LASIK
The term “LASIK” stands for “Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis.” Refractive surgical procedures are designed to improve the eye’s ability to clearly focus light directly on the retina, and LASIK is one such procedure.
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Dr. Kerry Assil has been at the forefront of LASIK surgery in the United States since its introduction here in the early 1990’s.
At the Assil Eye Institute each potential LASIK patient undergoes comprehensive testing, including an evaluation of the overall health of the eye and computerized imaging of corneal shape and visual function. Once Dr. Assil has determined LASIK is the right vision correction procedure for the patient, the procedure is performed in three steps:
Step 1
The IntraLase iFS laser, which Dr. Assil helped develop, is used to create a custom tailored flap in the outer layer of the cornea without damaging the surface. This entire process is all-laser. The flap is temporarily folded back.
"Source: New York Times"
Step 2
Dr. Assil uses the Excimer laser to reshape the cornea, improving the way light is focused on the retina, thus producing clearer vision. The laser is so precise that it can be used to sculpt one’s name on a human hair. The total depth of sculpting needed to provide naturally crisp vision is typically less than one-fourth the thickness of a human hair. Dr. Assil uses the only system of surgeon-monitored 4D eye tracking to optimize treatment accuracy.
"Source: New York Times"
Step 3
The corneal flap is then returned to position and heals quickly in place. Because the reshaped portion of the cornea is protected from exposure to the air by the repositioned corneal flap, patients report virtually no discomfort with LASIK when compared to PRK. Healing is also significantly faster.
"Source: New York Times"
Reasonably clear vision can be expected soon after surgery, but the full effects of the procedure may not be achieved for several weeks.
LASIK surgery performed by Dr. Assil is used to treat four common eye problems:
Nearsightedness: Also known as myopia, nearsightedness is the inability to see clearly at a distance. It is the result of an eye that is too long or the outside surface (the cornea) being too curved.
Farsightedness: Also known as hyperopia, farsightedness is the inability to see clearly up close. It is the result of an eye that is too short or the outside surface (the cornea) is too flat.
Presbyopia: Presbyopia is the cause for reading glasses. It usually begins affecting vision about age 40 for most people. When a patient has presbyopia, the natural lens of the eye has lost its ability to “zoom.” A result of being presbyopic is having to hold things farther away to read or a dependence on reading glasses or bifocals.
Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a vision problem that causes objects to appear distorted and blurry. It often affects both distance and near vision. It is the most common vision problem and it may occur with nearsightedness and farsightedness.
LASIK is performed as an outpatient procedure at the Assil Eye Institute in Beverly Hills. The entire procedure normally takes less than ten minutes, with patients typically experiencing improvement in their vision immediately.
LASIK is a complex surgical procedure that requires significant training and experience by the surgeon. Dr. Assil has successfully treated tens of thousands of satisfied LASIK patients. He is the “Doctor’s doctor” because he also trained more than 10,000 surgeons in the newest eye procedures, and other eye doctors turn to him for their own eye surgery.
