Is LASIK for me? Who can LASIK benefit?
LASIK can benefit a great number of people with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. LASIK is available to individuals with a wide range of prescriptions. Candidates for LASIK eye surgery should be over 18 years old of age and in good health. LASIK candidates should have realistic expectations of the potential outcome for their prescription. Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism can all be corrected with laser vision surgery.
To help patients determine whether they are LASIK SURGERY CANDIDATES at Visionary Ophthalmology we provide complimentary screenings, which include diagnostic testing, and discussion of other refractive alternatives.
If I’m not eligible for LASIK, are there other options available to me?
LASIK is only one type of refractive surgery available to patients. Although you may not be eligible for LASIK, you may be eligible for a different procedure. At Visionary Ophthalmology we will discuss with you at the time of your appointment about the different options and alternatives most suitable for your vision needs.
What results can I expect from LASIK?
LASIK improves the uncorrected vision – one’s vision without wearing corrective lenses – in most patients who have the procedure. Over 90% of patients with low to moderate myopia will achieve 20/40 vision. Over half of all patients can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. However, there are no guarantees that you will have perfect vision, and patients with high myopia and high hyperopia should have a different set of expectations. People who are most satisfied with the results of laser correction possess realistic expectations of what their vision will be like after surgery.
How long will it take before I can see well, and how long will it take before I have my best vision?
Fast visual recovery characterizes this operation. Most patients achieve good vision the day of surgery and find that their eyes feel fairly normal within a day. However, vision can continue to improve, and best vision can still take two to three months to occur. If necessary, adjustments to the surgery called enhancements can be done.
Will I need to wear glasses or bifocals once my eyes have healed?
Most patients who have LASIK do not need to wear glasses for their daily activities. However, patients may need to wear reading glasses if they are over the age of 40. This is caused by the normal aging of the eye known as presbyopia. This condition occurs with or without LASIK. Some patients may need a minimal prescription for some activities. Those patients who currently have bifocals will still need reading glasses after the surgery unless they opt for a treatment plan called monovision, wherein one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision. At the time of your appointment our Doctors will discuss all these options and details with you.
Are the results achieved from LASIK permanent?
LASIK is a surgical procedure that permanently removes corneal tissue to reshape the eye in order to improve refraction. The physical results are permanent. However, you should be aware that since the eyes can still change with time, and LASIK does not affect a number of visual conditions associated with age. For example, LASIK does not prevent presbyopia or affect this condition once it does occur.
What is a LASIK enhancement?
Although the vast majority of LASIK patients enjoy 20/20 vision, occasionally a LASIK re-treatment is recommended to improve the vision. Fast recovery is typical for LASIK eye surgery patients, with each individual healing at different rates. Most patients achieve good vision quickly, with continuing improvements over the next month or two. Given the unique nature of healing patterns and rates, recovery times vary. Your vision will be checked at frequent intervals and, if necessary and desired, an enhancement will be recommended to give improved results.
What are the risks of LASIK eye surgery?
Patients should understand that LASIK eye surgery is a surgical procedure and like all surgical procedures, carries the potential for complications. Approximately one million laser vision procedures are performed each year. LASIK is now one of the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States. To date, no long-term consequences have been attributed to LASIK. Most complications resolve within several months and do not result in long-term interference with vision. The overall complication rate with LASIK has been demonstrated to diminish with surgeon experience. Numerous studies from around the world have carefully looked at the long-term effects of LASIK eye surgery. In the hands of experienced surgeons, complications occur in less than 1 percent of patients.
Does the LASIK procedure hurt?
Prior to LASIK eye surgery, topical anesthetic eye drops will be administered to numb your eye so that you will not experience pain during the procedure. You may experience a sensation of pressure on the eye when the surgeon applies the microkeratome (instrument the surgeon uses to create the flap or IntraLase® (the laser).
Neither the creation of the flap nor the laser causes pain.
Some patients report a scratching or burning sensation after their procedure. We recommend that you take a short nap after returning home. After several hours these feelings will subside.
Can I have both eyes done with LASIK at the same time?
You can have bilateral simultaneous LASIK (both eyes done at the same time). In fact, the practice is common. However, in some circumstances, surgeons or patients will determine that it is best to wait between eyes in order to evaluate the results. We will discuss all these options with you before making any decision.
How long will I be out of work after having LASIK?
It depends on your occupation. Certain jobs that require intense clarity of vision (dentistry and surgery, for example) may be difficult to perform for one or two days. Most patients can return to work the next day, assuming their vision is adequate for their job. However, some people may feel fatigued for a day or so following surgery.
Can I play sports after LASIK surgery?
You can resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. However, for at least two weeks you will need to avoid activities that would cause perspiration to run into the eyes. You should wear safety glasses while playing contact sports whether or not you have had surgery. But if you do not routinely wear safety glasses, your surgeon may recommend wearing them for at least one month after LASIK. You will also need to avoid such activities as contact sports and swimming for several weeks.
Can I drive immediately after having LASIK?
Patients may experience some discomfort and/or blurred vision for a few hours after surgery. And most patients receive a sedative prior to surgery. Therefore, you cannot drive home after undergoing the procedure, and you should plan not to drive for at least twenty-four hours.
Will my eyes look different after LASIK?
No. Your eyes will look exactly the same.
