LASIK Eye Surgery FAQ
1. What is laser vision correction?
Laser eye surgery refers to procedures such as LASIK and PRK that used cool beams of laser light to reshape the surface of the eye to improve the vision. The beam can be used to flatten the cornea to heal nearsightedness, steepen the cornea to heal farsightedness and to smooth out irregularities in the shape of the cornea to cure astigmatism.
The goal of laser eye surgery is to change the shape the cornea so it does a better job of focusing images onto the retina, for sharper vision.
2. Is LASIK and PRK safe?
The FDA recognizes LASIK as proven, safe and effective. Laser vision correction uses a cool (non-thermal) beam of light that is computer controlled. The eye doctor operating this equipment must be certified and recertified every three years. He or she must also have a license.
Dry eyes and night time glare are the biggest risks associated with LASIK eye surgery along twitch the usual risk of infection that comes with any surgery. There are no known cases of blindness from LASIK eye surgery.
3. Can I have both eyes done at the same time?
Most surgeons perform LASIK on both eyes at the same time but one eye will be done at a time. It takes severeal minutes to do each eye.
4. How is LASIK surgery different from previous types of refractive eye surgery?
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) has a higher predictability of the final result with a lower incidence of complications. There are no incisions made manually thus reducing the risk of human error during the procedure.
5. Is LASIK vision correction painful?
Your surgeon will place anesthetic drops in your eye first so that you may not feel pain. Many LASIK patients report no more than mild discomfort for a day or so — often it's an itchy feeling, as if sand were in the eye.
6. How do I know if I'm eligible for LASIK eye surgery?
Your eye care practitioner can do a thorough diagnosis to see if LASIK eye surgery is right for you. The surgery is not ideal for those who have glaucoma, infection, cataracts, severe dry eye, or any other condition that would affect postoperative healing.
You also cannot be pregnant, nursing or have a degenerative or autoimmune condition.
7. What happens on the day of treatment?
LASIK is an outpatient procedure, which means you'll spend around an hour at the surgeon's office and walk out afterwards. Someone else should drive you home, since your vision may be blurry afterwards..
You'll lie down in a reclining chair. The surgeon will place anesthetic drops in your eye, position your head under the laser and place a suction ring around your eye to hold the eyelid open.
In LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the top of the cornea, folds it back out of the way, uses the laser to remove some corneal tissue, and then puts the flap back in place.
The surgeon will place drops or ointment in your eye. You'll probably notice clearer vision immediately, and it may improve even more as the weeks go by.
8. When can I drive again?
You may begin driving as soon as you see well enough, excluding the day you had LASIK or PRK performed. Many people can drive the next day but this needs to be confirmed at your post-operative appointment, which is usually within one day of the procedure.
9. When may I go back to wearing makeup?
You may resume wearing makeup about one week after your surgery. However, throw out your old makeup and buy new to decrease your risk of infection.
10. Are there any side effects?
Some people experience dry eye, which usually is alleviated with drops and disappears over time. Others may experience starbursts or halos around lights, especially at night. Usually this effect lessens or disappears over time as well.
The LASIK Review can help you find a qualified LASIK surgeon in your area. Click here to schedule a free LASIK consultation appointment, or contact us to have a LASIK Eye Surgery center contact you.
