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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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No.
Your eyes will look exactly the same.
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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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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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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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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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