Do you have questions about LASIK?
LASIK Results
About the Procedure
Why is LASIK the most commonly performed laser correction procedure?Although it is a technically demanding procedure to perform, surgeons have embraced LASIK because, once they master the technique, they can achieve excellent results for a wide range of corrections. Patients are attracted to the procedure because they experience minimal discomfort and rapid recovery.
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What are the chances that I may not see as well after treatment?
There is a chance that surgery could result in decreased best-corrected vision. Even though the chance of losing more than 2 lines on the eye chart is less than 1%, it must be factored into your decision.
What are the long-term risks? The only long-term problem surgeons foresee is that there could be a small degree of regression—where the corrective effects of surgery may gradually be lost over time. The chances of this occurring are greater for patients requiring high amounts of correction. If regression does occur, enhancement surgery or retreatment can usually be performed—at no additional cost.
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Has anyone ever gone blind from LASIK?
At the time of this printing, we have not heard of anyone losing their sight from LASIK preformed in the United States. However, we do know of serious complications that required corneal transplant surgery. Although this risk is generally very low, the rate of incidence is something you should discuss as you select a surgeon.
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Monovision vs. reading glasses?
Reading glasses or bifocal lenses are worn to relieve the age-related focusing problem of presbyopia. Contact lens wearers sometimes elect to have one lens fit for near vision and the other prescribed for distance vision. This is known as monovision and can also be achieved with LASIK—with one eye under-corrected for near vision and the other corrected for distance. The advantage is being able to both read up-close and see at a distance without corrective lenses. This might be particularly helpful for people, such as teachers, public speakers, politicians and clergy, who frequently shift their vision from near to far. However, monovision has possible disadvantages including decreased depth perception and blurred vision in certain instances. Because many people cannot tolerate monovision, it is important to approach it with care. In determining if this option is for you, we recommend having your optometric physician fit you with contact lenses to simulate the effect. Wearing these specially prescribed contacts for several days will give you the opportunity to “test drive” monovision in your normal daily activities.
Can you guarantee 20/20 vision?Unfortunately, no surgical procedure can be guaranteed. Instead of hoping to forever eliminate your need for corrective lenses, a more realistic goal is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. To learn more about your approximate chances of achieving 20/20 vision, please refer to our LASIK Success Rates document. Copies are available from your optometrist and our Refractive Surgery Counselors—or you can visit our website.
How many patients require enhancements or retreatment?Because of our surgeons’ innovative techniques, we are able to treat people requiring high amounts of correction. Those with higher degrees of correction can expect higher probabilities of requiring retreatment. People with average or moderate degrees of correction can expect a 5-10% chance of needing an enhancement. Those who undergo very high amounts of correction can expect increased chances that touch-up treatment will be required.
What is the cost if enhancement treatment is required?If our surgeons perform your initial treatment, recommended retreatment or enhancement surgery is free of charge for 18 months—as long as you are under the care of your optometrist and follow plan.
How much does the surgeon’s skill have to do with good results?Some people mistakenly assume that with the high tech instruments used for LASIK the surgeon’s role in achieving superb outcomes is minimal. This is not the case. The surgeon’s skill and judgment are the most critical factors in achieving excellent visual outcomes with LASIK. The surgeon’s experience and expertise become even more crucial in the occurrence of an intra-operative complication. Although the equipment is highly sophisticated, the surgeon is directly involved in positioning the instruments and aligning your eye under the laser. We have learned that the accuracy and impeccable precision of numerous small details, controlled directly by the surgeon, are the key to achieving excellent outcomes.
Are some lasers better than others?Laser companies have a lot to gain by leading consumers to believe that their machines produce better results than their competitors’. However, this is usually not the case. There are several very good lasers on the market, but excellent surgical outcomes are much more dependent on the expertise of the surgeon. An excellent surgeon will achieve excellent outcomes on whatever laser he or she chooses to use. You can feel confident knowing that our surgeons carefully research the most current machines and continue to seek out the most refined laser technology.
How long do you require contact lenses to be removed before treatment?As contact lenses modify the shape of the cornea, they must be left out long enough for your eyes to return to their natural shape. Ask your optometrist or contact us to find out how long you should discontinue wearing them before your evaluation and surgery.
Will insurance cover the cost of treatment?Although LASIK is an elective procedure, a number of plans are starting to provide full or partial coverage. At this point we do not work with any of these groups.
Can I make monthly payments?
Yes, we offer flexible monthly payment plans with excellent terms. For more details, call our Refractive Surgery Counselors toll free at 1-866-719-9598.
Will your doctors do all my follow-up care?
Our doctors will work in close communication with your family eye doctor to coordinate your follow-up care. We are focused on providing specialized medical eye care and surgery and the patients we treat are referred back to the care of their family eye doctor as soon as their condition is stable. Should any complication arise, we will work closely with your doctor and be available for any care you may require.
If I am thinking about LASIK, why is an optometrist the best place to start?
One of the reasons your optometric physician can best determine if you are a candidate for LASIK is because he or she has followed your eye care needs and knows your vision history. Their pre-operative input and post-operative care is integral to obtaining a satisfactory result. Optometrist regularly provide before and after LASIK care. Over time, they have been able to see first-hand the outcomes of numerous surgeons. This unique opportunity gives your optometrist excellent knowledge to help guide you to surgeons who consistently obtain excellent results with minimal complications.
Who can I talk to about my LASIK questions?
The best sources of information are your optometrist and our Refractive Surgery Counselors. You can call our counselors toll-free at 1-866-719-9598.
Why do I need follow-up care with my optometrist after surgery?
