LASIK Vision Correction

Dr. Cavanaugh has the experience and training to provide you with exceptional LASIK outcomes

Over the years, Cavanaugh Eye Center has enjoyed a reputation for providing exceptional LASIK to Kansas City and surrounding communities. We have helped thousands of patients realize their dreams of seeing clearly without having to rely on glasses or contact lenses. We are constantly exploring new and promising advances in LASIK surgery to ensure our patients receive superior results. More than ever before, we are able to tailor LASIK procedures at our Overland Park practice to the individual needs of our patients, treating the unique flaws in their eyes and substantially improving their chances of achieving visual independence.

Experience matters when it comes to LASIK. Dr. Cavanaugh has been performing Laser refractive procedures since 1990 and has done over 25,000 refractive procedures. He completed a Surgical Fellowship in advanced corneal and refractive surgery at the prestigious Wilmer Institute of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has extensive experience with all approved laser platforms as well as other types of refractive procedures such as refractive lens implants and relaxing incisions, making Dr. Cavanaugh an excellent choice to receive your best LASIK outcomes.

LASIK – The Basics

LASIK, which stands for Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis, is when a laser is used to reshape the cornea to correct or reduce moderate to high levels of nearsightedness (Myopia), astigmatism or farsightedness (Hyperopia). During the LASIK procedure, a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome is used to gently create a flap in the cornea. The flap is lifted and an extremely precise excimer laser is then used to shape the remaining tissue to the proper curvature. The flap is carefully set back into place, forming an occlusive seal by osmotic pressure, and heals very quickly without stitches.

LASIK has emerged as one of the safest, most effective and popular vision correction procedures available. Patients report an almost immediate improvement in their vision following the LASIK procedure. Most patients say they experience little or no discomfort during or after the procedure.

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Most people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism can benefit from laser vision correction. Based on a thorough evaluation of your eyes, Dr. Cavanaugh will make a specific recommendation about which procedure is right for you. His decision will be based on many factors including your age, vision stability, overall eye health, current prescription, expectations, as well as a series of sophisticated eye scans. Some patients who aren’t ideal LASIK candidates can have other procedures such as lens implants or PRK.

Learn why you should choose Cavanaugh Eye Center for LASIK.

I Thought LASIK Couldn’t Help You See at Near…

This is not true. As a matter of fact, many patients at Cavanaugh Eye Center have LASIK to improve their distance AND near vision. LASIK does not keep your eyes from aging which is the underlying cause for presbyopia (loss of natural focusing ability over the age of 40). However, LASIK can offer you a small amount of near-sighted correction and this will help you achieve functional vision for things such as your cell phone, computer, and light reading. Patients over 40 who have the LASIK procedure for vision correction typically choose a “blended” or monovision treatment plan.

What is “Blended” Vision?

Blended vision occurs when your dominant eye is focused for distance and your non-dominant eye is focused for intermediate / near. This may be different from other forms of “monovision” you may have tried. Unlike blended vision, full monovision correction leaves a patient optimally corrected for distance in their dominant eye, but fully corrected for near in their non-dominant eye. This can lead to patients feeling “lop-sided” or uneven and can even affect your depth perception.

Blended vision is a slight off-set. With both eyes open, most patients do not notice their blended vision and are able to achieve functional vision at distance, intermediate, and near. Blended vision patients often maintain their depth perception and are able to appreciate a wide range of vision without feeling unbalanced between the eyes.

Other options you have for treating your near vision difficulties include: refractive lens exchange (RLE),NearVision CK , or cataract surgery.