Common Questions
What is LASIK?
LASIK is an FDA-approved laser refractive procedure to correct a wide range of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. In LASIK, a thin layer of your cornea is lifted to create a flap. The laser sculpts the cornea, then the flap is returned for a quick, natural recovery. The goal of LASIK is to help reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses.
I only began wearing glasses for reading in my 40's. Will LASIK help me?
If your vision is clear without glasses or contacts and you've started wearing glasses around the age of 40 only to read then you have become presbyopic. This is a "normal" aging process and is not corrected by laser surgery.
How much does Standard LASIK cost?
$1,700 per eye (includes all pre, post and enhancement care for 1 year). Payment for your LASIK surgery can be made by cash, check or credit card. Payment plans are available.
How much does CustomVue LASIK cost?
$2,100 per eye (includes all pre, post and enhancement care for 1 years). Payment for your CustomVue surgery can be made by cash, check or credit card. Payment plans are available.
How long will I have to be out of my contact lenses?
For best results, we ask you to keep your contact lenses out according to the following schedule: (Keep in mind you must keep your contact lenses out permanently. No slipping them back in prior to surgery date.) Soft lenses need to be out for two (2) weeks prior to any testing, three (3) weeks for toric lenses, and four to six (4-6) weeks for gas perm or hard lenses.
How will I see right after the procedure?
Your vision will be better just after the procedure than it was without glasses before, but it will be a little hazy. The next day most patients are able to drive themselves to their one day post-operative visit unaided. It will gradually improve and a final result is seen after several weeks.
Are there any restrictions after surgery?
Most people return to work and normal activities within 48 hours after their procedure. Keep in mind you must be seen for a post-op appointment the next day. NO rubbing the eye! NO swimming, sun exposure or contact sports for at least one week and avoid alcoholic beverages for a few days following surgery as it causes dehydration therefore increasing dry eye symptoms.
Does it hurt?
A lid speculum is used to hold open the eyelids and may be a little uncomfortable but certainly not painful. The laser surgery itself is painless due to the anesthetic eye drops. Will I have pain after the procedure? Patients generally do not have pain after the procedure, but they sometimes have dry eye symptoms for several weeks. We recommend routine use of artificial tear eye drops to reduce the dry eye symptoms.
What are the possible side effects of LASIK?
Dry eyes are a common but treatable side effect of LASIK, which diminishes with time. Some people see halos around lights at night, but this can go away with time. When it persists, most patients find it noticeable but not disabling or distracting.
What is the risk of a serious complication from LASIK?
A serious complication would reduce the vision in the eye even with the best glasses or contact lens correction. Causes of such a complication would be scarring of the cornea due to infection or a complication with the flap. The risk of such a complication has been reported as 1 in 3500. By comparison the risk of scarring and infection of the cornea in people wearing contact lenses is 1 in 6000. With contact lenses this risk is spread out over the period of time in which the lenses are worn. With LASIK, the risk is condensed to several weeks after the procedure. If you are doing well several weeks after LASIK, your risk is over.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
No. We need you to be awake so that you are able to focus and follow instructions if needed. You will be given a small amount of valium to help you relax.
What if I can't control my blinking?
Do not worry, we use a speculum that holds your lids open. You may experience a little pressure from this but it is not painful.
Will I need LASIK more than once?
Most patients have very good results with one procedure but some patients may need an enhancement to fine-tune results. Approximately 5 to 10% of patients need an enhancement.
What is the first step to proceed?
The first step is to determine your candidacy through evaluating your prescription and corneal health. Once this has been approved you are ready for subsequent testing to include dilation, scheduling your surgery and ultimately to experience your new vision!
