Common Questions

Many patients have questions about LASIK because it is a life changing decision. Below are some of the most common questions that members of our practice often hear from patients. If you don't find the answer to a question you have below or need more information please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can provide you with as much information as you need. If you've had all of your questions answered and feel as though you are ready to take the next steps in LASIK, please contact us and we will help you set-up an appointment to have a LASIK pre-operative evaluation to determine if you are a candidate.

How do I know if I'm a candidate for LASIK?

A complete eye exam will confirm whether the patient is nearsighted, farsighted and/or has astigmatism. There must be no ocular health problems present, such as cataracts or untreated glaucoma. Additional measurements are needed, such as the thickness of the cornea and a corneal surface mapping, which will be done in a pre-operative evaluation. A qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist can ultimately determine whether the patient is a candidate for LASIK with a thorough evaluation.

What should I look for in choosing my surgeon?

The success of any LASIK procedure depends more on the skills and experience of the surgeon than other surgical procedures. A qualified surgeon should meet the following basic criteria: board certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology, with advanced training in cornea and refractive surgery; skills and experience with a prominent ophthalmology practice, having performed thousands of LASIK and refractive surgical procedures; and the ability to help patients understand potential outcomes and complications. It is important to keep in mind that you are making a lifetime investment when choosing to have LASIK so you should take you time and select the right surgeon for you.

What is involved in LASIK? How long does it take?

The procedure is an out-patient procedure that is done in a matter of minutes for each eye. It is done under topical anesthetic drops. During LASIK, a corneal flap is created using either a microkeratome or laser and then the reshaping of the cornea begins. After the laser treatment, the flap is laid back into position and kept in place by natural suction, no sutures. Eye drops are used and plastic shields are placed over the eyes to protect them until the following day. Results are almost immediate, with minimum discomfort during the first 24-hour period.

What about recovery?

Recovery is fast. The first couple of hours after surgery, the eye feels somewhat irritated, with a burning sensation and some tearing. Vision is typically blurry during this time. Most patients nap for a couple of hours to rest the eyes. After several hours, the irritation goes away and the vision begins to clear. The day after surgery, most irritating sensations are completely gone and vision is remarkably clear.

I hate to have anything in my eye. What if I am really nervous?

A mild sedative is available prior to surgery to encourage relaxation during the procedure and to encourage sleep afterward. The surgeons and operating room technicians often talk throughout the procedure to help keep the patient feeling comfortable and relaxed.

Are both eyes done at the same time?

Some patients may prefer to have each eye done on different days. In most cases, however, both eyes are done on the same day. This avoids the period of imbalance that occurs if one eye still needs correction while the other one doesn't. This is a discussion that you should have with the surgeon so that you can decide what is best for you.

Will I need glasses after the surgery?

With any medical procedure, there is not a guarantee of perfect vision. Almost everyone experiences improved vision, however, and most see well enough to pass a drivers' test without corrective lenses. It is important to know that LASIK does not eliminate the need for reading glasses. Beginning at around the age of 40, a condition called presbyopia usually begins to appear, requiring reading glasses or bifocal correction. The laser cannot correct presbyopia at this time; however, there are some promising treatment options on the horizon.

Will LASIK interfere with my lifestyle?

Active sports should be postponed for two weeks or until the eye is fully healed, unless protective eye wear is approved by the surgeon. Swimming, hot tubs and saunas should be avoided, as well. After full recovery, normal activity can resume, and the ability to play sports without glasses makes them more enjoyable for many patients.

How long will the correction last?

LASIK is a permanent procedure. In some cases, however, an enhancement procedure may be necessary to further improve your vision. Some patients' eyes may change throughout their lifetime, which can happen with glasses or contact lenses as well.

How safe is the procedure? Are there complications?

The procedure is very safe, and that is why it has been so readily accepted. With any surgical procedures, however, there may be complications. Vision-threatening complications do exist, but they are extremely rare. These include infections (an incidence of 1 in 5,000) and irregular healing processes that can lead to something called "irregular astigmatism" that glasses cannot correct and contact lenses or further surgery may be required to improve. There are also complications, which may lead to temporary blurriness, temporary dependence on glasses or contact lenses or a need for additional surgery. In most cases, the patient can still do well and recover with good vision. It is for this reason that LASIK patients should confirm the experience of their surgeon to determine if he or she has specialized training in cornea surgery. Because LASIK is performed on the cornea, knowledge of the healing properties of the cornea and management of any complications are critical to the patient's well being. Knowing how to handle a complication, should one occur, can make a significant difference in the patient's outcome.

What is the success rate?

Success depends on several factors, the most important being the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Depending on the prescription, the surgeon can help determine the likelihood of reaching 20/40 or greater vision. Approximately 95 percent of eyes treated with LASIK reach 20/40 or better vision with one procedure, which is the requirement for driving legally without correction. If a patient does not achieve his or her goal with one procedure, additional correction often improves their vision to a satisfactory level.

I have dry eyes. Can LASIK help?

Many patients who desire LASIK surgery have dry eyes. They have become intolerant of their contact lenses because the dryness makes them uncomfortable. LASIK occasionally worsens dry eyes, but typically, this is temporary and usually treated with frequent artificial tear lubrication. In special cases of severely dry eyes, special punctal plugs that are placed in the lower eyelid tear ducts can be inserted with a significant improvement in dryness. These are easily removed in the office once the dryness resolves, or they can be left in place permanently.