Dr. Kitahata's LASIK Procedure Seeing is Beleiving

A Brief History I had been wearing glasses since I was in the fourth grade. Like everyone else, I first went to my Optometrist after I started getting headaches. It was determined that I was nearsighted (distance was blurry) although I didn't know how bad I was seeing. After receiving my first pair of glasses, I was able to see things across the road and at a distance like I had never seen before. I knew what sharpness was for the first time. As I grew, my nearsightedness became worse and required several more changes of prescription. I continued with the contacts and glasses until this remarkable procedure (LASIK) came about. Being in the Optometric Profession, I was able to learn more about the procedure and eventually many of my patients had the procedure and I was able to see first hand what a remarkable procedure it was. After learning about the procedure and searching for the right surgeon, I found TLC Laser Eye Center to be the choice for my patients as well as myself. Dr. Lou Probst is not only the most experienced Refractive Surgeon in the Chicagoland area, but understands the needs of every individual and has the talent and expertise to make it happen for thousands of people. We are proud to be an affiliate office of TLC.

Photo 1: At TLC of Chicagoland, Dr. Kitahata has already been checked by Dr. Ferguson and is ready for the pre-operative phase. Laser Technician explains the next series of steps in preparation for the surgery. Photo 2: Eye drops are being applied to anesthetize the eye.

Photo 3: Dr. Lou Probst, using the VISX S2 Scanning Laser, corrects the right eye (20 seconds) and the left eye (25 seconds). Although you are awake, you feel no pain or discomfort during the entire procedure...While under the Laser, you are asked to focus on a red light while the Laser imprints your correction onto the cornea. Before you know it, it's over... Photo 4: In the "Recovery room", dark glasses are worn to protect the eye and to allow you to adjust as your vision heals….Looking at the clock across the room, I was able to make out the numbers, whereas before, I would not have been able to tell the time...

Photo 5: After a short time in recovery, Dr. Ferguson checks my vision and the condition of the corneas. Everything looks good and the road to recovery is well under way back to 20/20 vision... Photo 6: Dr. Ferguson goes over the various medications that I will be taking for the first week, and a list of do's and don'ts for a short time as well as making sure I follow proper follow up care for the recovery process. I am to be checked the next day, (1) week, (1) month, (3) months, (6) months and (1) year.

Photo 7: The clock in the post-op room prior to surgery without my glasses...Nothing was visible on the clock, just a round circle. Photo 8: After the LASIK surgery (10 minutes) post op, I was able to see the numbers and tell what time it was. Photo 9: One day post op, the same clock was sharp and clear. My vision was 20/20 right, and 20/20 left. Vision once again without the need for glasses or contact lenses.