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FAQ
What is LASIK?
LASIK, stands for LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS.
It is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness,
farsightedness and astigmatism. The procedure uses a computer
controlled excimer laser to reshape the cornea to correct your
vision. The laser reshaping is done under a protective flap
of tissue to promote a very rapid recovery of vision and minimize
discomfort. For Details please see LASIK. (more info)
How long has LASIK been performed?
The excimer laser has been used for over 14 years
and received FDA in 1998. Eye surgeons have been creating a
protective flap of tissue for over 30 years. These two techniques
were first combined in 1991 to create a new form of refractive surgery -
LASIK. Dr. Walter began performing LASIK since 1995. (more info)
How does LASIK correct astigmatism?
Astigmatism is most accurately corrected using a laser with
software that is capable of ablating an oval pattern on the cornea.
The Allegretto Wavelight laser is simply the best when it comes to correcting
all levels of astigmatism. It truly will do better than your glasses which
cause optical distortions like “curvy doorways” or toric soft contact lenses
which move and blur with each blink.
Is LASIK safe?
LASIK is usually safe provided you are a good candidate.
The success rate for LASIK averages above 95% for most experienced
ophthalmologists. Do your research to see if you are a good candidate
prior to having LASIK.
What are the risks associated with LASIK?
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with LASIK.
Common side effects are starbursts, difficulty with glare and
night vision, and foreign body sensation. Most of these side
effects are temporary and should pass within a few days or weeks of the surgery.
Approximately one to two percent of patients will have permanent side effects.
(more info)
Is LASIK painful?
Because of the minimal amount of tissue affected, LASIK is typically
an almost painless procedure. Most patients complain of mild discomfort,
but this usually can be controlled with medication.
What kind of result should I expect?
It is very common to see doctors advertising claims of 20/20 vision
in all of their LASIK patients. However, 20/20 vision does not occur with
every surgery. You should expect to have improved vision and reduced
dependency on your glasses.
I’m a very nervous person, are you sure I can get through LASIK?
Yes!! We specialize in dealing with anxious patients, and so far we have
been able to get every patient through surgery without a problem. You will
get a drug called Ativan that is taken by mouth and will totally relax you.
What are the restrictions following surgery?
You must wear a protective shield the first night following surgery.
You should not swim or get water in your eye for one week after surgery,
although bathing and showering is fine. All other activities--including
exercise--may be resumed on the first day following surgery. No sweating!
When can I go back to work?
The day after the procedure, as your vision permits.
Do I need a driver on the day of surgery?
Yes. You will be lightly sedated and fuzzy until after your nap.
What should I do right after surgery?
Go home and takea long nap. Usually the sedative you get before
surgery will help you accomplish this. This nap helps your vision
recover quickly by keeping it moist and protected. You will be
giving tiny eye shields or goggles to keep you from rubbing
them while you sleep. There is no pain or even scratchiness
after your nap so you can go out to dinner or watch TV! Enjoy your new eyes!!
How long is follow-up needed?
Follow up checks are required at one day, 2 weeks, 3 and 12 months.
These examinations are included in the charge for the procedure.
What are my chances of not wearing glasses after the procedure?
This will depend on a number of factors, including your refractive
error, your visual needs, and even your personality.
Almost 100% of patients can see well enough afterward to never require
glasses for distance vision. It is important to understand that
LASIK does not eliminate the need for reading glasses as one grows older.
When will my vision stabilize?
The miracle of Wavelight guided LASIK is the quick return of vision,
again usually that same day after your first nap. LASIK typically
stabilizes very quickly. Our results thus far indicate that there
is little or no change after the two week postoperative examination.
Patients with large amounts of astigmatism or nearsightedness may take
up to six weeks to stabilize.
What is the percent of patients that need enhancements?
Based on our experience so far, you have about a 5% chance
of benefitting from an enhancement treatment, which is performed
at no charge after the three month examination and up to one year
following. The likelihood of needing an enhancement is dependent
on the degree of refractive error. More highly myopic eyes are
more likely to need an enhancement.
What side effects are typical?
Your vision will fluctuate during the few days following the surgery.
You may notice some glare around lights at night during the first
two weeks. Dry eye is extremely common and usually dissipates after
two weeks. Light sensitivity is typical during the first week and
goes away by a month or less. The eyes may feel tired at night and tender
to touch for about a month after surgery.
What are the risks of surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries some risk of complications.
Risks include an infection which could damage your cornea and result
in loss of vision, although this is extremely unlikely. As part of your
evaluation for the procedure, we will give you an informed consent
document which details potential risks and complications of surgery.
If necessary, can I wear contact lenses after LASIK?
LASIK does not modify the cornea in a way that would prevent contact
lens wear. Not being able to wear contact lens years after LASIK
is an "urban legend"? that probably got started because this
was true for radial keratotomy or RK.
Are the effects of LASIK permanent?
YES! As far as scientists know, they are. The cornea looks untouched
to the trained eye after a year. Most patients will not need any
additional surgery in the decades to come after LASIK. However,
one to two percent of people may have a natural drift in their
need for glasses and may require a “redo� after 5 to 10 years.
Will LASIK interfere with cataract surgery as I get older?
NO! Again, after a year or more it is difficult to tell anything
has been done, so any future surgeries on the eye will be routine.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK ?
Both procedures use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and
correct nearsightedness. The difference is that in PRK , the laser
is used on the surface of the cornea and in LASIK; the laser
is performed under a protective flap of tissue. WFU surgeons
believe that the use of the laser under a protective flap produces
faster visual recovery, less pain, and less scarring. In PRK ,
the laser is used on the surface of the eye, and it takes several
weeks for the surface to heal and become smooth, allowing good
vision. Steroid drops are necessary (usually for about two months)
to help regulate healing, and it is not as easy to repeat PRK ,
because of scarring and lack of predictability.
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