Is there any pain?

The surgery is nearly painless. A topical anesthetic in the form of an eye drop is used to numb the eye prior to the procedure. Most patients report a pressure sensation during the LASIK procedure. Following the procedure, most patients have only a mild burning or "scratchy" sensation.  Prescription pain relievers are usually not needed post-operatively.

How much time off work do I need to take?

The day of the surgery, you need to go home and rest. The next morning, many patients drive to our office for their post-op visit and then go on to work. With LASIK, you will notice a great improvement in your vision on the first morning post- op but crystal clear vision may take a week or more.

How long does the surgery take?

You will be in tsurgery for about ten minutes. Plan to be at the Surgery Suite for about an hour and a half. You will need a driver to take you home.

What are the post-operative restrictions?

The day of the procedure, you are requested to keep both eyes closed and rest as much as possible. LASIK patients are asked to wear a shield over the operated eye at bedtime for the first week for added safety. You will use antibiotic drops for one week. Avoid hot tubs for one week. Swimming is not recommended for LASIK patients for one month following the procedure unless you wear watertight goggles.

Are both eyes corrected at the same time?

Yes.

Will I ever need glasses again?

Usually not for distance vision, although some patients may still require thinner glasses for fine tuning. When you are in the age range where bifocals or "readers" are normally required for close vision (usually age 40-45 and beyond), you will most likely need reading glasses. This is a natural aging process of the eye known as presbyopia and happens to everyone.

How new is this procedure?

This procedure has been performed with the use of the laser since 1991 in Europe, but is based on the lamellar kertomilieusis technique that has been used for over forty years. The Excimer laser was approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 1995.

How old do I have to be for LASIK?

You must be over 18 years old and have a stable prescription for 2 years to have the procedure done. There is no upper age limit.

I am currently wearing contacts. Do I need to do something special?

Yes, remove your lenses at least one week prior to your pre-surgical evaluation if you have daily wear soft lenses. If you have extended wear lenses, you must leave them out for  at least one week. Patients who wear rigid gas permeable lenses must leave them out for at least eight weeks prior to the pre-surgical testing, or until stable.

Does the laser affect the inside of my eye?

No. The pulses of the laser do not enter the eye at all. The laser treatment will not cause glaucoma or cataracts. If later in life you develop glaucoma or cataracts, these conditions can be treated as though you had not had the laser treatment.

Who is not a candidate?

Anyone with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, keratoconus, herpes simplex of the cornea (herpes elsewhere is of no consequence), AIDS, autoimmune diseases, or anyone with unrealistic expectations.

Women who are pregnant or who are contemplating becoming pregnant within 6 months of the procedure, should wait until another time to have the procedure.

How will I hold my eye still for the treatment?

There is a light inside the laser that you will focus on during the procedure.

How will I keep my eye open during the treatment?

Your lids are held open with a small lid holder. This instrument keeps you from blinking.

Will I see everything the doctor is doing during the treatment?

Often we hear patients say that it is like having someone work on a window above you, or perhaps working on your glasses' surface.

Why won't I get any shots or have any stitches?

We use topical anesthetic drops to numb your eye during the procedure. No stitches are necessary because the two layers of the cornea are naturally "sticky" and will adhere to one another very well once the flap (LASIK patients) has been put back into position.