Q. Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

A. If you are at least 18 years old, in good general health, have good eye health with no diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma, you may be. Laser vision correction can treat a wide range of vision impairments including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. However, only your eye care professional can tell you if laser vision correction is right for you. He or she will conduct a thorough eye exam, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you have so that you can make an informed decision. He or she will also explain what results you can reasonably expect.

Q. Is the surgery safe?

A. Refractive surgery, when performed by the appropriately trained surgeon, on an appropriate candidate is one of the safest surgeries. However, no surgery is 100% risk free. Dr. Smith will advise you of the risks of surgery during your consultation. As with any procedure, it is important for patients to follow their postoperative instructions carefully.

Q. What is the difference between Conventional LASIK and CustomLASIK?

A. Although both procedures involve the use of a laser to reshape the cornea, CustomLASIK uses special technology to precisely measure the way light travels through your eye. The resulting 3D “map” of your eye is then programmed into the laser, allowing your surgeon to reshape your cornea to a curvature that will provide the best possible vision for you. CustomLASIK also helps to treat vision impairments that previously were not treatable, such as visual glare and halos. Conventional LASIK is still a viable option for many patients. Dr. Smith will discuss the full range of options available to you for correcting your vision and attaining the clearest sight possible for you.

Q. What is the success rate of refractive surgery?

A. Most patients have a better than 90% chance of becoming independent of corrective lenses for most (or all) of their activities. But much depends on the amount—and type--of refractive error you have. The lower your visual impairment, the higher the success rate - which may approach 98%.

Q. What should I expect on the day of surgery?

A. Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours total at the surgery center. Your surgeon will anesthetize your eye with topical eye drops so the experience will be painless. The surgery itself takes only minutes, and most people can go home immediately following their surgery. Please arrange to have someone drive you home after your surgery. You may need to wear a clear bandage contact lens for three days after surgery if you are having an excimer laser procedure.

Q. When can I go back to work?

A. Most patients can go back to work or resume normal activities the day following their surgery.

Q. Will I need reading glasses after surgery?

A. After healing, most patients under 40 years of age read well without glasses following surgery. Most people, however, will require reading glasses or bifocals as they enter their early 40’s. This holds true for patients who have had laser vision surgery. Patients are advised against reading on the day of their surgery.

Q. Will the procedure be painful?

A. Your surgeon will use a topical anesthesia to minimize the discomfort, but some patients may still find the procedure to be slightly uncomfortable. For most patients, the feeling of anxiety and the fear of the unknown are more of an issue than the actual procedure itself. After your procedure, your eye may feel a foreign body sensation or irritation for a few hours. Dr. Smith will recommend lubricating drops for your eyes to help the healing process, decrease dryness, decrease risk of infection, and make your eyes more comfortable.