Naturally, patients interested in LASIK surgery have many questions about the procedure. At Stars In Your Eyes Optometry, we have prepared the following set of Frequently Asked Questions to address the most common concerns you might have.
How is LASIK an improvement upon previous surgical methods?
LASIK is able to treat mild to severe amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism with a high level of accuracy, predictability and short recovery time. Our doctors utilize multiple lasers, which allows them to choose the one that will provide the optimal results for your particular procedure. With minimal disruption to the overall integrity of corneal layers (compared to previous procedures), this quick and painless procedure has most patients noticing visual improvement in one to seven days. While LASIK may be a new decision for you, the procedure itself is based upon refractive surgeries that have been around for over 40 years.
What are the side effects of LASIK surgery?
Lasik Surgery offers a number of benefits including
• Very low infection risk - Lasers provide the most sterile method of surgery.
• Very low risk of scarring - The laser beam is aimed at the middle, water layers of the cornea where there is little material to scar from a surgery.
• Preservation of the cornea - The procedure allows the highly metabolized surface tissues of your eye to heal with minimal scarring and/or weakening of your eye.
However, it must be noted that, like any surgery, LASIK involves risk. There are possible complications that can occur, which your doctor will discuss with you. The most reported side effects are increased dry eye symptoms- treated with artificial tears and medication, slight under or over corrections-requiring a spectacle correction for certain tasks (i.e., driving at night) and an increased need for reading glasses in patients over 40 years of age (see below).
Will I ever need glasses again after LASIK?
Most patients in their 40s and 50s notice a change to their up-close vision as they get older. This focusing change to your vision is known as presbyopia and occurs whether you choose to have LASIK or not.
Presbyopia involves the lens inside your eye, which is not involved in the LASIK procedure. Reading glasses and bifocal contact lenses can be successfully used by post-LASIK patients at the computer and for reading. Ask your doctor about presbyopia surgical options at your Stars In Your Eyes appointment.
How much should I pay for LASIK?
It depends on which laser and what outcome you had in mind. Many patients are good candidates and many clinics will gladly promise a low initial price to get you in the door but there is a HUGE difference between a good outcome and an excellent one. You certainly want to spend your money wisely and not bargain your precious vision.
Your price should include all pre- and post-operative care for one year, a long term commitment for results, the utilization of a FDA-approved laser, and an experienced optometrist/surgeon team to give you the peace of mind you deserve in your important decision.
Is LASIK painful?
The surgery involves minimal discomfort. We utilize an all laser procedure for the safest, most comfortable and quickest treatment. Actual laser time is usually less than two minutes per eye! Our patients are equally comforted by how our doctor accompanies you and holds your hand during the entire procedure!
A clear plastic shield is placed over the eye(s) and is worn until the next day for protection. Some patients experience some discomfort or dryness in the days following surgery.
When can I go back to work and when can I drive?
Everyone heals at a different rate. Typically the recovery time is brief. Most patients can drive, return to work and regular activity in a day or two. Many of our patients have surgery on a Thursday and return to work on Friday, while others take the weekend off.
Will my vision be 20/20 after surgery?
As with any surgery, we cannot guarantee patients that their eyesight will be 20/20 after the procedure. The great majority receive legal driving vision or better. Some people with high levels of nearsightedness are happy to lower their lens prescription, some find that they only need their glasses for certain activities, and others have eliminated their glasses altogether.
Success Rates
Success rates for good candidates are 92 to 99% for 20/40 or "driving" vision. These patients have good enough functional vision to drive cars, watch TV or play sports without glasses. Over 1 million LASIK procedures are performed every year, as one of the most popular and successful surgeries available.
Is LASIK for me?
Laser Vision Correction is for patients 21 years of age or older who have nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism and meet certain visual and medical criteria. The best candidates tend to be people who are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses and are motivated to make a change for occupational or lifestyle reasons. However, only an Austin eye doctor who is specially trained can evaluate whether a patient is medically suitable for Laser Vision Correction. Realistic expectations, a thorough screening and education are important indications for successful LASIK outcomes. Every patient who is seen for an annual eye health exam may receive a complementary assessment of their candidacy for this form of vision correction.
