Is there any pain?
LASIK is virtually painless. Topical anesthetic drops are used to numb the eyes during the procedure. Many people describe a pressure sensation but not pain during LASIK. Afterwards, you may experience a stinging sensation or burning for a few hours.
How long do I have to wait before I can take a bath or shower after surgery?
You can shower or bathe the day after surgery. Avoid getting soap or water in the eyes.
When can I wear eye makeup after surgery?
It is a good idea to buy new mascara after surgery to avoid infection and it is best to wait 5-7 days before using eye makeup.
How soon after surgery can I drive?
You can resume driving as you feel comfortable with your vision. About 90% of patients are able to drive on their own on the day following LASIK. You should avoid driving while under the influence of any medications taken following surgery.
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What are the post-operative restrictions?
The first day it is best to keep both eyes closed and rest or sleep for the first few hours. Swimming is not recommended for the first week unless you wear watertight goggles. Also, avoid rubbing or bumping the eyes for the first few days and contact sports for the first few weeks.
How much time off work do I need to take?
The day of surgery, plan to go home and rest or sleep for a few hours. Most patients drive and/or return to work within 24 to 48 hours. Most people will note great improvement in their vision on the first morning after the LASIK procedure, but the best vision make take several weeks or more.
Are both eyes done at the same time?
Most patients prefer to have both eyes corrected at the same time, but you may elect to have LASIK several days or weeks apart. If you have one eye corrected, a contact lens may be used to correct the second eye in the interim.
Can I still wear contact lenses after undergoing laser vision correction?
Yes, if required, glasses or contact lenses can be used for further correction of refractive error after LASIK.
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Why are so many follow-up visits required?
Each patient’s healing response differs. Periodic assessment by a patients local eye care professional is necessary for achieving intended outcomes. The eye drop regiment can be revised to slow or accelerate the healing rate. Additionally, some patients may experience increasing pressure inside the eye due to continued use of the anti-inflammatory drugs.
What is presbyopia and will laser vision correction cure this condition?
Presbyopia is a condition that occurs for most people as they reach 40 years of age when the lens or the inside of the eye looses some of its focusing capability. Laser vision correction does not affect the condition of the eye related to presbyopia.
Will my vision be 20/20 after LASIK?
As will any surgical procedure, the results cannot be guaranteed. However, laser vision correction has been shown to reduce people’s dependence on glasses and contacts. Data submitted by the laser manufacturer and reviewed by the FDA shows that 94% of people with mild to moderate myopia who undergo laser vision correction achieve 20/40 vision or better – enough to pass a drivers’ exam without corrective lenses.
How long does the LASIK procedure take?
LASIK takes about 4 minutes for each eye. You will be in the laser suite for only 10 to 15 minutes if both eyes are being treated. Plan to arrive at the Laser Center for about an hour before the procedure to complete paperwork and any testing that may be needed. You will need a driver to take you home.
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What is the history of the excimer laser?
The excimer laser was developed at IBM in 1976, and used to etch computer microchips. Its extreme precision with negligible damage to adjacent tissue made it a very attractive tool for other applications and in 1983 Stephen L. Trokel, M.D. in cooperation with R. Srinivasa, a physicist, applied it to corneal tissue in a New York Laboratory. The first sighted eye was treated with the excimer laser at LSU in January of 1987. Between 1987 and 1995 numerous laser manufacturers including VISX and Summit Technology worked toward U.S. approval to use the Argon Fluoride excimer laser.
Are there any long term side effects?
LASIK has been performed since 1991 in Europe, and is based on the Lamellar Keratomilieusis technique that has been used for over forty years. Several clinical studies have been performed and each has failed to demonstrate any long-term deleterious effects on the cornea.
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