LASIK is a surgical procedure that uses an ultraviolet laser to reshape the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea) in order to improve vision and reduce dependence on corrective lenses. It is capable of treating a broad range of prescriptions such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism, in people who are at least 18 years old, in good health, and who have no eye diseases. During the procedure, a thin flap of corneal tissue is created and folded back to expose the inner layers of the cornea. The computerized laser then gently removes a small amount of tissue, effectively sculpting your eyeglass prescription onto your eye. The flap is then replaced and adheres quickly back onto the eye without the need for stitches.

Significant advances in laser technology have resulted in the recent FDA-approval of Custom LASIK, a procedure that uses the unique visual characteristics of your eye to customize your laser treatment. With Custom LASIK, a tool called a wavefront analyzer measures precisely how light travels through your eye. The resulting map of your eye is then programmed into the laser which treats your eye based upon that personalized 3-D map. Custom LASIK helps to treat "higher order" aberrations – tiny imperfections in the eye that can result in distortions such as night glare and haloes and can have a significant impact on a person's quality of vision. While conventional LASIK remains a good choice for a lot of patients, many others will benefit from or prefer the higher level of customization that Custom LASIK can provide.

As your primary eye care specialists, the doctors of Envision Boulder are available to help you understand your options and make the right decisions for your eyes. We have been co-managing laser vision patients since 1995 and work closely with the most experienced surgeons in the area, providing pre-operative consultation and evaluation and post-operative care.

Our doctors will conduct a thorough medical history, assess the stability of your prescription and evaluate your eyes for any eye diseases or health problems that could potentially impact the outcome of your surgery. We will also discuss your expectations for LASIK and whether it's possible to meet them. For many patients, improving their distance and near vision is possible, but certain patients may still need or prefer to wear glasses after surgery for certain tasks such as reading or night driving. Only an in-depth examination of your eyes, your individual case, your expectations and your lifestyle will determine whether the procedure is the best way to achieve your visual goals.

If you decide that LASIK is right for you, we will refer you to an experienced surgeon for the procedure. Since the outcome of your laser surgery depends as much on the right care afterward as the procedure itself, our doctors will provide all of your post-operative care including frequent examinations of your eyes to ensure proper healing and answering any questions you may have during the healing process.

While LASIK is an exciting option for vision correction, it is not a choice that you should make based on advertising or price alone. It's a complex procedure that requires several clinical visits, in-depth discussions, and careful guidance in selecting the best surgeon and the best laser system for your eyes and your visual demands.

You deserve an honest and frank discussion about whether you're a good candidate for LASIK and if it's the best choice for you. We are here to help you make an informed decision, one that's right for your eyes and your life.