To achieve the best possible visual outcome, it is very important that your eyes are carefully examined and your vision closely monitored during your recovery. Examinations are prescribed at significant intervals to ensure proper healing and stability of vision. Follow-up care involves monitoring:
· the condition and healing of the flap
· your eye medications
· your internal eye pressure
· possible infection and healing complications
· your uncorrected and best corrected vision
· the need for enhancements
· any near vision problems
· the continued health of your eyes.
How Does The Treatment Work
Does LASIK hurt?
No, your eyes will be numb from the anesthetic eye drops so you will feel minimal if any discomfort. You will feel a slight pressure sensation—like someone resting a finger on top of your closed eyelid—for a few seconds while the flap is created.
How will I keep my eyes from moving when the laser is working?
This is a valid concern as we have found that even the smallest eye movements during the laser procedure can result in less than satisfactory visual outcomes. Instead of relying on you to keep your eyes still or trusting computerized eye trackers that are known to have short comings, we have developed a video-assisted eye stabilization system. This unique technology enables our surgeon to hold your eyes precisely on target (within 1/100ths of an inch) so you don't have to worry.
How long does the treatment take?
Although the actual laser time is usually less than a minute for each eye, patients are in the laser suite 30 minutes for both eyes. However, there is some preparation time before surgery when we double check critical eye measurements and perform additional tests. Plan to be in our office 2-3 hours on the day of your treatment.
How will I keep my eyes open during surgery?
The surgeon gently inserts an eye spring between your eyelids to keep your eye open during the procedure.
Can my family and friends watch?
Yes, we actually encourage family involvement in your surgery. Your friends or family are invited to be with you and may view the entire surgery from our glass-walled observation area. A video camera attached to the surgeon's microscope provides a close-up view of surgery on a television monitor. One of our staff will accompany your guests and explain the procedure.
What Should I Expect After Surgery
How well will I be able to see right after surgery?
Most people notice immediate improvement. Sitting up from the procedure they can often see the time on the clock and see details in the room. However, due to thick lubricating drops placed in your eyes, your vision will likely be blurry for several hours.
Will my eyes be patched after surgery?
No, but you will be given clear plastic shields to wear to protect your eyes while sleeping the first night.
Can I drive home after LASIK?
No, you should not drive after LASIK for at least 24 hours. In addition to having blurry vision, a mild sedative taken before the procedure can make you drowsy.
Will I need to use eye drops after the procedure?
Yes, you will be given printed instructions on using medicated eye drops for one week and moisturizing comfort drops as often as needed.
How long is the visual recovery period?
It varies with the individual since each person heals at a different rate. Most people experience some fluctuating vision for 2 to 4 weeks following surgery. Achieving your best vision can take up to 3 months.
What side-effects can I expect after surgery?In the first few days and weeks, you will likely notice some of these normal side effects:
· Watery eyes—especially the first 6 hours.
· Temporary discomfort (like an eyelash in your eye)usually for the first 12
to 24 hours. You will be given eye drops to use for pain, if needed.
· Fluctuating vision—normal for about 3-4 weeks while the eye is healing.
· Light sensitivity—usually decreases over the first few weeks, but you
may need to wear sunglasses more than usual.
· Halo effect—around bright lights at night, but usually diminishes with time.
How secure is the flap after surgery?
When the flap is folded back over the treated area after the laser treatment, it naturally adheres and is held to the surface of the eye by 4 natural forces within the body:
· Within seconds—the exposed tissue sticks together as the flap returns to
its position on the cornea.
· Within minutes—endothelial cells pump fluid from the cornea to create a
natural vacuum that further suctions the flap down.
· Within hours—epithelial cells grow over the edge of the flap to further hold
it down.
· Within 6 weeks—the healing process bonds the flap in its original position.
How long will I be off work?
We recommend allowing 1-3 days away from work. But, depending on how well you see and the type of work you do, many people are able to return to work the next day. If your job involves risk to your eyes from flying objects or dirty air, you may want to take off a few more days.
Can I play sports after LASIK?
Yes, but it is always wise to wear safety glasses when playing contact sports. You should definitely plan to wear them for the first month after LASIK.
LASIK Results
If I'm corrected for distance vision, will I still be able to see up close?As the eye ages the ability to focus for close work diminishes. Around 40 most people require some reading correction, and even earlier for some. However, your optometrist can best determine if you could benefit from reading glasses or computer glasses after surgery.
If I wear reading glasses now, will I still need them after LASIK?
Yes, you will likely still need them for near vision after treatment.
If I don't get fully corrected, can I be retreated?
Usually, but further treatment may be limited by the remaining thickness of your cornea. When your vision has stabilized, your optometric physician can help you determine if enhancement treatment is something to consider. However, due to the inherent risks of surgery, we do not generally perform enhancements unless your vision is 20/30 or worse.
Are the results of LASIK permanent?
Yes, after your eyes have healed and your vision has stabilized, your eyesight should not change except internally as the result of the normal aging process.
Will having LASIK interfere with cataract surgery when I'm older?
No, but the surgeon will need to know that you have had LASIK surgery so he or she can accurately select the correct power for the artificial lens implant.
Will I have to wear corrective lenses after surgery?
We try to fully correct your vision, but since each eye responds a little bit differently to surgery, a more realistic goal is to lessen your dependence on corrective lenses. If you still need glasses, they will likely be lighter and thinner, and you will probably be able to function more easily without them.
Can I still wear contact lenses after LASIK?
Wearing contact lenses after LASIK can be difficult. To learn more, ask your optometrist.