LASIK FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Eye Surgery

Is laser eye surgery painful?: There is little if any discomfort during surgery because the cornea and eye are anesthetized by drops. Some patients experience a "scratchy feeling." After the anesthetic wears off, the amount of discomfort varies with each individual, but any irritation is minor and usually disappears within a few hours. You may be sensitive to light for a few days.
When will I be able to return to work?: Most people can return to work one to three days following surgery, but a rule of thumb is to wait until you feel up to it. Most return to normal activities as soon as the day after surgery.
What are the side effects and risks of LASIK?: The most common side effects are a halo effect and some glare at night around lights.
How long does laser eye surgery take?: Laser treatment itself takes only about 15 to 40 seconds, based on the degree of correction necessary. Recovery is minimal, and usually the patient is able to be driven home after about 30 minutes. Typically, you will notice improved sight in 3 to 5 days following treatment.
Is Laser eye surgery permanent?: According to the results of the U.S. clinical trials and results reported internationally, the treatment appears to be permanent. As people age, however, their eyes change and re-treatment may be necessary.
Are there any activity restrictions following LASIK eye surgery?: Following surgery, do not rub your eyes. Other than that, patients can do whatever they feel up to as long as they follow their doctors' instructions.
What if I move my head during laser eye surgery?: This is the number one question that patients ask when undergoing laser treatment. The surgeon is skilled in the technique of removing his foot from the pedal that controls the ultraviolet beam as soon as a patient moves his or her head. This allows him to realign the beam with the corneal "target" and proceed with the surgery
What are the long-term effects of laser vision correction?: There is no evidence of inherent short or long term corneal damage from the Excimer laser itself. The Excimer laser has been used internationally since 1981.
What is the success rate of laser vision correction (LASIK)?: We expect 95% of our patients to be at least 20/40 or better and over 85% to be 20/25 or better without correction.
Why does LASIK appear to be so expensive?: The Excimer laser and related equipment is costly and expensive to maintain. We think our costs are the lowest in the Carolinas because our laser is on-site. This also makes it more convenient for patients. You also have to take into consideration that the total cost includes the surgeon's fee, the facility, a full eye exam, procedural and post-operative eye drops for the first week, 6 months of post-operative care, and any enhancements within 6 months of the original procedure date.
Do you have to be a certain age for LASIK?: Your vision should be stable for LASIK to be effective. This typically occurs by age 21 and this age is recommended by the FDA. Stabilization is determined through an eye exam and your ophthalmic history.
How long has LASIK been performed?: Corneal shaping has been done to correct nearsightedness since the 1960's. During this time, there have been many variations in technique, but they involve (including LASIK) creating a flap of cornea tissue called a lamellar flap, reshaping the corneal stromal tissue, and laying the flap back down. Combining the lamellar flap technique with the Excimer laser was first performed in 1989
What range of nearsightedness and astigmatism can be corrected by LASIK?: -1.00 to -12.00 degrees of nearsightedness
-.50 to -7.00 degrees of astigmatism
98% of all nearsighted and astigmatic patients are in the above groups

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Vision Correction

People considering refractive surgery is at an all time high and LASIK is considered by virtually all refractive surgeons and eye centers worldwide to be the procedure of choice today.

LASIK high precision laser dramatically reduces your recovery time and decreases the chance of many of the procedural risks. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes to complete and involves minimal discomfort.