LASIK in Sioux Falls, SD

LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, and it is one of the most popular and effective laser vision correction surgeries available today. LASIK is a refractive surgery that can improve or correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.  LASIK is similar to other forms of refractive error surgery in that it reshapes the cornea to allow light to focus more perfectly on the retina. The procedure itself is highly effective, very fast, and extremely comfortable for most patients. At ART Vision, we understand that choosing to undergo LASIK surgery is one of the most important decisions of your life.  The positive impact on overall quality of life, as well as creating clearer vision,  cannot be understated.  Finding increased freedom from glasses and contact lenses can change your lifestyle.  Meet with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Alison R. Tendler during a comprehensive and individualized consultation to learn more about this exciting procedure.

Thanks to advances in the vision correction world, more patients than ever are candidates for LASIK. Patients with certain medical conditions and eye diseases may not be ideal candidates for LASIK but may qualify for other forms of vision correction surgery. During a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Alison Tendler, you will discuss your lifestyle and medical history to learn if you are a good candidate and if you should undergo surgery or not. In cases where patients shouldn't have LASIK surgery, they may be eligible for a procedure, such as PRK, implantable contact lenses(ICLs), or refractive lens exchange(RLE), all of which Dr. Tendler also performs.

Before initiating your procedure, you will be offered a mild sedative to help you relax.  Your eyes will also be numbed with anesthetic eye drops.  Next, Dr. Tendler will place a specialized eyepiece, which helps hold your eyelids open during the surgery.  Using state-of the art laser technology, Dr. Tendler will then create a thin flap to the top of your cornea.  Lastly, a second advanced laser is used to reshape your cornea, which is the step that allows Dr. Tendler to change your vision. When the laser correction procedure is complete, the thin corneal flap is gently laid back into place where it will heal on its own without the need for stitches. In many cases, patients can return to work or school the next day, though you will need a ride home following your surgery.

Immediately after surgery, a member of our team will do a brief examination to ensure your eyes look healthy before releasing you to go home.  For the next 3-4 hours, you may feel mild irritation, stinging, or a foreign body sensation, like something is in your eye.  It is important that you do not rub your eyes while they are healing and use frequent artificial tears.  You will likely experience a bit of blurred vision and haziness for the first 24 hours following surgery. This is normal and your vision will begin to stabilize quickly. You should see marked improvement the following day. For some patients, full recovery takes a few weeks. You will be asked to return the next day for a follow-up visit, with further appointments as scheduled. These appointments are very important so that we can ensure you have healed properly and reached your desired result.

If you would like to learn whether you are a candidate for LASIK or any other vision correction procedures we offer, schedule a consultation at ART Vision in Sioux Falls, SD today. Our skilled team, led by board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Alison R. Tendler, is ready and excited to help you achieve clearer vision and a higher quality of life by experiencing freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Contact us today and let us help you See the World Better and See Yourself Better.