LASIK Portland Maine | LASIK Eye Surgery Maine

Experienced LASIK Surgeons

Our eye laser center staff comprises surgeons, ophthalmic nurses, certified ophthalmic assistants, technicians, and technologists. Our team has over 300 years of cumulative experience in all types of laser eye surgery for vision correction. Eyecare Medical Group eye surgeons were the first to bring laser eye surgery for vision correction to Maine in the 1990s.

If you’re tired of relying on glasses and contact lenses when you wake up every morning and want to see more clearly, the first step is finding out if you could be a good candidate for a laser vision correction procedure like LASIK. The talented and experienced team at Eyecare Medical Group can help you achieve your dreams of visual freedom and help you see the world more clearly.

What is LASIK?

LASIK, short for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most popular elective procedure you can undergo. It’s a laser vision correction procedure that corrects refractive errors.

These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye.

By reshaping it, light can focus as it should on the retina at the back of the eye. LASIK makes your vision clearer, helping you see the world as it should be.

Since receiving its FDA approval, LASIK has continued to evolve and change as a procedure. Today, LASIK is safer and more precise than ever, and millions of patients have undergone the vision correction procedure worldwide.

Am I a Candidate for LASIK?

There is no way to determine whether you’re a good LASIK candidate without undergoing a LASIK consultation at Eyecare Medical Group. During your consultation, you’ll have precise measurements of the shape and thickness of your cornea taken, as well as a critical evaluation of the health and quantity of your tears.

There’s no way to determine if you’re a good LASIK candidate by knowing your current prescription or looking at your eyes in a mirror. A LASIK consultation is the only way to determine if a patient is well-suited to LASIK or another laser vision correction procedure.

We always ask that patients come in for a consultation, allowing them to meet with us to feel comfortable and have any questions about the procedure answered. Because LASIK is a surgical procedure, you must qualify as a candidate to undergo it. However, many people are good LASIK candidates. You may be a good LASIK candidate if:

You’re at least 18 years old
You have a stable prescription that’s remained unchanged for a year or more
You’re not currently pregnant or nursing
You have realistic expectations about what LASIK could achieve
You have thick enough corneas
You’re in good health and do not have any medical conditions like diabetes, lupus, or autoimmune conditions that could make it more challenging to recover from LASIK
You don’t have any preexisting eye conditions like dry eyes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts

If you think you could be a good candidate for LASIK, request your LASIK consultation at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, ME!

Take the LASIK Self-Test!

What Can I Expect During the LASIK Procedure?

On the day of your LASIK procedure, you’ll start by receiving numbing eye drops. These ensure you’ll be comfortable and will not feel any pain.

We’ll use a device to keep you from blinking, and we may give you a sedative to help you stay calm. Next, your Eyecare Medical Group LASIK surgeon will create a small flap in your cornea with a femtosecond laser, and then they will fold the flap back.

Then, an excimer laser will reshape your cornea and remove small but precise amounts of corneal tissue as needed to correct your refractive errors. During the procedure, you’ll focus on a target light to keep your eye steady and ensure you don’t blink.

This only takes about 30 seconds per eye. Next, your LASIK surgeon will reposition the flap, which doesn’t require stitches or sutures as it heals independently. The flap will act as a bandage during the LASIK recovery process.

LASIK only takes about 30 minutes to complete, and because you’ll be awake the whole time, it’s an outpatient procedure. You’ll be able to go home once a member of our staff has cleared you.

What is Recovery After LASIK Like?

After the LASIK procedure is over, it’s time to go home! Because of the numbing eye drops, you must have a friend or trusted family member drive you home, as your vision may be unstable.

Most patients notice almost immediate visual improvements after LASIK, which continue in the days, weeks, and months after the procedure. It can take about three to six months for your eyes to fully recover and heal after LASIK. However, you’ll be able to go about and live your life during this time.

You may notice that your vision is blurry, your eyes feel dry or gritty, or you experience slight discomfort as the numbing eye drops wear off after LASIK. Any side effects should dissipate and improve after a day or two.

Many patients find that their eyes feel better if they take a nap or rest when they get home after having LASIK. You’ll be prescribed eye drops to treat inflammation and prevent infection.

Taking these as directed is essential to achieving the best possible LASIK results. Follow-up appointments are also necessary after LASIK.

The first one is usually the day after your LASIK procedure. Each after is typically about a month, three months, and six months after your procedure. However, your ophthalmologist at Eyecare Medical Group will inform you of the schedule you need to follow. These appointments are crucial to ensure your eyes heal as they should.

After LASIK, you can return to many things you love. However, you’ll want to avoid wearing eye makeup, rubbing your eyes, getting water in your eyes, and any strenuous exercise for at least a week.

