LASIK FAQs

1. How do I know if I’m a candidate for LASIK?

With the help of a complete eye exam, it will be confirmed if the patient is far or nearsighted or has astigmatism. He must not have any ocular health problems like untreated glaucoma or cataracts. Specific extra measures are needed for corneal surface mapping or cornea thickness. With the help of an experienced ophthalmologist, it can be noted if the patient is an ideal candidate for LASIK or not.

2. What do I need to do for choosing my surgeon or practice?

The entire success rate of  LASIK treatment depends on the experienced surgeon, along with the accuracy of the noted pre-operative assessment. There are certain criteria that a your LASIK surgeon must posses including certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology; along with being well trained in the  practice of Ophthalmology and possess the measurable experience necessary to perform LASIK surgical procedures.

3. What is associated with LASIK treatment and the time it takes?

The entire procedure might take 5-7 minutes for each eye. It takes place under topical anesthetic eye drops. During the process of LASIK, a medical instrument, named a microkeratome is used for lifting the upper thin layer of the cornea. Then, with the help of laser treatment, a precise amount of corneal tissue is removed. After the procedure takes place, the flap is laid back in its previous position by natural suction. No sutures are used. Eye drops and plastic shields are used for protecting the eye for the day. Results are more or less immediate, however, some discomfort might take place for the first 24 hours .

4. How can the laser possibly work?

The well-known excimer laser uses  a light cold beam to sculpt the cornea’s surface into its desired shape. It helps in correcting both farsightedness and nearsightedness, along with astigmatism.

5. Does this LASIK process hurt?

With the use of anesthetic eye drops, the cornea can be easily numbed. According to the majority of patients, they feel little or no discomfort  during or after LASIK treatment.

6. What about the recovery process?

In LASIK treatment, recovery is usually very fast. For the first few hours after surgery, patients might feel a little bit of irritation, along with a tearing and a burning sensation. At this time, the vision is blurred. Therefore, the majority of people nap at this point to rest their eyes. After few hours, the irritation subsides and the vision starts to become clear. After the surgical day, the irritation  stops completely, and the vision is quite clear.

7. I just cannot tolerate anything in my eye

I am so very nervous! Therefore, the use of a mild sedative can work wonders before starting the surgical procedure. It can  help you to relax during the procedure, and at the same time encourage taking a nap. 

8. Will it be possible to do both eyes, at the same time?

Most people prefer to have one eye done at a time. In certain cases, some patients will opt for having both their eyes done at the same time. This helps to avoid the imbalance period, which generally takes place when one eye is still in need of correction.

9. What will happen if I move or blink my eye during this process?

During the process, you will be lying on a comfortable stretcher and staring straight ahead at a fixation light. At this point, your surgeon will use a lid separator called a speculum to hold the upper eye lid open, which prevents blinking. The doctor has full control of the laser, and can also stop the procedure if he thinks it is necessary.

10. Will I have to wear glasses after surgery?

You cannot get a guarantee of perfect vision with any of the medical processes. The majority of people enjoy clear vision within just a few days. An important point to note is that LASIK does not eliminate the use of reading glasses. Starting around the  age of 40 a typical condition called presbyopia starts to take place which might require  bifocal or reading glasses. Laser treatment will not be able to correct this condition.

11. How much time will I have to take off from work?

In most cases, patients  return to  work within two days.

12. Will LASIK ever interfere with my lifestyle?

All  active sports will need to be postponed for two weeks or until your eyes are fully healed. Some other activities should also be avoided like hot tubs, swimming, and  saunas. After full recovery takes place, you can again regain your activities, and can even play sports without using your  glasses.

13. How long will the correction last?

LASIK can be defined as a permanent process; however, you may need an enhancement procedure in certain cases. 

14. Is it true that LASIK treatment needs six months to improve vision?

Visual improvement is more or less immediate, even though fluctuations might take place.  The majority of people  heal  within two weeks.

15. How safe is the entire process? Are there any further complications?

The process is quite safe, and therefore has been rapidly accepted. With any surgical procedure, complications might arise. There are some vision-threatening results which exist, but these are extremely rare. These complications include infections (1 in 5,000) and irregular healing process, which is also known as “irregular astigmatism”. During such instances, contact lenses or further surgery might be necessary. Other complications might lead to blurriness for a temporary time, dependence on contact lenses or glasses for a short time period, or need for an additional surgical procedure. In most cases, patients recover without any complications.

16. How can you rate the success?

There are different factors, on which success generally depends. The most important are the degree of astigmatism or farsightedness, and nearsightedness. Depending on this factor, the surgeon can predict 20/40 or greater vision for the patient. In most cases, 95% of LASIK eye treatments have reached 20/20, with just the single procedure. 

17. Can LASIK treat my farsightedness?

If defined in moderate and low ranges, then LASIK might help you in this regard. On the other hand, for high levels, LASIK might not be the best option . You may opt for other refractive procedures for better results.

18. What to do regarding astigmatism?

Astigmatism generally takes place when the eye shape is oval and not round. With a laser treatment any level of Astigmatism can easily be corrected. 

19. Can LASIK help with my dry eyes?

Many patients who have dry eyes have proceeded with LASIK surgery.  LASIK might worsen the condition, but only for a temporary period. Dryness is usually treated with the  artificial tears for lubrication. In certain cases, punctal plugs, which are placed in the lower eye lid tear ducts, can be inserted to improve tear distribution . The plugs may be removed once you are free from dryness, or can be left in place on a permanent basis, as well.

20. I have to rely on reading glasses. Can LASIK help me in this regard?

LASIK is only used to correct distance vision. If LASIK is performed when distance glasses are not needed for patients over 40 years of age,  they might need to wear  a pair of reading glasses. However, the exception is when people opt for monovision. Here, one eye is corrected for distance, and the other remains nearsighted. Among 100 % of patients, 10 to 20 % generally opt for monovision correction. This process is only recommended for those patients, who have already tried this type of correction using  contact lenses.

21. What is the price range of LASIK?

The cost of LASIK procedures may vary from one facillity  to another, and is also dependent on the procedure that is best for the patient on an individual basis, your surgeon will determine the best procedure for you and our co-ordinators will go over all costs and payment options. Norwich Ophthalmology Group offers several  financial plans which  feature  no-interest to low-interest rates as well as in house financing. 

22. Will my health insurance policy cover my LASIK procedure?

Most insurance companies will not cover your LASIK procedure, however, it is always a good idea to call your  insurance representatives to ask about the benefits and coverage that may apply.

For any other questions you may have, please feel free to contact our  LASIK surgeons at (860) 889-5980 for more information or to schedule your Complimentary LASIK Consultation today.