Dr. Rick Nakasone - Vision Source! Optometrist

Serving Santa Ana, Tustin, and Orange County for over 20 years
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LASIK Consultation and Co-Management

 

Dr. Rick Nakasone, O.D. is a TLC Laser Eye Center Affiliate and co-manages dozens of patients each year for Dr. Franklin Lusby, M.D. of TLC Fullerton and Dr. Thomas S. Tooma, M.D. of TLC Newport Beaech.

 

 

FAQs (Frequently Ask Questions)
What is LASIK?
Lasik is short for "laser in-situ Keratomileusis", which is currently one of the most frequently performed elective procedures in North America.  LASIK utilizes a cool beam of light from the excimer laser to gently reshape the front surface (cornea) of your eye.  
        The LASIK Procedure
    1. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye.
    2. A protective flap (F) is created and gently lifted by the surgeon, revealing the inner corneal tissue.
    3. Computer-controlled pulses of cool laser light (L) are applied to the inner layers of your cornea(S). As the laser pulses, it makes a ticking sound. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser to mimic your contact lens or glasses prescription.
    4. The surgeon gently replaces the flap and aligns it to its original position. It heals naturally and securely. No stitches are required. 
    5. Some patients may feel slight irritation for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a nap and rest.

     

    The entire procedure is painless, takes about 15 minutes, annd does not require hospitalization.

Am I a LASIK Candidate?
A general eye exam with Dr. Nakasone is the best way to determine if you are a candidate and what your probable outcome may be.  With our Optomap Retinal exam, we can detect disorders and diseases that may disqualify you as a LASIK candidate. 

 

Good candidates are at least 18 years of age, in good general health, and with no eye diseases.  Good candidates should be free of eye diseases including keratoconus, glaucoma, cataracts and certain retinal and optic nerve diseases. Candidates should be free of certain eye viruses including herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Good candidates should also be free of certain health problems including uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune or collagen vascular disease, and any medication or condition which renders the patient immunocompromised.  For more information about eye health, visit Eye Health 101.

 

Patients should let Dr. Nakasone know of certain eye problems including amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (muscle imbalance), severe dry eyes, previous eye surgery or injury, or any recurrent, residual or active eye conditions which may affect healing. Other conditions that should be related to the doctor include keloid scarring with previous surgical healing, back problems, claustrophobia or other psychological problems, which may affect the surgery or recovery.

 

It is critical that a potential laser vision correction candidate has obtained a stable prescription for at least one year. Since hormones may affect the stability of your prescription, pregnant or nursing women are not eligible to pursue laser vision correction until two menstrual cycles after nursing has been discontinued. This is to make sure that the best results are achieved with the surgery, and to try to limit fluctuations in prescription that can occur with hormonal shifts.

 

Also, if you'd like to talk with someone who has had laser vision correction with TLC, we'd be happy to put you in touch with patients who can describe their experience to you firsthand.

 

For more information on LASIK, please visit the TLC Laser Eye Center's website.