You’ll also need to wait to go into any bodies of water for several weeks after LASIK, so avoid hot tubs, pools, lakes, and the ocean. After this time, you can enjoy the things you love with the best vision of your life.

What Will My Vision Be Like After LASIK?

After LASIK, most patients experience sharper, clearer vision almost immediately. As all patients are unique, it’s normal if it takes a little longer.

Although there’s no guarantee with any vision correction procedure, LASIK included, most patients end up with 20/20 vision or better after the procedure. Patients also say they have better depth perception and improved contrast, and everything looks brighter and more vibrant.

If you want to experience the world in high definition without depending on visual aids, a procedure like LASIK could be the way to go.

Are you ready to change your life? Take the first step by requesting your LASIK consultation at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, ME!

What Our Patients Are Saying

My experience at EMG was one of the best. The staff was friendly and informative. I felt very comfortable with the entire experience. All my questions were answered and explained.

I had my second cataract surgery yesterday. Dr. France and the surgical staff are really professional, kind, and pleasant. The idea of cataract surgery kind of skeeved me out, but the entire process was smooth, and remarkably painless. Everyone made a point of making sure I was comfortable, and ready. I am grateful to Dr. France and all of his staff (both sides of the office). Thank you!

Elizabeth Jamison

From my initial appointment to set up cataract surgery, I have felt wrapped around with the utmost care and concern. All procedures were clearly explained. I knew that I could call at any time with questions and that I was in expert hands. For surgery, I entered the building and was totally supported. Nurses made me feel comfortable first. Dr. Daly checked in with me. The anesthetist asked questions to make sure that I understood the procedure and to inform me of what I would experience. The procedure was done on time, and I felt assured that I was getting the best of care. I left knowing that my eyes were healing and soon would be renewed. I had a follow-up call to check in with me and remind me that I had an appointment the following day. Post op went smoothly again with the knowledge that I could ask any questions I had as well as being able to call back with any questions I had. The notes and support materials including the video made me feel on top of what I was doing at home. All in all, the very best experience!

Leah Campbell

I was referred to Dr. Hill by Dr. Rhodes from within the group due to apparent dry eye conditions following elective lens replacement surgery by Dr. Sterrer. Although I was happy overall with my lens replacements, I was experiencing some cloudy and inconsistent vision. Dr. Hill and her staff were very helpful in getting me an earlier appointment than I originally had, were extremely thorough and detailed in their baseline evaluation, were confident that they had identified the source of my dry eyes, and gave me great recommendations on home treatment and if office treatment going forward. I feel well taken care of and have confidence that the path forward with lead to improvements that will end up giving me better vision than I already have. Great work!

Jim Sevey

From the first appointment, every staff member of Eyecare Medical Group and Dr. Sise were very kind, informative and professional. I was a very nervous patient at the first cataract surgery and the surgical staff calmed my nerves and helped me relax. I have worn glasses for 57 years, now with both eyes having the cataracts removed I am glasses free. Dr. Sise took the time to explain everything and asked repeatedly if I had any questions. I am so glad I was referred to Eyecare Medical Group and met this amazing practitioner and his staff.

Elizabeth Doherty

Had cataract surgery on both eyes. Dr. France is a miracle worker. First time in 25 years I can see without glasses. His team of nurses are amazing.

Steven Hutton

From the moment I walked in every person that I encountered was amazing! The level of care and concern from all the staff made me feel so at ease with a somewhat nerve-racking procedure that was ahead of me. I can’t say enough good about the whole experience!

Sharon Norman

I could not be more pleased with my experience. Dr. Sterrer did my cataract surgery, and I’m currently seeing Dr. Parnes, who treats my AMD. I have complete confidence in everyone in this practice.

Victoria Armontrout

Bruce Sanderson saw Dr. Kahn and had a minor surgery done. Everything was perfect and I can't spread the word any faster. I accidentally deleted the review you sent me so I'm writing this. Thank you, Bruce.

Bruce Sanderson

I work at a large medical office that prides itself on care without compromise. However, Eyecare Medical Group stands at the top of the list for caring employees. EVERY person there made my husband and I feel welcomed and cared for. They are one in a million! Many thanks to everyone there! :-)

Linda Boucher

I had a really great experience with Dr. Hill and Terry (nurse) at Eyecare Medical Group in Saco! Their new facility, while a bit farther than their Portland office, is gorgeous and has all the equipment needed to evaluate you for chronic dry eye. I was seen immediately after checking in and each eye drop, test, and exam was well explained. I felt like Dr. Hill really listened to my concerns, was respectful, and came up with a good treatment plan for me. I appreciate that she was positive, but also realistic, so I left feeling motivated to implement my new eye health plan. I will be going to Eyecare Medical Group again in four months, and am really happy to continue my eye care with Dr. Hill!

Jenny McKee