1. Who would be a good candidate for LASIK?
The decision to have laser vision correction depends on the results of a thorough consultation. Some basic requirements include a stable eyeglass prescription for one year, healthy cornea and thick enough corneas, no active eye disease and at least 21 years of age.
2. How do I choose a LASIK surgeon?
One of the most important aspects in the decision-making process is to make sure the surgeon who performs your LASIK procedure is experienced. Ask specific questions that assure you your surgeon is skilled and has the expertise required to take care of your needs.
3. Can LASIK correct my farsightedness?
Yes! LASIK treatment corrects myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea).
4. What if I’ve been told I’m not a candidate for LASIK?
Technology continues to advance, and many patients who were not a candidate a few years ago may be a candidate today. There are also other vision- correction technologies available now, like lens implants.
5. Traditional LASIK vs. Custom LASIK
Traditional LASIK provides treatment similar to that which glasses or contacts would provide for a patient. Custom LASIK takes into account every person’s individual visual needs and can treat higher-order visual aberrations that cause problems such as starbursts, halos and decreased contrast sensitivity. There is also a lower risk of complications with Custom LASIK, and the Wavefront mapping technology used in the procedure gives the surgeon an incredibly accurate and precise means of locating and correcting problems with the eye. Also, studies have shown that the possibility of achieving 20/20 vision is higher with Custom LASIK.
6. Is the LASIK procedure painful?
No. The actual treatment itself is painless. Anesthetic drops are given to numb the eye. A patient may feel pressure during the procedure and afterward they may feel as if there is an eyelash in their eye. Any post-treatment discomfort can easily be treated with Tylenol or Advil.
7. How long does the procedure take?
The entire procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes; it depends on the prescription and the amount of correction needed.
8. If I have great vision, will I still need to have routine eye exams?
Yes. Even though your vision has been corrected and you no longer need a prescription, it is still essential to take care of your eyes by having a routine exam every year.
9. How SAFE is LASIK?
Studies have shown that LASIK is safer than regular contact lens use. It has been FDA approved since 1995. There have been more than 12 million procedures performed in the United States since its approval, making it the safest and most common elective procedure to date.
