 |
|
Lasik - Frequently Asked QuestionsOur Surgeon | Monovision Lasik | FAQ's | IntraLase What is Lasik? What is Lasik?Lasik is a refractive procedure designed to reduce or eliminate your dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure involves first making a corneal flap and then performing laser ablation to change the shape of the cornea. The flap is then repositioned. This procedure has a relatively quick recovery time. What results can expect from LASIK?LASIK improves the uncorrected vision-in most patients who have the procedure. Over 90% of patients achieve 20/40 vision, which most states consider good enough to drive without having to wear contacts or glasses, and many can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. However, there are no guarantees that you will have perfect vision and patients with high myopia (more than-7D) and high hyperopia (more than+4D) should have lower expectations. People who are most satisfied with the results of laser correction clearly understand the potential risks and complication and possess realistic expectations of what their vision will be like after surgery. Are the results achieved from LASIK permanent?The effects of LASIK are permanent. The effects of LASIK do not wear off. But it is important to realize that a person's eye can still change internally. That is why many eye doctors recommend having the procedure done after the major eye changes have occurred in one's life. For instance, LASIK is not recommended on children because their eyes change a great deal. They would need the vision fine-tuned in a few years. If the procedure is performed after the age of 18, the chance of long-term stable correction is more likely. Even the eyes of patients over the age of 18 can still be changing. Therefore, we recommend a good conversation with your optometrist to review the changes you have had and help you make a decision whether or not you should wait until the changes have slowed down. If I have vision changes later in life, can I have the procedure redone?Retreatment, also known as an enhancement, may be a viable solution to vision changes later in life, and other treatment options exist. You would need to see your optometrist to determine the cause of the change and to determine which option is best for you. How long will the LASIK procedure take?The whole procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes for two eyes, including creating the flap and performing the laser under the flap. The laser portion of the procedure only takes 10-20 seconds per eye. Can I drive immediately after having LASIK?Patients may experience some discomfort and/or blurred vision for a few hours after surgery. And some patients receive a sedative prior to surgery. Therefore, you cannot drive home after undergoing the procedure, and you should plan not to drive until at least the next day. What type of anesthetic is used for LASIK?The procedure is done with topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye. It is the same drop that is used for tonometry (glaucoma test) during a routine eye examination. Patients may be given a small amount of oral sedative to help them relax. Does the LASIK procedure hurt?Patients are given a topical anesthetic ( eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain during the procedure. When the surgeon applies the vacuum ring, the patient experience a sensation of pressure just before his or her vision fades for a few seconds. The microkeratome-the instrument the surgeon uses to create the flap - and the laser do not cause any pain of discomfort. For several hours after the procedure, many patients describe a mild burning sensation, such as after opening the eyes while swimming in chlorinated water. Therefore, taking a nap for the first 2 to 3 hours after LASIK is encouraged. After the first few hours, this feeling usually subsides. Can I have both eyes done with LASIK at the same time?You can have bilateral simultaneous LASIK (both eyes done at the same time). Most patients have both eyes done at the same time because of the safety of the procedure and because of convenience. How long will I be out of work after having LASIK?It depends on your occupation. Certain jobs that require intense clarity of vision (dentistry and surgery, for example) may be difficult to perform for one or two days. Most patients can return to work the next day, assuming their vision is adequate for their job. However, we recommend taking an additional one or two days off work after surgery. Can I play sports after LASIK surgery?You can resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. However, for at least two weeks you will need to avoid activities that would cause perspiration to run into the eyes. You should wear safety glasses while playing contact sports whether or not you have had surgery. But if you do not routinely wear safety glasses, your optometrist may recommend wearing them for at least one month after LASIK. You will also need to avoid such activities as contact sports and swimming for several weeks. It is important to talk specifically with your doctor about limitations on activities after LASIK. How long will it take before I can see well, and how long will it take before I have my best vision?Fast visual recovery characterizes this operation. Most patients achieve good vision the day after surgery and find that their eyes feel fairly normal within two days. However, vision can continue to improve, and best vision can still take two to three months to occur. If necessary, adjustments to the surgery called enhancements can be done. Patients who undergo hyperopic LASIK often need to wait longer to able to see clearly. Will I need to wear glasses once my eyes have healed?Most patients who have LASIK do not wear glasses for their daily activities. However, patients may need to wear reading glasses if they are over the age of 40. This is caused by the normal aging of the eye known as presbyopia. This condition occurs with or without LASIK. Some patients may need a minimal prescription for some activities such as night driving. How safe is the LASIK procedure?Studies show that the LASIK procedure produces a minimal risk of serious complications. The complication rate is between 0.5% and 1.2% at 2 years. LASIK is a surgical procedure done on a delicate part of the eye, and complications can occur. After LASIK, how will my vision be at night or in low light?Some patients will see glare, halos or starburst around objects in dim or low-light conditions. For the vast majority, these symptoms are temporary. However, others will continue to experience them for several months or longer. Although these symptoms do not necessarily interfere with visual acuity as it is measured by an eye chart, for some patients, the experience can interfere with daily activities and driving at night. Will my eyes be dry after LASIK?All patients should be aware that dry eye is a potential complication of LASIK. Doctors need to carefully test patients who have suffered from dry eye before, are bothered by contact lenses, are going through menopause or taking birth control pills for the potential of developing this complication after surgery. I wear bifocals now, and my doctor says that IÕll still need to wear reading glasses even if I have LASIK done. Why is this?Most people in their 40s or older will need reading glasses if their eyes are corrected for distance because the eyeÕs lens loses flexibility as we age. This condition, called presbyopia, cannot currently be treated by surgical methods. Some patients in this age group select monovision, such as is done with contact lenses. This option allows patients to use one of their eyes for distance and the other to see up close. Although monovision proves to be satisfactory for some patients, some are not comfortable with this arrangement. Patients need to discuss the options with their optometrist. We test patients with monovision contact lenses for a few weeks prior to opting for monovision with LASIK. Does insurance cover this surgery?Although LASIK is not a cosmetic procedure, it is considered an elective surgery. Such surgeries are covered in many European and Asian countries. However, almost all United States, Canadian and Latin American insurance policies will not cover the procedure, nor will Medicare usually cover it. You should check with your insurance company to see if your policy offers partial or full coverage. In many cases, the cost of the procedure can be covered by medical flex plans or medical cafeteria plans that allow pretax dollars to be set aside for medical expanses. You should check with your employer to see if your company offers this type of benefit. It is possible that the cost of LASIK may be deducted from your U.S. federal income taxes. You should check with your accountant to see if you can take LASIK as a deductible health expense. What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?PRK, or photo refractive keratectomy, is similar to LASIK in that both
procedures employ a computer-controlled excimer laser to reshape the cornea
of the effected eye, However, LASIK preserves the epithelium (the outermost
protective layer of the eye) because the surgeon creates a flap. During PRK,
the epithelium is removed by gently scraping the surface. Anesthetic drops in the
eye ensure that the patient experiences as little discomfort as possible. |
