FAQ : LASIK Eye Surgery
How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK procedure?
The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to schedule a no-cost consultation appointment. At this appointment our doctors will exam your eyes and determine if you are a candidate.Generally, the ideal LASIK candidate exhibits these characteristics:
- Is over 18 years of age
- Has had a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least two years
- Has sufficient corneal thickness (the cornea is the trans-parent front part of the eye). A LASIK patient should have a cornea that is thick enough to allow the surgeon to safely create a clean corneal flap of appropriate depth
- Does not suffer from any disease, vision-related or otherwise, that may reduce the effectiveness of the surgery or the patient's ability to heal properly and quickly.
- Is in general good health
- Has thoroughly researched the procedure and has discussed any related risks with the physician
- Has had a number of visual tests to determine whether they are a candidate
Again, the only way to know for sure is to come into the office and visit with one of our surgeons. They will run numerous tests to confirm whether or not you are a candidate.
Does it hurt?
No, the treatment itself is painless. Topical anesthesia (eye drops) are applied just before you have the procedure to eliminate any pain. Some patients may experience discomfort for one to three days after treatment. Many patients compare this to a sensation of sand in the eye.
What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis) both utilize a Laser to remove corneal tissue in order to flatten the cornea. In the PRK procedure, the laser works on the surface of the cornea. With LASIK, the surgeon first creates a flap on the cornea and then uses the laser for treatment below the corneal surface.
How long does the procedure take?
LASIK generally takes several minutes per eye. Numbing eye drops are the only anesthesia necessary and the procedure itself is generally painless.
Does everyone who has the LASIK surgery achieve 20/20 or better results?
LASIK cannot provide perfect vision every time for every patient. However, for the majority of LASIK candidates, the surgery improves vision and reduces the need for cor-rective eyewear. In fact, the vast majority of patients with low to moderate nearsightedness achieve 20/40 vision or better, and many can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better.
Is Laser Vision Correction new?
Most estimates state that approximately 1-2 million people have had Laser Vision Correction in over 55 countries over the past 11 years. The PRK form of Laser Vision Correction has been performed longer than LASIK has, however flap type procedures to treat nearsightedness, like LASIK, have been performed for over four decades.
Is Laser Vision Correction FDA approved?
Make sure your surgeon uses only FDA approved excimer lasers and microkeratomes to perform Laser Vision Correction. The role of the FDA is to regulate the sale and distribution of devices, such as the laser and microkeratome, but not how those devices are used. The FDA does not approve procedures. Whether the devices are used to perform PRK or LASIK is not under the jurisdiction of the Food & Drug Administration. This is considered the "practice of medicine," and is left up to individual surgeons' judgment and experience. The FDA has clarified this to eye surgeons throughout the United States with letters stating that these surgeons may indeed perform LASIK or PRK, depending upon which procedure they feel is best for their patients.
Can I have both eyes done at once?
Absolutely. LASIK doctors often perform LASIK on both eyes on the same day in the overwhelming majority of our patients. There are pros and cons to this approach but most people would like to minimize any postoperative discomfort and time off from work.
Am I too old for LASIK?
There is no set age where LASIK ceases to become effective. Some people may experience a condition known as presbyopia due to the normal weakening of the focusing muscles of the eye in their mid-forties. This condition occurs with or without LASIK. Those patients who currently have bifocals may still need reading glasses after the surgery unless they opt for a treatment plan called monovision, wherein one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision.