Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is LASIK?
Answer In technical terms, LASIK, stands for LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS, which is a form of laser surgery that can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure uses a computer controlled laser to reshape your cornea and correct your vision. This reshaping process is done under a protective flap of tissue on the eye to speed up recovery time and minimize discomfort.
Question: How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK?
Answer Here are some of the criteria for patients considering the LASIK procedure:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • No systemic disease
  • Must have a healthy eye
  • Stable refraction
  • Realistic expectations
  • In order to determine if you are eligible for laser surgery, you must have a consultation. Please use the form on the home page to schedule your consultation.
Question: How long does the procedure take?
Answer In most cases, approximately 10 minutes per eye
Question: Are there any restrictions after surgery?
Answer A few. First, you are asked to wear a protective shield to bed for the first week following your surgery. You are not allowed to swim for that week (bathing and showering are ok). Finally, you must refrain from wearing eye makeup for 7 days. Light exercise may be started the day following surgery.
Question: What is done at a consultation?
Answer First you’ll receive a complete eye examination which includes a detailed measurement of the shape of your cornea. The doctor evaluates this data and makes his recommendations. For best results, you must leave your soft contact lenses out for 2 weeks and gas permeable (hard) lenses out for 4 weeks prior to your consultation.
Question: Does the procedure hurt?
Answer No. Anesthetic drops are used so that only some slight pressure is felt during the procedure. After your surgery, your eyes may feel a bit itchy or scratchy, but the majority of patients do not ask for or need pain medications. Most will return to work the day after the surgery.
Question: Are follow-up visits necessary?
Answer Yes. The doctor will most likely want to see you one day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, after the procedure. These visits are usually covered in the initial cost.
Question: How soon can I go back to work?
Answer As quickly as the day after the procedure, as long as your vision permits.
Question: Will I still have to wear my glasses after the procedure?
Answer You may have to temporarily wear your glasses until your vision stabilizes. But you may also have to wear reading glasses as you grow older.
Question: Is the procedure done on both eyes at once?
Answer YES. Most people prefer this option, and there are virtually no added side effects from having both eyes corrected during the same visit.
Question: Could I need a second surgery if my vision doesn’t’ improve?
Answer Yes, however, there is less than an 8% chance that the doctor will need to make an enhancement. Chances of needing an enhancement are often dependent on the amount of correction that was required originally. The more highly myopic your eyes were, the more likely you are to require an enhancement.
Question: What kind of side effects should I expect?
Answer Some of the more common side effects include: your vision may change slightly in the days after the surgery. You may also see some glare around lights at night. You might feel temporary dryness. These effects almost always subside within the first week or two.
Question: Are there any risks I should be concerned about?
Answer Any surgical procedure has potential complication and should be considered carefully. Anytime you undergo surgery, you run some degree of risk including: infection which could damage your cornea and result in loss of vision, although this is extremely rare. Your doctor should evaluate you before the surgery and provide you with a consent document that outlines all the potential risks associated with the procedure.
Question: Will my vision be clear immediately?
Answer Not immediately. However, your vision should stabilize quickly. Some patients see clearly after just a few hours, however those who have large refractive errors could take up to six weeks or more to stabilize.
Question: Is this a permanent procedure?
Answer Yes, the effects of Lasik surgery are permanent.