Laser vision correction is an outpatient procedure performed at our Buffalo Grove office during which an Excimer Laser (cool beam) gently reshapes the front surface of the eye (the cornea). This reshaping of the cornea changes the way light is focused on the retina and produces a sharp image as if the patient were wearing her glasses or contact lenses.

At Premier Eye Care & Surgery, a Visx Star 4 IR Excimer Laser is used during the LASIK procedure. The Visx Star 4 Laser delivers computer-controlled ultraviolet beams through a series of pulses that disrupt and cleave the molecular bonds between the cells of the cornea. This disruption is organized in precise fashion so that the cornea is molded to exactly eliminate a patient’s refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism) and produce excellent vision as soon as the next day.

LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is a procedure that eliminates or reduces a patient’s need for glasses or contact lenses. During the procedure, Dr. Kiernan creates a flap that contains the top two layers of the cornea. He then uses the laser to reshape the middle corneal layer called the stroma. After the laser treatment is complete, which typically takes less than sixty seconds, Dr. Kiernan replaces the flap to its original position where it bonds securely in place without the need for sutures.

As compared to other laser procedures that eliminate glasses and contact lenses, LASIK offers patients the benefits of little to no pain during or after the procedure, a rapid visual recovery that produces sharp vision the next day, and the opportunity to have both eyes treated the same day.

For some patients, LASIK is not the best option and other refractive procedures may be more appropriate. After careful evaluation of your eyes, Drs. Kiernan, Donlea and Roytman can recommend the best treatment option for you.

Yes. Over three million people worldwide have had this treatment to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. For eligible candidates, the potential complications are extremely rare and are far outweighed by the potential benefits. Laser vision correction, utilizing the Excimer Laser, was approved by the FDA for use in the Unites States in 1995 and has been performed around the world since 1988.

Drs. Kiernan, Donlea and Roytman will review all the potential complications associated with LASIK during your consultation, as well as all the precautions that are taken to ensure a good result. These include a specific regimen of antibiotic drops and lid hygiene preoperatively, as well as antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops postoperatively.

No, the surgery itself is pain free! You may experience a scratchy, sandy feeling (sometimes described as a dirty contact lens feeling) for a day or two following the surgery. But most patients report little or no discomfort.

Dr. Kiernan performs LASIK on patients with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and those with astigmatism. Patients must be 18 years old and without any disease that would affect the healing process, such as collagen vascular or autoimmune disease.

Before recommending the procedure, Drs. Kiernan, Donlea and Roytman will perform a thorough examination, including testing that will assess the level of refractive error, pupil size, corneal thickness, corneal curvature and the health of the ocular surface and posterior chamber. After careful evaluation, you will know if LASIK is an option for you.

A careful consultation is a prerequisite for LASIK as roughly 10% of patients are determined to be poor candidates.

Dr. Kiernan performs LASIK at our Buffalo Grove office. You will spend between one and two hours at the office on the day of your procedure. If interested, family members may wait in a private viewing room where a television will broadcast your LASIK procedure.

The laser treatment itself only takes about 60 seconds, or less, depending on the amount of correction you need. The entire surgical procedure takes about ten minutes per eye. Expect to be at the office for one to two hours.

No. You will receive drops of topical anesthesia to numb your eyes. In addition to the drops, you will be given an oral medication to help you relax.

Dr. Kiernan and his surgical technicians will monitor the accuracy of your fixation during the procedure. You will be asked to stare at a small light during the procedure, which acts as a fixation and centering target. The laser will compensate for small eye movements during the procedure using the Visx Active Track 3-D eye tracing technology.

Yes. However, LASIK will not prevent age-related visual problems such as cataracts or presbyopia. Undergoing the LASIK procedure does not influence the manner in which eye problems may be treated in the future.

Most patients are comfortable and able to resume their normal activities the day after treatment. However, as Dr. Kiernan typically performs LASIK on Thursdays, we recommend our patients take Friday and the weekend off and resume work on Monday.

Of course, if your occupation calls for strenuous physical activity, Dr. Kiernan may give you specific instructions about when to return to work.

You must refrain from rubbing the eyes for the first week after the procedure. Also, some activities such as swimming and contact sports should be avoided for the first two weeks after the procedure. A detailed list of activities that you should avoid will be given to you at the time of your consultation.

Most insurance companies do not cover LASIK. We offer a variety of financing options to make LASIK more affordable. Our office manager, Ellen, will be happy to discuss a financial plan to meet your needs.

To find out if LASIK is an option for you, please call our office at (847) 459-6060 to schedule a free LASIK consultation.