What is LASIK surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a form of laser vision correction used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. During the procedure, the doctor will reshape the cornea using a computerized excimer laser. A small flap of tissue will be lifted to access the cornea and will be repositioned after the cornea has been reshaped.
Am I a candidate for LASIK?
To be a candidate for LASIK surgery, it’s important to have healthy eyes and no significant change in prescription over the last year. Patients generally need to be over the age of 18 with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism. Good candidates are also highly informed about the procedure and have reasonable expectations. Those who may not be a good candidate for LASIK are people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, are nursing, pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Are there any risks involved?
As with any surgical procedure, there are always risks involved. We inform all of our patients of the potential risks of LASIK surgery before deciding whether to proceed. Although rare, complications may include halos/glare, infection, dry eye and problems with the corneal flap. Generally, LASIK is a very safe procedure, and we make sure all of our patients are well-educated on the process.
How long does LASIK take?
The entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. Most patients have LASIK done on both eyes at the same time; it takes less than five minutes to perform the surgery on each eye.
Can I have LASIK done on both eyes at once?
Yes. Most patients will have LASIK done on both eyes at the same time. However, only your ophthalmologist or LASIK surgeon can determine if this is the best course of treatment for your case.
What type of results should I expect?
Our goal is to decrease or completely eliminate your need for corrective lenses. Many patients seek out LASIK surgery to be able to enjoy regular everyday activities without dealing with the hassle of glasses or contacts. While there is no guarantee that you will have 20/20 vision following LASIK, many of our patients can see better than 20/40 without corrective lenses after LASIK surgery. We will discuss your possibilities with you before the procedure, so you may have reasonable expectations going into surgery.
Will I have to wear glasses after I have LASIK done?
Many of our patients do not have to wear glasses after LASIK when partaking in everyday activities. However, some may need to wear glasses for certain activities, such as night driving. Patients over the age of 40 will most likely need reading glasses following LASIK. Another factor in determining your need for glasses post-LASIK is the amount of correction needed. Those who need a high amount of correction are more likely to need corrective lenses after surgery.
Is the procedure painful? Will I be in pain after the procedure?
We use eye drops to anesthetize your eyes, so they are numb during the surgery. Therefore, the procedure is virtually painless. Patients report the feeling of mild pressure on their eye during the procedure, but it causes minimal discomfort. Following the procedure, you may experience some mild irritation, watering of the eyes or sensitivity to light for approximately 4-6 hours. However, this is temporary and some people may return to work as early as the next day.
Does insurance cover LASIK surgery?
Every patient’s insurance differs, so it is important to contact your insurance company to determine the extent of coverage. LASIK, in most cases, is considered an elective procedure, meaning it is an optional surgery. Therefore, most insurance companies would not cover LASIK. Some employers offer flex plans, where you can set aside pretax dollars for things such as medical expenses. Check with your employer to see if this benefit is available to you.
