Lasik : Day of Procedure : FAQs : Reading Glasses

Q. WHAT IS LASIK?
A. Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis is a method of reshaping the cornea to correct high degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness with or without astigmatism and farsightedness. During the treatment, the corneal flap is created with a femtosecond laser or the microkeratome, then the computerized laser removes thin layers of tissue from the cornea. The flap, when replaced, flattens to the desired correction so that the eye can focus properly. The goal is to eliminate or reduce a person’s reliance on contact lenses and glasses.

Q. WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
A. The treatment is for patients 18 years or older who have myopia (nearsightedness) with or without astigmatism, or hyperopia (farsightedness with or without astigmatism) and meet certain visual and medical criteria. In addition to the visual and medical requirements, the best candidates tend to be people who are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses and are motivated to make a change, whether it’s due to occupational or lifestyle reasons. However, only an eye doctor who is specially trained can evaluate whether or not a patient is medically suitable for LASIK.

Q. WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE TREATMENT?
A. First, our doctors, who are specially trained to evaluate the suitability of patients for LASIK, perform a complete eye exam, during which the doctors gather the information necessary to achieve the ideal correction. Prior to the treatment, drops are placed in the eye to numb it. The patient reclines in a comfortable chair while the doctor inserts an instrument to keep the patient from blinking during treatment. First a corneal flap is created using the IntraLase™ femtosecond laser or a microkeratome, and then the laser is used to gently remove thin layers of tissue to achieve the desired correction. An eye shield is put in place over the treated eye and the patient is free to go home. During the first 24-48 hours following the treatment, most patients will experience a gritty sensation in the eye as well as some discomfort. In most cases, the patient is seen the day after treatment, one to two weeks after treatment and at about two months following treatment, in order to make sure the eye is healing properly. In most cases, the patient will notice improved vision the morning after treatment.

Q. WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE FOR THE TREATMENT?
A. Vision improvement is achieved in 100 percent of the procedures. Depending on the level of pre-operative correction, significant improvement in vision without glasses can be achieved. During your consultation, our doctors will give you an idea of the level of vision you can expect.

Q.WHAT KIND OF VISION CAN I EXPECT THE DAY AFTER SURGERY?
A. Many 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.

Q. HOW SOON CAN I GO BACK TO WORK AFTER HAVING THE TREATMENT?
A. Typically, patients can go back to work 1-3 days following the surgery. Many patients prefer to be treated on Friday afternoon in order to minimize time away from work.

Q: WILL HEALTH INSURANCE COVER VISION SURGERY?
A: Health insurance does usually not cover laser vision correction because it is considered an elective surgery.

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

The decision to have LASIK is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire. The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their vision after LASIK and can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.

Serious complications with LASIK are extremely rare. LASIK is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Many of the risks and complications associated with this procedure can be reduced or eliminated through careful patient selection and thorough pre-operative testing using the latest diagnostic technology.

After LASIK, you may experience some visual side effects. These visual side effects are usually mild and diminish over time. But there is a slight chance that some of these side effects won't go away completely, such as feelings of dryness, glare and halos.

Since everyone heals somewhat differently, some patients may over react to the procedure and some may under react resulting in overcorrections and undercorrections. Once the eye has stablized (3 to 6 months) you and your doctor can discuss whether a re-treatment could help fine tune your vision if you are over or under corrected.

After a thorough eye exam, you and your doctor will determine if LASIK is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction. If you would like additional information about risks and complications now, you may download our "consent for surgery" form by going to Patient Forms.