LASIK Eye Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
So What is LASIK eye surgery, EXACTLY?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular type of refractive eye surgery that can correct common vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
Ideal candidates for LASIK are at least 18 years old, have had a stable vision prescription for at least one year, and have no health issues affecting their eyes.
Additionally, candidates should not be pregnant or nursing, have a high refractive error, or have severe dry eyes. A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to make the final determination for eligibility.
Answer a few questions to see if you are a candidate: Take the LASIK Self-Test
Is LASIK surgery painful?
No, LASIK surgery is not painful.
Most patients report feeling little to no pain during the surgery. Before the procedure, your eye surgeon will numb your eyes with anesthetic eye drops. While you might feel some pressure or discomfort, this is typically not painful for our patients. Post-surgery, some patients may experience mild discomfort or itching, which is only temporary.
How long does the LASIK procedure take?
The actual LASIK procedure typically takes about seven (7) minutes per eye. Depending on your prescription, and the amount of correction needed, the laser itself only takes 20-50 seconds to correct your vision. However, you should plan on being in the office for approximately an hour or so to allow for preparation and post-operative instructions.
What is the recovery time AFTER LASIK surgery?
The majority of patients notice an improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure, but vision can continue to stabilize and improve for a few weeks. It’s common for patients to return to work within a day or two following the surgery. However, you should avoid strenuous activities for at least a week to allow your eyes to heal properly.
Will I still need to wear glasses or contacts after LASIK?
The majority of our patients who have LASIK do not need to wear glasses or contacts for their daily activities.
However, some may still prefer to wear glasses for certain tasks, such as reading or driving at night. As mentioned earlier, presbyopia, a natural part of aging that affects near vision, will likely require the use of reading glasses at some point.
Can LASIK be performed on both eyes on the same day?
Yes! Ideal Eye surgeons perform LASIK on both eyes on the same day. This helps to minimize the recovery period and allows patients to start enjoying their new vision as soon as possible.
Are the results of LASIK surgery permanent?
Yes, the vision correction from LASIK surgery is permanent.
However, it’s important to note that a person’s eyes can still change naturally over time. For instance, most people will still need reading glasses as they age due to presbyopia.
How do I choose the BEST LASIK surgeon?
Choosing the right LASIK surgeon is important to ensure a successful outcome. Here are some factors to consider:
- Experience and Qualifications: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing LASIK surgeries and holds the necessary certifications and qualifications.
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation to meet the surgeon and the Ideal Eye team. This will give you a chance to ask questions and feel comfortable with .
- Cost: While cost is a consideration, it shouldn’t be the only factor. Sometimes, a lower cost might mean fewer services included or less advanced technology. It’s always recommended to talk to us to first find out if LASIK is right for you.
- Post-Operative Care: Ask about the follow-up care and what is included in the overall cost of the surgery. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure optimal results after the healing process.
Important Facts to Know about LASIK
The trust in LASIK’s safety and efficacy stems from its status as one of the most extensively researched elective procedures in modern medicine.
- It's been performed over two decades. LASIK has been a prevalent procedure, having received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1998.
- The impressive record of safety and effectiveness in LASIK is supported by extensive clinical research, contributing to its sustained popularity and longevity.
- Patient satisfaction with LASIK reaches up to 98 percent, and recent studies have reported success rates as high as 99 percent.
- Almost all patients undergoing LASIK attain a vision of at least 20/40, and over 90 percent achieve the complete 20/20 vision.
- A comparison between infection rates in LASIK and extended wear of soft contact lenses revealed that one year of contact lens use resulted in three times more microbial keratitis cases than LASIK.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets a safety threshold of less than 5 percent, a standard that LASIK significantly exceeds, highlighting its exceptional safety profile.
- LASIK has never been identified as a direct cause of blindness. It is a safe and common procedure that has been successfully performed on over 20 million patients in the US.
Find Out if Lasik is Right for You
Don’t let poor vision hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. LASIK is safe, painless, fast and affordable.
Take the first step towards clearer vision and a glasses-free lifestyle by scheduling a LASIK consultation at Ideal Eye Surgery. Contact us today to book your appointment and take the leap towards a brighter future!
Complete the form and we will follow up with you within an hour (during business hours) to schedule your consultation.
Have some questions? Call us: (618) 391-1660.
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Vision Correction IS POSSIBLE
It's Proven
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