Naper Grove Vision Care - LasikLasik

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LASIK

  • What does the word "LASIK" stand for? LASIK is an acronym for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis.
  • How does the surgery work? A laser is used to reshape the cornea by removing microscopic amounts of tissue with extreme precision.

  • What types of vision can it correct? LASIK corrects myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia. It does not correct presbyopia (difficulty reading after age 40).

  • How long does the procedure take? The procedure takes only a few minutes for each eye. It is an outpatient procedure. Typically both eyes are done at the same visit.
  • Will I be awake for the procedure? Yes, you will be awake for the procedure. A topical anesthetic is used for your eyes and you may elect to take a sedative if you wish.
  • Does it hurt? You will feel very little during the procedure. Afterwards some patients have a mild scratchy feeling for a day or two.

  • Is it safe? Based on what is known to date, LASIK appears to be safe. There are no documented cases of blindness from this procedure.

  • How long have they been doing LASIK? LASIK is actually a combination of two surgical procedures that have been done worldwide for over 15 years.

  • Can the surgeon guarantee 20/20 vision? No surgeon will promise 20/20 vision, but there is an excellent likelihood that glasses will no longer be needed for everyday tasks such as driving and seeing the alarm clock from across the bed.

  • Are re-treatments ever necessary? Re-treatments are occasionally necessary. One possible reason is pre-procedure prescription. Higher prescriptions sometimes require enhancement. Another possible reason is an individual's healing factor, which might vary the end result.

  • Will I need reading glasses if I am over 40? It is likely you will need reading glasses, especially if you already have them.

  • Can I get monovision LASIK? Yes. One eye may be corrected for distance and one for near. This can minimize your dependence on reading glasses. This is recommended for people who have tried it first with contact lenses.

  • What are the most common side effects of this procedure? Eyes that feel dry and night glare are the most common complaints postoperatively. For most patients these symptoms improve over the first few weeks.

  • How long is the recovery? Your eyes will heal completely over the course of several months, but you will be back to your usual routine within a day or two.

  • How much does it cost? The surgeons with the most skill and experience are charging approximately $2200 per eye. You may see lower prices advertised, but watch for all the "add-ons" that are not included.  Insurance does not usually cover LASIK but it is eligible for payment from a "flex spending" account. Financing is also available.

  • Will you recommend a surgeon? We will help you select an experienced surgeon with a history of excellent results.

  • What role does the optometrist play in all of this? We will evaluate your eyes to see if you are a good candidate for LASIK. We will also discuss expectations. We will help you select a surgeon. Postoperatively, we will do several follow-up visits to monitor healing and to discuss the outcome with you. Your surgical fee covers all of these services to you.