These are just some of the most common questions that we receive. If you don't find the answer to a question below or need more information please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can provide you with as much insight as needed to make a sound decision. If you've had all of your questions answered and feel as though you are ready to take the next steps in LASIK, please contact us and we will help you set-up an appointment to have a LASIK pre-operative evaluation.

How do I know if LASIK is right for me?

There are certain requirements that patients must meet in order to be considered for LASIK. If you are considering LASIK, please visit our information on Am I a Candidate? If you feel that you would be a good candidate for LASIK please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your LASIK candidacy.

Can LASIK correct astigmatism?

Yes, in some cases there are certain limitations. It is important to discuss your candidacy with our LASIK surgeons.

How old do I have to be to have LASIK?

You must be over 18 years old. It is also important that your prescription has been stable for at least two years.

Will I need glasses after LASIK?

Typically patients under 40 years of age will be able see without needing glasses. Patients over 40 may need reading glasses if presbyopia is present. LASIK does not prevent or correct presbyopia.

What is the recovery period?

Recovery from LASIK is generally very quick. Depending on the procedure you may need to take a day or two off from work. You will need someone to drive you home the day of surgery, but if you feel confident in your vision you may be able to drive the day after.

Do I need to schedule a follow up appointment?

Most patients will need to be seen the day after treatment, and at 2 weeks, and 3 months after surgery. Depending on your condition you may require more appointments. Your LASIK surgeon will work with you to customize a LASIK follow-up plan.

Will both eyes be treated at the same time?

LASIK can be performed on both eyes on the same day. You can decide to have one eye done at a time, but it is not necessary.

Will LASIK hurt?

Numbing eye drops are used during the LASIK procedure. There is no need for any other anesthesia or pain medication. The LASIK surgery itself will not hurt, but it may be uncomfortable for some because of the pressure on and around the eye during the treatment. You will be offered an oral sedative before the procedure if you find you are nervous.

How soon after my LASIK surgery will I be able to see?

Results are different for each patient.  Most patients however will see a significant improvement in their vision by the very next morning.

How much does LASIK cost?

The cost of LASIK can vary. There are certain insurance options and payment plans available. Please visit our Patient Financing section to learn more.

Can LASIK correct presbyopia so that even though I am over age 40 I will be able to see both at distance and near without eyeglasses?

PRESBYOPIA

Unfortunately there is no surgical procedure presently that will restore both near and distance vision without eyeglasses in the same eye in presbyopic patients. However, "blended vision" is an excellent alternative. With "blended vision" one eye is corrected to give excellent distance vision while the other is left slightly nearsighted to provide good near vision. The majority of patients who opt for "blended vision" LASIK are quite happy with the results. However, we always recommend a short, free trial of "blended vision" contact lenses first to help you make the decision whether or not "blended vision" LASIK will be right for you.

What is the long term prognosis for patients whom have undergone LASIK?

LASIK has now been performed worldwide for almost 20 years. It is no longer considered experimental. In fact, in 2008, after extensive review, an FDA advisory panel concluded that LASIK is "safe and well accepted. No significant longterm complications have been found as a direct result of a properly performed LASIK procedure in an appropriate candidate. A small percentage of patients may lose a little bit of their LASIK effect after a few years but this can easily be corrected with a touch up or "enhancement" procedure.

EXPECTATIONS

You are the only one who can decide if LASIK is right for you. It is a very serious decision that can only be made once you and your doctor have determined your best surgical option, and discussed realistic expectations. In 98% of LASIK cases the visual outcome is 20/20, however this is a surgical procedure and risk is involved. This is why it is important to select an experienced surgeon who will take the time to clearly explain your individualized vision correction options and outcomes. The ultimate goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses; LASIK does not always create perfect 20/20 vision, though most cases are successful in drastically improving vision.

LASIK Risks

Most Patients are very pleased with the results of their refractive surgery.  However, like any other medical procedure, there are risks involved.  According to the FDA, these risks include:  1)  Some patients lose lines of vision on the vision chart that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery as a result of treatment.  2)  Some patients develop glare, halos, and/or double vision that can seriously affect nighttime vision.  Even with good vision on the vision chart, some patients do not see as well in situations of low contrast after treatment as compared to before treatment.  3)  Only a certain percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts.  Additional treatment may not be possible.  You may still need reading glasses after surgery.  4)  As a result of surgery, your eyes may not be able to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable.  This condition may be permanent.  Drop therapy and use of punctal plugs may be required.  5)  Results are generally not as good in patients with very large refractive errors.  6)  For some farsighted patients, the level of improved vision may decrease with age.  7)  The first laser was approved for LASIK in 1998.  Therefore the long-term safety and effectiveness of LASIK is not known.