COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LASIK

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Questions About the Procedure

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), but the choice to do so depends on the surgeon's approach and your requirements. Some surgeons prefer to wait a few days to several weeks between eyes in order to evaluate the results of the first eye. While this practice affords the patient an opportunity to see clearly with at least one eye before the other is done, it somewhat inconveniences the patient.

Some surgeons will do both eyes on the same day in order not to inconvenience the patient; however, others maintain that there may be additional risks associated with bilateral surgery. Patients should discuss their options with their ophthalmologist.

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What type of anesthetic is used for LASIK?

The procedure is done with topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye. Patients may be given a small amount of oral sedative to help them relax.

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Does the LASIK procedure hurt?

Patients are given a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain. When the surgeon applies the vacuum ring, the patient experiences 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 or 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. After the first few hours, this uncomfortable feeling usually subsides.

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How long will the LASIK procedure take?

The whole procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes for two eyes, including creating the flap and performing the laser under the flap.

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Can I drive immediately after having LASIK?

Patients may experience some discomfort and/or blurred vision for a few hours after surgery. And most patients receive a sedative prior to surgery. Therefore, you cannot drive home after undergoing the procedure, and you should plan not to drive for at least twenty-four hours.

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Questions About Your Recovery

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What results can I expect from LASIK?

LASIK improves the uncorrected vision - one's visual capacity while not wearing corrective lenses - in most patients who have the procedure. Almost all patients can expect to achieve 20/40 vision, which most states and provinces consider good enough to drive without having to wear contacts or glasses, and many can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. There are no guarantees that you will have perfect vision. People who are most satisfied with the results of laser correction clearly understand the potential risks and complications and possess realistic expectations of what their vision will be like after surgery.

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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 surgeons 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 surgeon so they can review the changes you have had and help you make a decision whether or not you should wait until the changes have slowed down.

Patients should also note that while results are usually stable, they can be modified by enhancement procedures - procedures performed after the initial one - if necessary.

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How long will it take before I can see well, and how long will it take before I have my best vision?

Discomfort is rare and minimal. Usually vision is immediately improved but may fluctuate for several weeks. For a week a shield is worn over the eye at night until complete healing occurs. The eyes and lids cannot be rubbed to protect the flap.

Drops are used for several weeks. Glasses, if necessary, for reading and distance are prescribed in two weeks. Re-treatment occasionally is necessary and is performed as soon as the eye is stable but usually no sooner than two months.

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I wear bifocals now will I still need to wear reading glasses even if I have LASIK?

Most people in their 40s or older will need reading glasses if their eyes are corrected for distance because the eye's 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, many are not comfortable with this arrangement. Patients need to discuss the options with their physicians.

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If I am corrected for distance, will I lose the ability to see well up close?

If you have LASIK done to correct your distance vision, you can expect to have very clear overall vision. However, images close to you may not appear as clear after having LASIK if you are over 40.

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Will my eyes look different after LASIK?

No. Your eyes will look exactly the same.

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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 surgeon 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

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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, some people may feel fatigued for a day or so following surgery.

Fast visual recovery characterizes this operation. Most patients achieve good vision the day of surgery and find that their eyes feel fairly normal within a day. 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.

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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. The normal aging of the eye known as presbyopia causes this. This condition occurs with or without LASIK. Some patients may need a minimal prescription for some activities such as night driving.

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If I have LASIK and my vision changes later in life, can it be redone?

Re-treatment may be a viable solution to vision changes later in life and other treatment options may exist, such as Intacs. You would need to see your ophthalmologist to determine the cause of the change and which option may be best for you.

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