Once Dr. Epitropoulos finds that you are a good candidate for laser vision correction, she will make sure that you understand all the facts about LASIK and that your expectations are realistic. It will then be up to you to make the ultimate decision to go ahead with the procedure. You are the only person who knows the value that can be placed on reducing your dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Laser vision correction takes only about 15 minutes to complete. First, your prescription is entered into the computer that controls the laser. After the eye is prepared and numbed with anesthetic drops, Dr. Epitropoulos will create a flap in the cornea using an extraordinarily precise instrument called a microkeratome. You may feel some pressure during this portion of the procedure. The laser is then positioned over the eye, where it will emit small, controlled bursts of energy. Depending on the desired outcome of the surgery, small amounts of corneal tissue will be removed in order to change the focus of the eye. For the duration of the laser's operation, Dr. Epitropoulos will closely monitor the eye through a surgical microscope; she can pause the process at any time. Once the desired prescription has been achieved, the flap is returned to its original position. The flap will self-adhere and does not typically require sutures. The major advantages of corneal flap creation are that healing is faster and that discomfort is greatly reduced.