What is LASIK?
LASIK is a surgical procedure performed with a laser that is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.
Who can LASIK benefit?
LASIK can benefit a great number of people with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Candidates should have a strong desire to be less dependent on corrective lenses and willing to accept the risks of surgery.
Who can't have LASIK?
There are a number of factors that doctors must evaluate before they can determine who is an eligible candidate for LASIK. Some health conditions or eye problems are contraindications to LASIK and individuals with these conditions should not have LASIK. Other conditions may complicate the surgery and increase your risk of developing a complication. Patients with these conditions need to have a good conversation with their doctors regarding eligibility and expectation levels.
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"LASIK has truly improved my professional and personal life. I went from feeling like I was nearly blind to 20/15 in a matter of minutes."
- Libby Nix
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Are the results achieved from LASIK permanent?
The effects of LASIK are permanent. The effects of LASIK do not wear off. But it is important to realize that a person's eye can still change internally. That is why many surgeons recommend having the procedure done after the major eye changes have occurred in one's life. For instance, LASIK is not recommended on children because their eyes change a great deal. They would need the vision fine-tuned in a few years. If the procedure is performed after the age of 18, the chance of long-term stable correction is more likely. Even the eyes of patients over the age of 18 can still be changing. Therefore, we recommend a good conversation with your surgeon so they can review the changes you have had and help you make a decision whether or not you should wait until the changes have slowed down. Patients should also note that while results are usually stable, they can be modified by enhancement procedures – procedures performed after the initial one – if necessary.
If I have LASIK and my vision changes later in life, can it be redone?
Retreatment may be a viable solution to vision changes later in life, and other treatment options exist. You would need to see your ophthalmologist to determine the cause of the change and to determine which option is best for you.
How long will the LASIK procedure take?
The whole procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes for two eyes.
Can I drive immediately after having LASIK?
Patients may experience some discomfort and/or blurred vision for a few hours after surgery. And most patients receive a sedative prior to surgery. Therefore, you cannot drive home after undergoing the procedure, and you should plan not to drive for at least twenty-four hours.
What type of anesthetic is used for LASIK?
The procedure is done with topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye. Patients may be given a small amount of oral sedative to help them relax.
How long will I be out of work after having LASIK?
It depends on your occupation. Certain jobs that require intense clarity of vision (dentistry and surgery, for example) may be difficult to perform for one or two days. Most patients can return to work the next day, assuming their vision is adequate for their job. However, some people may feel fatigued for a day or so following surgery.
Can I play sports after LASIK surgery?
You can resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. However, for at least two weeks you will need to avoid activities that would cause perspiration to run into the eyes. You should wear safety glasses while playing contact sports whether or not you have had surgery. But if you do not routinely wear safety glasses, your surgeon may recommend wearing them for at least one month after LASIK. You will also need to avoid such activities as contact sports and swimming for several weeks. It is important to talk specifically with your doctor about limitations on activities after LASIK.
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"Before I had LASIK, life was literally a blur. Dr. Wenger at Vision Care performed my surgery and I returned to work the very next day."
- Shawn Hicks
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How long will it take before I can see well, and how long will it take before I have my best vision?
Fast visual recovery characterizes this operation. Most patients achieve good vision the day of surgery and find that their eyes feel fairly normal within a day. However, vision can continue to improve, and best vision can still take two to three months to occur. If necessary, adjustments to the surgery called enhancements can be done. Patients who undergo hyperopic LASIK often need to wait longer to able to see clearly. Typically, they are unable to see with intense clarity for one or two weeks, with best vision coming in several months post-operatively.
Will I need to wear glasses once my eyes have healed?
Most patients who have LASIK do not 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 such as night driving.
How safe is the LASIK procedure?
Most studies show that the LASIK procedure produces a minimal risk of serious complications. The overall complication rate cited in several major studies is 6%. However, most of the complications are resolved within three months and do not result in long-term interference with vision. The complication rate cited in large studies is between 0.5% and 1.9% at 1-2 years. LASIK is a surgical procedure done on a delicate part of the eye, and complications can occur.
After LASIK, how will my vision be at night or in low light?
Some patients will see glare, halos or starburst around objects in dim or low-light conditions. For the vast majority, these symptoms are temporary. However, others will continue to experience them for several months or longer. Although these symptoms do not necessarily interfere with visual acuity as it is measured by an eye chart, for some patients, the experience can interfere with daily activities and driving at night. For a more complete explanation of glare and halos.
Will my eyes be dry after LASIK?
All patients should be aware that dry eye is a potential complication of LASIK. Doctors need to carefully test patients who have suffered from dry eye before, are bothered by contact lenses, are going through menopause or taking birth control pills for the potential of developing this complication after surgery.
I wear bifocals now, and my doctor says that I'll still need to wear reading glasses even if I have LASIK done. Why is this?
Most people in their 40s or older will need reading glasses if their eyes are corrected for distance because the eye's lens loses flexibility as we age. This condition, called presbyopia, cannot currently be treated by surgical methods. Some patients in this age group select monovision, such as is done with contact lenses. This option allows patients to use one of their eyes for distance and the other to see up close. Although monovision proves to be satisfactory for some patients, many are not comfortable with this arrangement. Patients need to discuss the options with their physicians. Many practices suggest patients to test monovision with contact lenses for a few weeks prior to opting for monovision with LASIK. Be sure to ask if this trial option is available to you.
If I'm corrected for distance, will I lose my ability to see well up close?
If you have LASIK done to correct your distance vision, you can expect clear overall vision. However, images close to you may not appear as clear after having LASIK if you are over 40.
