Page 1| Page 2| Page 3| Page 4 | Page 5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LASIK?

LASIK, stands for LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS. It is capable of correcting a wide range of 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 long has LASIK been performed?

The excimer laser has been used for over 14 years and received FDA approval in 1998. Eye surgeons have been creating a protective flap of tissue for over 30 years. These two techniques were first combined in 1991 to create a new form of refractive surgery. 

How does LASIK correct astigmatism?

Astigmatism is most accurately corrected using a laser with software that is capable of ablating an oval pattern on the cornea.  It truly will do better than your glasses which cause optical distortions like “curvy doorways? or toric soft contact lenses which move and blur with each blink.

What is done at a consultation?

A complete dilated eye examination and specialized computer measurement of the shape of your cornea is performed. Your Doctor examines your eyes and 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 1 week and gas permeable (hard) lenses out for 2 weeks prior to your consultation.

What is done at a screening?

A partial eye examination without dilation by the technician and specialized computer measurement of the shape of your cornea is performed.  The Dr’s technician reviews this information and discusses with the Dr. regarding the recommendations for refractive surgery. No contact lenses abstinence is required for this exam.

How long does the procedure take?

About 5 minutes per eye.

Does it hurt?

NO! Anesthetic drops allow the operation to be performed without pain. Afterwards, the eye is a bit scratchy, but patients typically do not require any pain medications (not even Tylenol) and are often able return to work the day following the procedure.

What if I blink or move during surgery?

A tiny wire spring keeps you from blinking and a pupil tracker follows your pupil to insure the proper delivery of the laser pulses.

I’m a very nervous person, are you sure I can get through LASIK?

Yes!! We specialize in dealing with anxious patients, and so far we have been able to get every patient through surgery without a problem. You will get a drug that is taken by mouth and will totally relax you. Your Doctor will talk you through the surgery so there will be no surprises. We have nurses that can hold your hand, or you can even bring in a loved one to hold your hand.

What are the restrictions following surgery?

You must wear a protective shield the first night following surgery. You should not swim or get water in your eye for one week after surgery, although bathing and showering is fine. All other activities--including exercise--may be resumed on the first day following surgery. No sweating!

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! Most patients choose this option, as it is far more convenient. As part of our initial investigation, we studied the results in patients who had one or both eyes done together. The outcomes were the same, and most patients found it more convenient to have both eyes operated at the same time. Theoretically, having both eyes undergo surgery at the same time has the disadvantage of exposing both to the risks of surgery. Fortunately, the risk of significant complications is small.

Patients may choose to have surgery performed on both eyes the same day, or they may have the procedures separated by a week or more.

What should I do right after surgery?

Go to your hotel and take a long nap. Usually the sedative you get before surgery will help you accomplish this. This nap helps your vision recover quickly by keeping it moist and protected. You will be giving tiny eye shields or goggles to keep you from rubbing them while you sleep. There is no pain or even scratchiness after your nap so you can go out to dinner or watch TV! Enjoy your new eyes!!

How long is follow-up needed?

Follow up checks are required at one day, 2 weeks, 3 and 12 months.

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. Almost 100% of patients can see well enough afterward to never require glasses for distance vision. It is important to understand that LASIK does not eliminate the need for reading glasses as one grows older. (See How the Eye Works.).
When will my vision stabilize?

The miracle of Wavelight guided LASIK is the quick return of vision, again usually that same day after your nap. LASIK typically stabilizes very quickly. Our results thus far indicate that there is little or no change after the two week postoperative examination. Patients with large amounts of astigmatism or nearsightedness may take up to six weeks to stabilize.

What is the percent of patients that need enhancements?

Based on our experience so far, you have about a 4% chance of benefiting from an enhancement treatment, which is performed at no charge after the three month examination and up to one year following. The likelihood of needing an enhancement is 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 during the first two weeks. Dry eye is extremely common and usually dissipates after two weeks. Light sensitivity is typical during the first week and goes away by a month or less. The eyes may feel tired at night and tender to touch for about a month after surgery.

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. 

If necessary, can I wear contact lenses after LASIK?

LASIK does not modify the cornea in a way that would prevent contact lens wear. Not being able to wear contact lens years after LASIK is an “urban legend? that probably got started because this was true for radial keratotomy or RK.

Are the effects of LASIK permanent?

YES! As far as scientists know, they are. The cornea looks untouched to the trained eye after a year. Most patients will not need any additional surgery in the decades to come after LASIK. However, one to two percent of people may have a natural drift in their need for glasses and may require a “redo? after 5 to 10 years.

Will LASIK interfere with cataract surgery as I get older?

NO! Again, after a year or more it is difficult to tell anything has been done, so any future surgeries on the eye will be routine.

        
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK ?

Both procedures use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct nearsightedness. The difference is that in PRK , the laser is used on the surface of the cornea and in LASIK; the laser is performed under a protective flap of tissue. Most surgeons believe that the use of the laser under a protective flap produces faster visual recovery, less pain, and less scarring. In PRK , the laser is used on the surface of the eye, and it takes several weeks for the surface to heal and become smooth, allowing good vision. Steroid drops are necessary (usually for about two months) to help regulate healing, and it is not as easy to repeat PRK , because of scarring and lack of predictability. For these reasons, LASIK has become the refractive surgical procedure of choice at our eye center . There are some circumstances, which make PRK preferably to LASIK; if this is your case your physician will discuss this with you during consultation.

How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK?

Patient inclusion criteria for LASIK investigation:

• up to ­12.00 D myopia
• up to 5.00 D hyperopia
• 6.0 D or less of astigmatism
• Minimum age 18
• Maximum age 65
• No systemic disease affecting outcome
• Realistic expectations

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.

If I have LASIK and my vision changes later in life, can it be redone?

Depending on the cause, retreatment may be a viable solution to vision changed later in life, and other treatment options exist.  You would need to see your ophthalmologist to determine which option is best for you.

If I have one eye done at a time, what will my vision be like in between the first and second surgeries?

There are a number of different options to help patients deal with their vision between procedures.  patients who do not have bilateral surgery will begin wearing a contact lens in the eye that has not undergone surgery.  This practice gives them an opportunity to use their two eyes simultaneously. However, the contact lens will need to be removed at least three days prior to the second surgery.  Others function by using the operated eye immediately without use of a contact lens in the opposite eye.  This solution may work for nearsighted patients with a moderate refractive error (less than six diopeters).  A patient with a refractive error above six diopeters who does not wear a contact lens may be unable to use both eyes together due to the large difference in refractive error between the eyes.  Removing one lens from a pair of glasses is usually not useful.  Doing so could cause double vision and eye strain. 

Does insurance cover this surgery?

Although LASIK is not a cosmetic procedure, it is considered an elective surgery.  Such surgeries are covered in many European and Asian countries.  However, most United States, Canadian and Latin American insurance policies will not cover the procedure, nor will Medicare usually cover it.  It is possible that the cost of LASIK may be deducted from your U.S> federal income taxes.  You should check with your accountant to see if you can take LASIK as a deductible health expense.

Page 1| Page 2| Page 3| Page 4 | Page 5