Frequently asked questions about LASIK answered.
LASIK, also called laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a laser-based eye surgery commonly used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. In the LASIK procedure a hinged flap is made in the outer corneal tissue (the transparent layer covering the front of the eye) and lifted out of the way to allow an excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue. Tissue reshaping improves the eye’s ability to focus light and thus relieves blurred vision and reduces dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses. The natural adherence properties of the replaced corneal flap negate the need for stitches.
1.Am I a candidate for LASIK?
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It is important to understand that not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. Some basic requirements include:
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A stable eyeglass prescription for at least one year.
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Best corrected vision of at least 20/40.
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Healthy cornea.
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No active eye disease.
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Over 18 years old.
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If you're pregnant or nursing, your hormonal levels can affect the shape of your eye. You'll need to wait at least 6 months after completion of breastfeeding to consider LVC.
2.Can I get both eyes done at the same sitting?
Yes. You can get both eyes done at the same sitting.
3.Does LASIK hurt?
No. The actual treatment itself is painless. Anesthetic drops will be given prior to surgery to completely numb the eye. You may feel a light pressure sensation around your eye, and after the procedure is finished you might feel a foreign body sensation for a few hours.
4.How long does it take to do LASIK?
The actual procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes per eye. However you should be ready to spend around 2 hours in the hospital on the day of surgery
5. Will my numbers come back?
This depends on the amount of individual correction done. There is a small chance that some numbers might come back if your initial corrections were high. This can be easily remedied by retreatment if you have adequate corneal tissue left.
6. Will I need retreatment?
Even with the latest technology, approximately 1 in 10 patients may need to have a retreatment eye to achieve their best uncorrected vision. This is because there is always some variability in how each individual’s eye will heal post LASIK.
7. How soon after the surgery will I be able to see?
Visual recovery after LASIK varies from person to person .It may take one day or one week. The majority of patients resume normal activities one to two days following surgery but it may take 1 to 2 months for your vision to fully stabilize especially if you had higher prescriptions. Your vision in the beginning might not be clear and may fluctuate slightly. This is perfectly normal and should improve gradually day by day.
8. Will I need to wear my glasses after LASIK ?
Most patients who have the LASIK procedure do not wear glasses for their daily activities. However, patients may need to wear reading glasses once they are over the age of 40. This is caused by the normal aging of the eye, also known as presbyopia. sometimes, especially if you had had higher prescriptions, you might need to use spectacles for activities in dim light like driving.
9. Can LASIK cause dryness in my eye?
Dry eyes are a possible complication following LASIK eye surgery. You will be tested for the potential of developing this complication after surgery if you suffer from a history of dry eyes or is a long term contact lens wearer or bothered by contact lenses. After surgery, all patients are required to use lubricant eye drops as required.
10. Can LASIK cause glare and haloes?
Some patients may see mild glare, halos or starbursts around lights in low-light conditions temporarily following surgery. For the vast majority, these symptoms are temporary, usually lasting a few days to a week.
11. What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of laser vision correction used for the correction of myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. It is an alternative to LASIK, most often recommended if a patient’s corneas are too thin to make LASIK a safe option for them. What makes PRK different from LASIK is in the cornea preparation. In PRK, instead of the flap being raised, the laser is applied directly on the corneal surface to remove the epithelium. The laser application to reshape the cornea is just the same as with LASIK and once completed, a contact lens is placed over the eye. This contact lens acts as a bandage, protecting the eye for the few days during the period when the epithelium grows back.