​What is LASIK?
LASIK is a form of laser vision correction surgery. The term LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

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What is WaveLight® LASIK technology with CONTOURA® Vision?
WaveLight® LASIK technology with CONTOURA® Vision is a kind of laser vision correction that gives your doctor the ability to map out the features of your eyes. It combines the latest surgical advancements into a procedure personalized for your ideal vision with more precise measuring of the cornea, increased treatment speed and fewer side effects. Click to learn more. 

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This system provides:

• Smooth treatments

• Great accuracy

• Proven safety

• Freedom from the limitations of glasses

 

Am I a candidate for LASIK?
Talking to your surgeon is the best way to determine if you are a candidate for any type of LASIK procedure. With a quick series of tests administered by your eye doctor, you can find out if you are eligible for LASIK. If your prescription for glasses or contact lenses has changed in the past 18 months, you might not be ready for LASIK. Your eyes may still be changing, which means they could continue to change after the procedure. You should also talk to your surgeon about any health conditions you have been diagnosed with and medications you may be taking. Certain conditions, such as dry eyes and thin corneas, can affect your eligibility.

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How common is LASIK?
Over 16 million people worldwide have enhanced their eyesight and lifestyle with LASIK. As LASIK grows in popularity, more and more people are eliminating the causes of fuzzy vision.

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How much does LASIK cost?
There’s no universal price tag on a LASIK procedure. A number of factors can impact the cost of a LASIK procedure, including:

• Location

• Laser system used

• Diagnostic tests used

• Surgeon reputation, experience, and skill

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Will my insurance pay for LASIK?
LASIK is typically considered an elective surgery, meaning it usually isn’t covered by private insurance or Medicare. You should check with your insurance carrier or employer. If your insurance gives you the choice of a flex spending or health savings account, you might see whether those funds could be used to help pay for your procedure. Some doctors may offer payment plans.

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How is LASIK done?
Before a LASIK procedure, you will need to have an eye evaluation, which usually assesses the following:

• Your vision

• The shape of your cornea

• Possible eye disease

• Eye measurements

 

Keep in mind that you may be asked to not wear contact lenses for up to 2 weeks before your evaluation to help your eyes return to their natural shape.

 

How long does LASIK take?
The entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes—and depending on the technology, as little as 10 minutes. Some patients have even been able to get back to their routine within a day.

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What happens during LASIK?
The LASIK experience may vary from procedure to procedure, but you can usually expect the following:

• Anesthetic drops will be placed in each eye

• You will lie down on a patient bed under the laser system

• You will be asked to focus on a small blinking light

• Pulses of laser energy will precisely reshape your cornea

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The difference between PRK vs LASIK procedures lies in the way the surgeon accesses the cornea. During PRK eye surgery, your doctor will remove a thin layer of corneal tissue, which exposes the cornea for reshaping. Alternatively, LASIK leaves the corneal tissue in place by creating a small flap that provides access to the cornea.

 

What type of recovery can I expect after LASIK?
Each person who undergoes a LASIK procedure has a unique recovery experience. Many people are able to return to work the very next day. Others might experience a few minor side effects, such as watery or red eyes for a few days.

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Is LASIK worth it?
Only you, with the help of your surgeon, can decide if LASIK is right for you.

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What kind of vision should I expect in the first few days after my procedure?
Immediately after a LASIK procedure, the first thing many patients notice is how clearly they can see the alarm clock. During this initial period, you may also be sensitive to bright light, and your vision may also be slightly blurry. This happens because your cornea is still healing, and once it heals, these issues may subside.

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What kind of vision should I expect in the first few months after my LASIK procedure?
Over the months following your procedure, it is likely that your vision will continue to improve, becoming crisper, clearer, and brighter—most people achieve 20/20.

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Is LASIK safe?
During a LASIK procedure, safety is the number one priority. Most people do not suffer serious complications after LASIK, but like all surgical procedures, it still involves a risk of complications or side effects. Make sure to discuss the risks and benefits of any LASIK procedure with your surgeon, so you can make an informed decision that’s best for you.

Common risks associated with LASIK procedures include:

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• Developing dry eye syndrome, which can be severe

• The possible need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery

• Visual symptoms including halos, glare, starbursts, and double vision, which can be debilitating

• The loss of vision

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Will LASIK affect my ability to see at night?
At first, you might experience difficulty seeing at night or glare in very bright light. These conditions are usually temporary and disappear once the eyes have fully healed.

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Does LASIK wear off?
With LASIK, the effects are permanent. It is important to know that as you age, the natural lens inside your eye can still change and have an impact on your vision. This is called presbyopia, and it’s the reason people develop the need for reading glasses later in life.

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Can LASIK fix astigmatism?
With LASIK, your cornea is reshaped making it more symmetrical. This helps to alleviate visual problems caused by astigmatism.

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To learn more about this life changing procedure call 910-484-2284 Ext. 285 to speak with a surgical counselor. 

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