LASIK

One of the most popular procedures to improve near and far-distance vision – Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK – is also one of the most effective. This vision correction procedure gently reshapes the eye’s cornea using a cool beam laser to provide sharper focus and to make objects appear more clearly with less reliance on corrective eyewear. With LASIK, people who have spent years, or even most of their lives, struggling with the hassle of eyeglasses and contact lenses can attain much better vision, in many cases better than 20/20, from a procedure that is painless and typically involves no downtime or discomfort.

Dr. Steve Schallhorn is one of the most respected and experienced LASIK surgeons in San Diego, and has been performing the procedure since it was in its clinical trials phase. He was responsible for developing and directing the laser vision correction program for the Department of Defense, the US Navy and is an aeromedical consultant to NASA. Using the latest LASIK technology, including Femtosecond Blade-Free LASIK – which involves no cutting – and custom mapping systems for the most precise treatment possible, Dr. Schallhorn can dramatically improve your vision and quality of life.

Please contact Schallhorn Vision to schedule a consultation for LASIK at our San Diego and La Jolla, California-area practice.

Dr. Schallhorn was instrumental in getting LASIK approved in the military?

Learn more

LASIK Candidates

There are a variety of factors that can make you a good candidate for LASIK. During your free consultation at our practice we will carefully discuss your goals and expectations, and conduct a full evaluation to determine if LASIK is the right option for you. Good candidates for LASIK include people who:

Are affected by nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism
Desire to reduce or eliminate dependence on eye glasses or contact lenses
Are in good general health
Are at least 18 years old
Have no active eye disease

Patients with certain conditions such as cataracts, thin corneas, dry eyes, and higher degrees of prescription may be better-suited for alternative treatments to LASIK, such as PRK laser vision correction or implantable lenses. These procedures offer many of the same benefits as LASIK and are better suited for patients with these conditions.

LASIK Procedure

Following the initial consultation and the decision to improve vision with LASIK, we will schedule your surgery appointment in preparation for the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, Dr. Schallhorn will review your consultation and medical data, discuss the procedure with you and what to expect, and answer any final questions you may have. He will place numbing drops in your eyes. LASIK does not require the use of needles or injections.

Dr. Schallhorn uses Custom LASIK mapping technology to give the most accurate and precise information about the eye, allowing for the best possible results. Throughout the LASIK procedure, which takes only minutes, Dr. Schallhorn will talk you through each simple and painless step. He will first create a thin protective flap from the top layer of the cornea. Using Femtosecond Blade-Free LASIK, Dr. Schallhorn creates a flap using a highly sophisticated, computer controlled laser light instead of a microkeratome, or blade. The cornea is then gently reshaped using cool laser energy, ultimately helping the eye to focus more sharply at far and/or near distances, depending on your needs. This corneal reshaping can lead to dramatically improved vision and a reduction of your need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. The entire procedure for both eyes typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

Although LASIK has proven its effectiveness at correcting vision, it is important to note that this is a surgical procedure and, as with any type of surgery, there is a small degree of risk involved. We will be happy to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as alternatives to LASIK with you at your initial consultation, or you can contact our practice at any time with questions you may have.

LASIK Recovery

For the first few hours after LASIK, you may experience light sensitivity or the eye may feel scratchy or mildly irritated. Dr. Schallhorn will provide you with eye drops to help with the healing process once surgery is complete. Most patients can resume most normal daily activities the day after the procedure. LASIK is known for its quick recovery, greater comfort during and after the procedure, and rapid results.

The entire staff provided exceptionally great service. They were always professional and officious. I sincerely appreciate the professionalism that I experienced during the entire LASIK procedure.

LASIK Results

In many cases, patients experience a significant improvement in their unaided vision immediately after the procedure. The best results from LASIK are often apparent a few days after treatment, when the eyes have been given more time to heal. It is not uncommon for patients to achieve 20/20 vision the day after treatment with LASIK. At the very least, patients should be able to reduce their dependence on corrective eyewear, and most are able to get rid of their prescription glasses or contacts altogether!

Please contact Schallhorn Vision for more information on LASIK at our San Diego and La Jolla, California-area practice.