LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) - It is a surgical procedure that provides almost immediate, noticeable improvement in sight.
Thousands of Lasik procedures have been performed at both Gundersen Lutheran and Mayo Clinic Health System since the surgery was approved by the FDA in the mid-90's.
News 19's Lindsey Hayes had Lasik on Friday.
Lindsey has worn glasses and contacts since she was in high school.
She said her vision was so bad that she couldn't see 3 feet in front of her.
She decided to get Lasik because her contacts had been bothering her lately and doctors suggested glasses were her best option.
Lindsey thought glasses could hold her back from her active, outdoors lifestyle; so she opted for the surgery.
"Crazy it's finally here. Less nervous," Lindsey said. "More excited at this point any ways."
Lindsey said she's not nervous because Dr. Christopher Born told her it's a very low risk procedure.
"It's like a 97 percent chance (that it will go well) and hey I'd take that on a test so I'll take that here today as well," Lindsey said.
Dr. Born said the chance of complications causing decreased vision are greater for people who wear soft contact lenses than who get Lasik.
Lasik is a two part procedure.
In the first part, a thin flap of cornea is created. When that is complete, there is a short break while she moves to another room for the use of the laser.
This second part of the procedure involves Dr. Christopher Born using a laser to smooth the cornea to improve Lindsey's vision. This part is relatively brief, lasting only a few minutes.
When done, the cornea flap is replaced, where it adheres naturally in its original position.
The patient is able to sit up as the procedure is over.
In most cases, patients can return to normal activities the next day.
Most who have the procedure enjoy between 20/15 and 20/20 vision.
"I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning being able to wake up and look over at the alarm clock an being like hey I can see. So it's the little things," Lindsey said.
A few hours after Lasik Lindsey said she was doing well and could already see much better.
Dr. Born said she had 20-25 vision, during her check up a few hours after the procedure, and expects it to get better over the next few days.
Lindsey said it's amazing how quickly you heal; she just has a little redness and is sensitive to light. Both are expected to go away.
