LASIK FAQ

LASIK FAQ's

How do I know if I'm a candidate for Laser Vision Correction?

Most practices offer free screenings, either during an in-house seminar or with a patient counselor. If you take advantage of either of these offerings, remember to bring your glasses or prescription. Your surgeon will then determine which refractive procedure will offer you the greatest benefit.

What is the difference between RK and LASIK Laser Vision Correction?

RK and LASIK Laser Vision Correction are procedures to correct refractive error by

reshaping the cornea to allow light rays to properly focus on the retina. RK requires the use of a diamond blade to create radial incisions on the surface of the cornea. LASIK reshapes the cornea using cool waves of ultraviolet light that gently sculpt away nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism with microscopic precision using an Excimer laser.

What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?

PRK is the first Excimer laser procedure approved for use in the United States. With PRK, the surface of the cornea (epithelium) is scraped or ablated along with the corneal tissue underneath. This sculpting removes microscopic layers of the cornea to correct refractive error. In contrast, LASIK reshapes the inner layers of the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. A special instrument called the microkeratome gently lifts and folds back a thin layer of the cornea. The laser then precisely reshapes the inner surface of the cornea to enable light rays to focus more directly on the retina so images are in better focus. LASIK is the most widely performed refractive procedure in the United States. Because the corneal surface is left virtually intact, most patients report a very high comfort level following the procedure and almost instantaneous improvements in vision.

Are all patients who wear glasses and contacts candidates for LASIK?

Patients with virtually every degree of nearsightedness and astigmatism are enjoying good outcomes with LASIK. Mild to moderate degrees of farsightedness and astigmatism are able to be treated.

How long will the procedure actually take?

The procedure itself takes only 5 to 10 minutes minute per eye, though you will likely be at the doctor’s office for a couple of hours.

Is the laser painful?

The procedure itself is not painful since medication is administered to make you feel comfortable. Post operatively, most patients experience little or no discomfort. After the procedure, your eyes may feel scratchy, gritty, or watery. These are temporary symptoms

and are not a problem for most patients.

What kind of vision can I expect the day after surgery?

Most patients notice improved vision immediately after the procedure. Most patients are functional without their corrective lenses at the one day post operative exam. Patients continue to see a gradual increase in their visual acuity during the first five to seven days after the procedure.

Does insurance cover refractive surgery?

Most insurance companies consider refractive surgery an elective surgery and it is not usually a covered benefit. However, it is certainly worth checking with your insurance company.

Can both eyes be done at the same time?

Because of the advanced technology associated with laser vision correction, both eyes are most often treated at the same time. It is possible that the second eye may be done anywhere from one day to a few days to months after the first eye. You can discuss this further when you see your doctor.

Do the results last?

Refractive surgery is considered to be a permanent procedure. However, refractive surgery will not prevent any age related conditions such as presbyopia or cataracts, and they would be treated in their normal matter.

How much work will I miss?

Most patients return to their normal activities the day after the procedure. Your doctor’s office can give you more details on what you can expect when you go in for an evaluation.

What are the risks of refractive surgery?

Again, your doctor’s office can discuss with you the benefits, risks, and side-effects of the surgery, and what you may be able to expect from the procedure.