Chances are, you've heard of LASIK. But do you know what it does or what the procedure entails? LASIK is a form of laser vision correction, one of the most popular elective surgeries in the U.S. Using a laser beam, an eye surgeon can reshape the cornea of your eye to make it more ideal for focusing light, thus improving your vision.
LASIK can be used to correct some of the most common vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK may be able to completely eliminate your need for contact lenses or glasses, even if you’ve worn them your entire life.
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WaveLight® Excimer Lasers are prescription medical devices that are approved for use in performing laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to correct certain kinds of nearsighted (myopia), farsighted (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Only doctors who have been trained in laser refractive surgery (including laser calibration and operation) should use an WaveLight® Excimer Laser.
You should not undergo LASIK surgery if you are pregnant or nursing; if you have a collagen vascular, autoimmune or immunodeficiency disease; if you show signs of keratoconus or any other condition that causes a thinning of your cornea; or if you are taking isotretinoin (Accutane*) or amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone*). The most common risks of LASIK vision correction surgery with refractive lasers include dry eye syndrome; the possible need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery; visual symptoms including halos, glare, starbursts, and double vision; and loss of vision.
Talk to your doctor and review the appropriate WaveLight® Excimer Laser Patient Information Booklet for your condition to learn more about the potential risks and benefits for laser refractive surgery. For further information, please refer to the additional Important Product Information on this site, or FDA’s web page on LASIK surgery.
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