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What is LASIK?
LASIK, stands for LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS. It is a form
of laser surgery that is capable of correcting nearsightedness,
farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure uses a computer controlled
excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct your vision. The
laser reshaping is done under a protective flap of tissue to promote
a very rapid recovery of vision and minimize discomfort.
How do I know if I am a candidate for the FDA approved procedure
LASIK?
Patient criteria for LASIK:
- Minimum age 18
- No systemic disease affecting outcome
- Must have a healthy eye
- Stable refraction
- Realistic expectations
- In order to determine if you are eligible for laser surgery,
you must have a consultation. Please contact
us if you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment.
What is done at a consultation?
A complete eye examination and specialized computer measurement
of the shape of your cornea is performed. The ophthalmologist reviews
this information in light of your visual needs for work and leisure
and provides you with options and recommendations for refractive
surgery. In order for your cornea to return to its natural shape
by the time of this examination, you must leave your soft contact
lenses out for 2 weeks and gas permeable (hard) lenses out for 4
weeks prior to your consultation.
How long does the procedure take?
About 10 minutes per eye.
Does it hurt?
NO! Anesthetic drops usually allow the operation to be performed
without pain. Afterwards, the eye is a bit scratchy, but patients
typically do not require any pain medications and are often able
return to work the day following the procedure.
What are the restrictions following surgery?
You must wear a protective shield to bed for the first week.
You should not swim for one week after surgery, although bathing
and showering is fine. No eye makeup should be applied for 7 days.
All other activities—including exercise—may be resumed
on the first day following surgery.
When can I go back to work?
The day after the procedure, as your vision permits.
Can the procedure be performed on both eyes at once?
YES! Many patients choose this options, as it is far more convenient.
How long is follow-up needed?
Follow up checks are required at one day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, or as your doctor recommends.
These examinations are included in the charge for the procedure.
What are my chances of not wearing glasses after the procedure?
This will depend on a number of factors, including your refractive
error, your visual needs, and even your personality. It is important
to understand that LASIK does not eliminate the need for reading
glasses as one grows older.
When will my vision stabilize?
After LASIK, vision usually stabilizes very quickly. Our results
thus far indicate that there is little or no change after the two
week postoperative examination. Patients with large refractive errors
may take up to six weeks or more to stabilize.
What is the % of patients that need enhancements?
Based on our experience so far, you have about a 8% chance of needing
an enhancement. This varies to a 25 to 30% enhancement rate with
RK. The likelihood of needing an enhancement is sometimes dependent
on the degree of refractive error. More highly myopic eyes are more
likely to need an enhancement.
What side effects are typical?
Your vision will fluctuate during the few days following the surgery.
You may notice some glare around lights at night. You will notice
a dryness to the eyes also. rarely a patient may have persistence
of one or more of these effects. These effects are usually worse
during the first two weeks after surgery and then slowly disappear.
What are the risks of surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries some risk of complications.
Risks include an infection which could damage your cornea and result
in loss of vision, although this is extremely unlikely. As part
of your evaluation for the procedure, we will give you an informed
consent document which details potential risks and complications
of surgery.
If necessary, can I wear contact lenses after LASIK?
These procedures do not modify the cornea in a way that would prevent
contact lens wear. However, many patients elect to have refractive
surgery because they were unable to wear contact lenses. In this
case, you can expect to have problems after the surgery just like
you did before it.
Are the effects of LASIK permanent?
Yes, unlike other refractive procedures, the effect IS permanent.
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