Woman holding glasses in front of her face

LASIK

Are you tired of using glasses or contacts to correct your vision? LASIK is a surgical laser vision correction procedure that can improve your eyesight and eliminate the need for corrective lenses. Learn how LASIK eye surgery at Burcham Eyecare Center in Aurora, CO, can help you see clearly and live life to the fullest.

A Better Life Can Be Yours 

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a popular vision correction procedure among our greater Denver patients. LASIK carries many benefits, including:

Fast Results

Most patients see great improvement in their vision within hours of surgery. Sight continues to improve for patients in the weeks and months following their LASIK surgery. 

Improved Vision 

After undergoing laser surgery, more than 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. LASIK can correct astigmatism, myopia (nearsightedness), and hyperopia (farsightedness). 

Improved Quality of Life

People who have an active lifestyle will no longer have to worry about contact lenses or glasses distracting them during activities. Dealing with foggy lenses, remembering contact solution, and worrying about broken frames can all be a thing of the past.

LASIK at a Glance

A misshapen cornea (the clear outer coating of your eye) or eye can cause blurry vision. This is because a distortion means light improperly reflects in front of or behind the retina, instead of on the retina itself. LASIK reshapes the corneal tissue so light is refracted correctly, similarly to how glasses and contact lenses change how light is refracted. But unlike corrective lenses, LASIK offers a more reliable solution that addresses the source of your vision problems. 

Helping Greater Denver See Clearly  With Surgical Vision Correction 

Imagine hitting the slopes, hiking, or biking without having to worry about your glasses breaking or your contacts drying out. Thanks to LASIK, that freedom can be yours.

The ophthalmologists and optometrist at our Aurora, CO, eye office help patients throughout the greater Denver area achieve clearer vision. To learn if LASIK is right for you, request a consultation today or call:

(303) 340-4600

Office exterior

5-Star Reviews From Our Colorado Patients

1

Wes Humphrey

2021

Google logo

No pain with much vision to gain. I would do the procedure again with Dr. Burcham.

View On Google
1

Stephen Mathews

2020

Google logo

Great service and finally a doctor is pointing me in the right direction.

View On Google

Requirements for LASIK 

In order to get the most from LASIK, the doctors at our Aurora, Colorado, office will check for:

Stable Vision 

Your vision must be stable for at least two years before undergoing LASIK surgery. If you've changed prescriptions recently, you will have to wait for your prescription to stabilize before undergoing LASIK.

Corneal Thickness

The procedure requires creating a tissue flap on the corneal surface. If you lack sufficient corneal thickness, our Aurora doctors may recommend an alternative treatment. 

Age 

The ideal age range for LASIK is 28 to 60 years old. Patients who are older than 60 and do not have cataracts may still be able to get this surgery. In most cases, cataract surgery is likely a better option for older patients. 

Overall Health

Patients who have systemic health issues like uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes may not be good candidates for this laser treatment. Changes in hormones can affect vision, so women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not be good candidates. 

Ocular Health

Severe dry eye, extreme nearsightedness, or glaucoma could disqualify you from LASIK surgery. During your first visit, our doctors will screen your ocular health before recommending laser vision correction. 

The LASIK Treatment Timeline 

Our Denver-area practice offers both traditional LASIK surgery and state-of-the-art custom wavefront LASIK. Custom LASIK creates a precise map of your eye that can help correct any aberrations unique to your cornea, reducing the chances of side effects. Your doctor will help determine which surgery is right for your needs. 
LASIK is completed at our Aurora office in about 15 minutes.
LASIK is completed at our Aurora office in about 15 minutes.

Preparation

Before surgery, Dr. James Burcham will sterilize the surface of the eye and use drops that completely numb the area. 

Traditional LASIK

If you receive traditional LASIK surgery, your doctor will create a thin flap on the surface of your cornea. The flap is folded back, allowing access to the underlying corneal tissue. Using an advanced laser, your ophthalmologist will reshape the corneal tissue.

Wavefront LASIK

If you receive custom wavefront LASIK, the wavefront device will be used to create a detailed map of your eye. These measurements are then sent to the laser. The laser creates a flap to reveal the cornea, and then reshapes the tissue based on the custom map.

Replace Flap

For both forms of LASIK procedure, once the cornea is reshaped the flap is put back into place and will heal on its own. 

Aftercare and Results of Surgery 

Care

For about the first week after your LASIK procedure, you should refrain from rubbing your eyes. You may be prescribed antibiotic eyedrops to prevent an eye infection. You should also avoid hot tubs and pools for at least a week after your surgery. Patients may experience dry eyes for up to six months after treatment.

Returning to Your Routine

The side effects of LASIK are mild enough that most patients can return to work in three days or fewer after surgery. You will have to avoid certain activities, however, until your eyes fully heal. This includes any heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, contact sports, and driving when it's dark outside. During your periodic checkups at our Aurora office, our doctors will let you know when it is safe to resume more physical activities. 

Protecting Your Eyesight

Your eyesight will continue to improve for months after your surgery. Patients should wear sunglasses to protect them from UV damage. Protective eyewear should be applied whenever engaging in sports or working with potentially dangerous machinery. 

Are There Any Risks?

All surgeries carry some form of risk. LASIK eye surgery has an extremely low complication rate of less than 1%. Some potential risks include dry eye and glares or halos. 

Dr. Burcham takes every step they can to ensure your safety and success after surgery. It is important to disclose any health risks you have to greatly reduce all risks. 

Praise From Denver and Beyond

1

Rodrigo De Oliveira

2020

Google logo

Great experience, very knowledgeable staff I was 100% pleasedwith the quality of service. Thank you!

View On Google
1

Robert Rodriguez

2020

Google logo

They were all great! Dr. Made me feel super comfortable and answer all the questions I had. Definitely recommend them!

View On Google
Burcham Eyecare Center logo

Burcham Eyecare Center

Burcham Eyecare Center is Aurora’s premier vision care provider with the services of both an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Our experienced doctors are affiliated with several prestigious organizations including:
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Medical Association
  • American Osteopathic Association
  • American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • Colorado Medical Society
  • Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery
Request a consultation online or by calling (303) 340-4600

Contact Us Today

Social Accounts Sprite