What
is LASIK?
A laser vision correction procedure that has been performed
on millions of people around the world. The Laser Vision
offers the most popular form of laser vision correction,
LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis).
What
is laser vision correction?
Laser vision correction is a precise method of gently
reshaping the cornea. Our specially trained ophthalmologist
uses a computerized excimer laser to remove a thin layer
of tissue from the cornea. This flattens the cornea
to the desired correction so the eye can focus properly.
What
are the most advanced laser vision correction procedures
called?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and Customized Ablation,
LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
Am
I a good candidate?
Requires a comprehensive eye examination by our doctors
to know for certain if you are a candidate.
What
if I wear bifocals?
While LASIK does not deter the natural aging process
of the eye (which causes presbyopia), a procedure called
monovision can be performed. Monovision is a method
of distance vision correction to account for presbyopia.
In monovision, the distance vision of the dominant eye
is corrected as normal, while the distance vision of
the non-dominant eye is slightly under-corrected in
order to assist near vision for tasks such as reading.
For those requiring the best distance and/or unaided
night vision possible, monovision is less desirable.
As a guideline, patients from their late 30's to 50
years old should strongly consider slight monovision,
while patients over 50 years old should strongly consider
full monovision.
Will
my insurance cover LASIK?
In most instances, insurance companies consider LASIK
"elective" and do not cover the procedure. You should
check with your benefits provider to see if they cover
LASIK or allow to be reimbursed.
Can
I have both eyes treated on the same day?
Most patients do elect to have both eyes treated on
the same day. The advantages include convenience, less
total time away from work and balance in vision. Consult
with your physician before you decide.
Does
the procedure hurt?
Laser vision correction procedures are usually painless.
The use of topical anesthesia eye drops numbs the eye.
Occasionally, some patients experience slight discomfort
a few hours after the procedure. Post-operative discomfort
may include slight stinging, excessive tearing and a
foreign body sensation. Typically, over-the-counter
pain relievers ease this discomfort. A post-operative
nap is also recommended to ease discomfort.
What
if I accidentally blink during the procedure?
It is not possible for patients to blink during a procedure.
An instrument is used to gently hold the eyelids open.
Because eye drops have already numbed the eye, the reflex
that gives patients the desire to blink is lost, so
keeping the eye open is painless.
What
are the side effects of LASIK?
For a few weeks, until the eye completely heals, most
patients may experience increased glare and halos around
bright lights. Patients may also experience some blurriness
within the first days after the procedure. Since laser
vision correction was first performed in the late eighties,
there have been no proven long-term negative effects
on the eye's strength.
How
long does the whole LASIK procedure take?
The laser operates, on average, less than a minute per
eye. Time in the laser room is less than 15 minutes
and total time in a Laser Vision Institute facility
is generally between two and four hours.
How
long will it take for me to achieve stable vision?
Each patient's healing response is different. While
most patients will achieve stable vision overnight,
others may take a few days or in rare cases, a few weeks.
However, most patients report that they return to their
normal activity schedule within a day or two.
How
soon can I resume normal activities?
Most patients are able to drive and resume normal activities
the next day. Patients should not wear eye makeup, swim,
get water in their eyes, or expose themselves to dusty
or dirty environments for at least three days after
surgery. In addition, patients should not rub their
eyes for at least ten days after surgery.
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