Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK

Andre Cohen, M.D. – LASIK Surgeon

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, including:

• Proper corneal thickness
• Overall healthy eyes (no eye disease or other conditions)
• No severe dry eye syndrome
• Over 18 years of age
• Have stable vision prescription for at least two years
• Not pregnant
• Have realistic expectations for the outcome of surgery

The only way to know for sure is with a thorough LASIK examination. Take our free online LASIK self-evaluation as a first step or schedule your free in-office LASIK consultation today.

Can LASIK correct astigmatism?

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

Will I need glasses after LASIK?

Typically, patients under 40 years of age will be able see without glasses after LASIK. Patients over 40 may need reading glasses if presbyopia is present. LASIK does not prevent or correct presbyopia. Presbyopia occurs when the eye lenses become less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects.

Unfortunately, there is no surgical procedure that will restore both near and distance vision without eyeglasses in the same eye for 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 in Atlanta will be right for you.

What is the LASIK 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. We typically schedule our LASIK procedures on Fridays to prevent you from missing any significant time 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.

Does 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 does not hurt most patients, but it may be uncomfortable 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. In general, recovery is fast. The first couple of hours after surgery, the eye will feel somewhat irritated, with a burning sensation and some tearing. Vision is typically smoky or hazy during this time. Most patients nap for a couple of hours due to the preoperative sedation. After several hours, the irritation goes away and your vision begins to clear. The day after surgery, most irritating sensations are completely gone and vision is remarkably clear.

How much does LASIK cost?

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

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

LASIK has now been performed worldwide since 1998. 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 long-term complications have been found as a direct result of a properly performed LASIK procedure on 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.

Will I still be able to wear contact lenses after LASIK?

Yes; however, it would be extremely rare for most patients to require contacts after LASIK.

What are the risks of LASIK?

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Results are generally not as good in patients with very large refractive errors.
• For some farsighted patients, the level of improved vision may decrease with age.
• The first laser was approved for LASIK in 1998. Therefore, the long-term safety and effectiveness of LASIK is not known.

If you have more questions, please contact us so 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 are ready to explore the option of LASIK, contact us to schedule your free LASIK consultation.