about LASIK FAQ
If you don't see your question or topic addressed here, check with your doctor.
What does LASIK mean?
LASIK is an acronym for laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. It's a surgical procedure in which an excimer laser beam works within your eye's corneal tissue under a protective flap to "reshape" the cornea, thereby changing where images focus on the retina. Many common vision problems, such as farsightedness and nearsightedness, occur because of the length of the eye or the shape of the cornea, which prevent the images from focusing on the retina in the correct place.
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Are there surgical options other than LASIK for correcting my vision problems?
Yes. Surgeons can now correct many vision problems with CustomCornea®, a form of LASIK that completely customizes your treatment. CustomCornea® uses a detailed and current wavefront analysis of your eyes, rather than relying on a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, to create a customized correction for your individual vision problems. In addition to LASIK, there are various alternative procedures available. These include PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASEK (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy), a variation of PRK.
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How do I know if I'm a good candidate for laser vision correction?
Only a qualified eye care specialist or ophthalmologist can confirm, based on a comprehensive pre-operative examination, if you are a candidate for laser vision correction. Before you consult an eye specialist or a LASIK surgeon, you can test yourself to determine if surgery is for you.
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How is LASIK done?
A refractive surgeon performs the LASIK procedure. He or she uses an instrument called a microkeratome to make an incision in the outer layer of your cornea to create a small flap. This protective flap is folded back to expose a small area of your cornea onto which a laser beam is applied to reshape the cornea. The reshaping helps correct vision problems by changing the curvature of the cornea.
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If I need reading glasses now, will I still need them after LASIK?
In all likelihood, yes. Most people who wear reading glasses continue to need them even after LASIK. The reason? They likely suffer from presbyopia, a physiological visual condition occurring with age that LASIK does not address. There is a treatment approach called monovision, in which one eye is left slightly nearsighted for reading, and the other eye is treated for distance vision. Monovision is not an FDA-approved procedure and is not for everyone. Surgeons may choose to use this procedure based on individual patient needs.
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I've heard that some people need reading glasses after LASIK even though they didn't need them before. Is this true?
Some people may start to need reading glasses following LASIK, particularly if they were relying on nearsightedness to read without glasses, prior to surgery. They probably suffer from presbyopia, a physiological visual condition occurring with age, that LASIK does not address.
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If I need to wear contacts after laser eye surgery, will I be able to?
Immediately following LASIK, you should only wear eyeglasses, because contact lenses might interfere with the natural healing process. As your eyes heal, you should be able to wear contact lenses again if desired. Check with your doctor to learn what you can and can't do regarding contacts after LASIK.
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If LASIK does not correct my vision, what is the possibility that my glasses will need to be stronger than before?
Some people have had their vision worsen slightly, requiring a slight increase in the strength of their eyeglass prescription. This is not common, but it is a risk when you have LASIK surgery.
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I've heard that some people need to have a second surgery. Why does this happen?
Because every patient heals differently, some patients may benefit from a second procedure. Your surgeon will determine if further improvement of your vision is possible, and he or she may advise a second procedure, sometimes called an "enhancement."
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I've heard that some people only have one eye corrected. Why is that?
In this mode of treatment, called monovision*, one eye is left slightly nearsighted for reading. The other eye is treated for distance vision. In time, the two eyes will work together, with good vision in the distance and close up. If this is an option for you, your doctor may have you wear a contact lens first, to simulate the result before having the procedure. Your doctor can help you decide if this procedure is right for you.
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What should I expect from my first consultation with my doctor?
If you do not have the results of a recent vision test, your doctor will conduct one to determine your current vision both with and without your eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you're a candidate for LASIK, your doctor will run special tests to obtain very detailed information about the surface of your eyes. You can also test yourself to see if surgery is for you before you see a doctor. One of the best ways to learn about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure is to read about other patients' experiences.
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What happens on the day of the procedure?
You should ask your doctor to explain the day's events to you since each doctor works a bit differently. We also provide you with a detailed, step-by-step look at the LASIK procedure. Reading about other patients' experiences is another excellent way to learn more.
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Will LASIK hurt?
Most people feel only mild discomfort during or after the surgery, with no real pain. Because your eyes are "numbed" with eye drops before the procedure, you should not feel pain during your LASIK procedure. During the creation of the corneal flap, you may feel some pressure. The application of the actual laser beam should also be painless. There are no stitches involved. Instead, the corneal flap is simply laid back into place and it adheres to the rest of the cornea.
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Do I need to have laser eye surgery performed on both eyes at the same time?
There may be reasons why only one eye is corrected, such as a procedure called monovision. Your laser vision correction surgeon can discuss this option with you. Most patients prefer to have both eyes treated at the same time. If both eyes are not treated on the same day, the second eye can often be done within days of the first.
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Will I need to limit my activities after LASIK?
Yes, and you should discuss this with your doctor. You will probably need to limit only the most strenuous activities, and probably just for the first few days or weeks following the procedure. (Remember, you should not drive a car immediately after the procedure.) You should be able to return to work within a few days following the procedure, unless your job might cause injury to your eyes before they are completely healed. Many people even return to work the next day.
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What kind of vision can I expect in the first few days following surgery? Or, in the first few months?
In the first few days after surgery, your vision may actually be a bit more blurry than usual, and you may be sensitive to bright light. This is because the cornea is still healing after the surgery. In addition, your eyes will probably feel dry for a few weeks following surgery. As the cornea heals, the dryness, blurring, and sensitivity to light should diminish. Your vision may also continue to improve over the first few weeks. All of these symptoms are common when recovering from LASIK surgery.
*Monovision is not FDA-approved and is performed at the surgeon's discretion.
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