certain candidacy requirements: 

• Age: In order to undergo LASIK, you should be 18 or older. 
• Corneal thickness: Patients with very thin corneas may be disqualified from LASIK surgery.
• Overall ocular health: LASIK is not recommended for patients with conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or corneal diseases. 
• Stable vision: If you have had to change your contacts or glasses prescription in the last year, LASIK may not be the right option for you at this time. 

During your LASIK consultation, we will carefully evaluate your medical history, overall health, and ocular health to determine whether LASIK is the right choice for you. If you do not meet the requirements for LASIK, Dr. Nakagawa can recommend alternative refractive surgeries.  

Patients worldwide have reported a 95 percent satisfaction rate with their LASIK procedure.  

The Procedure 

Thanks to our in-office technology, we can plan and perform your procedure all under one roof. 

Surgery 

The actual LASIK surgery can be completed in as little as 10 minutes per eye. During the surgery: 

• Anesthetic eye drops will be added to numb your eye.
• A lid speculum to hold your eyelids open will then be used to prevent you from blinking.
• A special vacuum ring will keep your eye from moving during surgery. 
• A tissue flap will be created in the corneal surface to expose the inner third of the cornea, called the stroma. 
• Using an excimer laser, the stroma will be reshaped. 
• The corneal tissue flap that was created, would then be laid smoothly on top of the tissue bed which requires no sutures. 

After a loved one drives you home, we recommend resting for the remainder of the day. Some patients experience mild burning or itching after the surgery, but this should resolve within a few days. 

The Benefits of LASIK 

For the right candidate, LASIK can provide many life-changing benefits, including: 

• Immediate results: Although it can take approximately six months to achieve your best vision, most LASIK patients see immediate improvements in their vision after the procedure. 
• No contacts or glasses: Contacts can be difficult to maintain, and glasses get in the way of sports and other activities. LASIK can minimize or eliminate the need for contacts and glasses. 
• Improved vision: Ninety percent of patients who undergo LASIK achieve 20/20 vision or better. 
• Excellent safety: Surgical complications occur in less than one percent of LASIK patients.
• High satisfaction rate: Patients worldwide have reported a 95 percent satisfaction rate with their LASIK procedure.  

Find out If LASIK Is Right For You

LASIK can help you achieve dramatically improved vision without the hassle of contacts or glasses. To determine whether you are a good candidate for LASIK, visit Dr. Nakagawa for a consultation. You can request an appointment online or call us at (310) 508-4348.