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LASIK
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a procedure for the correction of moderate to high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness). LASIK will also correct low to moderate degrees of hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Why choose LASIK? The number of people considering refractive surgery is at an all time high and LASIK is currently considered to be the procedure of choice. Specifically, LASIK surgery creates less trauma to the eye than PRK, enabling the cornea to heal more quickly and improving vision more rapidly. Some of the benefits of LASIK are:
- Brief recovery time
- Minimal post-operative discomfort
- Less post-operative medication
- High degree of predictability
- Preservation of corneal surface
- Very low risk of scarring
- Low risk of complications
- Freedom or reduced dependence on glasses/contact lenses
How long does the LASIK procedure take?
Expect to be at the center for about one to two hours the day of the procedure. The treatment takes about 20-30 minutes for both eyes.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure itself is done using topical numbing drops and is not painful. There may be some scratchiness and discomfort after the procedure when the anesthesia wears off. Medications are given to minimize this discomfort.
What about dry eye complications?
It takes about three months for the nerves of the cornea to heal after LASIK. During that time it is not unusual to feel some dryness, which is helped with eye drops. It would be very rare to have a dry eye problem in the long run.
What are the Risks / Side Effects of LASIK?
It is impossible to describe every possible risk and side effect of LASIK. These are the most common ones:
- Temporary blurred vision, tearing, irritation
- Pain or discomfort for the first few days
- Over correction/Under correction
- The need for reading glasses for patients over 40
- Intra-ocular pressure increase
- Glare at night/sensitivity to bright lights
- Corneal haze formation
- LASIK protective flap problems
- Infection
- Treatment decentration (when the laser treatment is off center)
What will my vision be after the LASIK procedure?
This varies among patients. Studies show that in general, 95% of patients achieve 20/40 or better vision (that needed to pass the driver’s test) and about two thirds achieve 20/20 or better. Results may be better or worse depending on a patient’s degree of refractive error. Dr. Fier’s results are superior to the national statistics with 98% of patients being 20/40 or better and 85% of patients being 20/20.
Will I need glasses or contact lenses after the procedure?
The LASIK procedure is designed to decrease your dependency on glasses and contact lenses, not necessarily eliminate them for all tasks. For instance, some patients may need glasses for reading, night driving, or other specific tasks. Most patients note that they can do most things without glasses or contacts after the procedure.
Can both eyes be treated at the same time?
Because of the rapid return of vision, most patients have both eyes treated on the same day.
If the eyes are treated on different days, what do I do in between?
Generally, if you wear contacts, you will continue to do so in the untreated eye. If you wear glasses, the lens will be changed as necessary.
How much time must I take off from work following the procedure?
This depends on your job. In general, LASIK patients can return to work either the day after the procedure or they take one day off. For those jobs in which good visual acuity in both eyes is critical, it may take several days for vision to return to a level in which you can perform your job properly.
How often do I return for follow-up examinations after the procedure?
In general, there are short checkups one day and one week after the procedure. We then examine you at one month and one year if necessary. The examination schedule is tailored to your specific situation.
How soon will I notice improvement in my vision after the treatment?
After LASIK, visual improvement is usually noted the day after the procedure and continues for a few weeks.
Will insurance cover the procedures?
Since the procedures are considered elective, most insurance companies do not cover them. .
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