- Will my vision be perfect after the procedure so that I’ll never need glasses?
- How long after the LASIK procedure will I be able to see clearly without glasses or contacts?
- What about the long-term effects of the procedure?
- What are the risks of the LASIK procedure?
- Is LASIK painful?
- Who can have this done, is it available for me?
- Can both eyes be done on the same day?
- How long will I be out of work after having LASIK?
- How do I find out more information?
Will my vision be perfect after the
procedure
so that I’ll never need glasses?
Our experience
has shown that LASIK laser vision correction has been overwhelmingly
successful in reducing myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia. Vision
improves following the procedure; however, the amount of
improvement may vary from individual to individual. The
effects of LASIK are permanent. However, it is important
to realize that a person’s eye can still change
internally. Candidates should have a strong desire
to be less dependent on corrective lenses and willing
to accept the risks of surgery.
Over 90% of typical patients achieve 20/40 vision or better after one procedure (i.e. before any enhancements), which means they can drive legally, play sports, etc., all without their glasses. However, there are no guarantees that a patient will have perfect vision, and patients with high hyperopia or high myopia should have lower expectations. Some patients may receive a second enhancement procedure to further improve their results, if their vision is below legal driving levels. In general, there is a 10% chance that a patient will require an enhancement procedure. This chance is less in patients with mild myopia and greater in patients with extreme myopia (approx. 15% chance).
How long after the LASIK
procedure will I be able to see clearly without glasses
or contacts?
Most patients experience some discomfort and/or
blurred vision for a few hours after surgery. However,
many patients see well enough to work within the next
few days.
What about the long term effects of the
procedure?
The Excimer laser procedure has been
prevalent in many countries around the world since the
late 1980's. Many
clinical studies have investigated the long-term effects
of the Excimer laser on the cornea. All of these
studies, without exception, have failed to demonstrate
any long-term negative effects on the integrity of the
eye. Unlike radial keratotomy where the strength of the
eye was severely compromised, the eye after laser vision
correction is still as strong as it was prior to the
procedure.
What are the risks of the LASIK
procedure?
It is essential that you understand
as much as possible about the risks associated with the
LASIK procedure. The risk of having a significant complication
is less than 1%. The Excimer laser procedure, however,
like all surgical procedures, has limitations and risks.
Is LASIK painful?
Most patients
report little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. Some
describe it as feeling like an eyelash rubbing the eye
the first evening. Patients
are routinely comfortable the next morning.
Who
can have this done, is it available for me?
In general, LASIK candidates must meet the following
requirements:
- be at least 18 years of age or older
- Have a stable prescription for glasses or contact lenses for a year prior to the procedure
- Not have certain diseases of the cornea or retina
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure
- Understand that complications, as in any surgical procedure, while rare, can result
Every person’s situation is unique. In order to assess whether you are a candidate, you must have a pre-procedure consultation.
Can both eyes be done
on the same day?
Many of our patients choose to
have both eyes done on the same day.
In the event that this cannot be done safely, one eye will be treated at a time. If a patient’s second eye is treated at a separate time than the first eye, one of the following three methods is used to gap the transition period:
- The patient will wear a contact lens in the untreated eye during that period
- The patient will wear his or her glasses with one lens covered or removed
- The patient will do nothing to the untreated eye.
How long will I be out of work after
having LASIK?
It depends upon your occupation. Certain
jobs that require intense clarity of vision may be difficult
to perform for one to two days. Most patients can
return to work the next day or two.
How do I find
out more information?
Please also visit the LASIK
Institute for additional answers to questions you may
have, or call us at 1-863-294-5457 and ask for your free
LASIK evaluation. If you prefer,
please send us an email at Brenda.LASIK@eyecarefss.com
We offer convenient appointment scheduling to perform a private evaluation of your eyes, explain Laser Vision Correction in more detail, and determine if you are a candidate for this exciting procedure, which enables you to see better without glasses.
