Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to call our office if you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.
Who is a candidate for LASIK?
Patients must be a minimum of 18-21 years old, depending on your prescription and the health of your eye. You must also fit within the treatment range of the laser, which encompasses most, but not all, corrections.
> top
How long do I have to keep my contacts out before my surgery?
If you are wearing soft contacts, they need to be out for at least two weeks before your evaluation exam and two weeks before your surgery. If you are wearing hard or gas-permeable contact lenses, they need to be out for at least three weeks prior to your exam and surgery.
> top
How long does LASIK surgery take?
You will be at our office for about one to two hours on the day of surgery. The surgery itself takes only a few minutes for each eye. Prior to surgery, you may have a small dose of Valium to relax you if you wish. The medication takes about 20 minutes to work. Prior to surgery, there will be a review of post-operative instructions.
top
Is LASIK surgery painful?
There is little pain associated with the modern refractive procedures. Your eyes are numbed before the surgery with anesthetic eye drops. The laser portion of the surgery is painless.
> top
Will I be 20/20 after LASIK surgery?
National statistics indicate that in patients with nearsightedness 95% will be capable of passing the drivers license test after surgery. The statistics also indicate that most patients will be 20/20 or better after surgery. Since these statistics cover a very wide range of nearsightedness and some very severe degrees of correction, patients with more normal prescriptions will usually expect to have better initial results.
> top
Will I be able to see up close after having LASIK?
If you are under the age of 40, you should not have any problems seeing up close after surgery. Most people in their middle to late 40s naturally have trouble seeing up close and need to use store-bought readers or bifocals to read small print. The need for prescription reading correction will occur to most patients regardless if they have Laser Refractive Surgery. Patients over the age of 50 may also have more difficulty with arms length or intermediate range vision.
> top
What other side effects are there after LASIK surgery?
Most patients experience intermittent mild irritation for several days after the surgery. Vision can fluctuate from day to day, and may also differ in each eye. This imbalance can be annoying in the early post-operative period. There are some patients whose vision takes several weeks to improve to its maximal level. Dryness in the eye can be exacerbated by the surgery, requiring the frequent use of drops for a period of time. There are some patients that will need to use lubricating eye drops for a prolonged period of time. Glare and light sensitivity may also occur. Night driving may be more difficult after surgery. These side effects usually resolve within several months.
> top
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts aren't painful, but they do cause symptoms, including: Blurred/hazy vision, Spots in front of the eye(s), Sensitivity to glare, A feeling of "film" over the eye(s), A temporary improvement in near vision.
You can view more information and animations about cataracts by clicking here.
> top
Who is at risk for developing cataracts?
People at risk for developing cataracts include those who are over 55, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes, or use certain medications.
> top
How are cataracts treated?
Vision loss from cataracts can often be improved with prescription glasses and contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. Cataract replacement is the most common surgical procedure in the country. During this procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens, or IOL.
> top
After surgery, will I ever have cataracts again?
No, you will not ever develop cataracts once you have had the surgery..
> top
|
