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Laser Eye Surgery
For Tampa Bay, FL
At St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute, we perform LASIK and epi-LASIK eye surgery to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism—the three main types of refractive errors. Countless patients from communities throughout Tampa Bay now enjoy improved vision as a result of our skill and experience with laser eye surgery.
Both LASIK and Epi-LASIK are safe outpatient procedures that work by reshaping the cornea so that it creates clear, focused images. Our surgeons perform laser eye surgery while patients are awake and reclining. At the start of a procedure, a surgeon applies anesthetic drops to numb the eyes and places a lid speculum over each eye to keep them open during the surgery. Once the eyes are prepared, the surgeon uses a high-precision laser to create a flap in the surface of the cornea. The flap is lifted and folded back so the surgeon can direct the laser into the cornea, sculpting the tissue and removing cells according to the patient’s prescription. The surgeon then places the flap back into position to act like a bandage that allows for accelerated healing.
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LASIK Vs. Epi-LASIK
In both procedures, a surgeon must create a flap in the cornea, but in epi-LASIK, the flap is thinner. Because epi-LASIK is less invasive, healing time is shorter and post-operative pain is typically milder. Epi-LASIK also provides more stability for the cornea, making the procedure a better option for athletes or patients in professions that put them at risk of receiving blows to the eye. People who have thin corneas with insufficient tissue for a good LASIK flap may also be good candidates for epi-LASIK surgery.
What Results To Expect
Most patients who have laser eye surgery achieve 20/20 vision or better, which works well for most activities. Keep in mind, however, that you may still eventually need glasses for driving at night or reading.
Equipped with state-of-the-art lasers, our facility in Largo, Florida, has performed thousands of LASIK procedures. But is LASIK at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute the right option for you?
To determine which type of laser surgery can offer you a better outcome, we encourage you to schedule a no-obligation consultation with us. One of our experienced ophthalmologists will talk to you about your medical history and perform a full eye exam that may include tests to measure the thickness of your cornea, refraction, and eye pressure. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Common questions about laser eye surgery
Am I awake during laser eye surgery?
Yes. You stay awake and reclined, and numbing drops keep the procedure from hurting. A small instrument gently holds your eyelids open, so you don’t have to worry about blinking. You may feel some pressure, but the laser part of the procedure moves quickly.
What is the difference between LASIK and epi-LASIK?
Both use a laser to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The difference is the flap: LASIK creates a thin flap in the cornea, while epi-LASIK separates only the much thinner outer surface layer. That can make epi-LASIK a better fit for people with thinner corneas, or for athletes and people whose jobs carry a risk of a blow to the eye. Your consultation can include measuring your corneal thickness to help decide which one suits you.
Are the results of laser eye surgery permanent?
The reshaping of your cornea is permanent, so the correction is designed to last. Your eyes can still change with age, though, and some people eventually need glasses for tasks like driving at night. Presbyopia, the natural loss of close-up focus that usually begins in your 40s, still happens after LASIK or epi-LASIK, so many people eventually use reading glasses for close work.
Who performs LASIK at St. Michael’s
Laser vision correction at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute in Largo, Florida, including LASIK and PRK, is performed by Dr. John Michaelos, our medical director, who completed fellowship training in corneal disease. Dr. Luis Ortiz, OD, who trained in refractive surgery co-management, helps with exams before and after treatment.
