Preparing for any surgical procedure comes with its fair share of anxiety, LASIK is no different. Laser surgery for vision correction has a number of benefits. Knowing the end benefit, vision without corrective contact lenses or glasses, is only half the battle. Preparation ahead of time to put your mind at ease is the other half. Below we will answer the top questions we get during LASIK consultations. As always, if you have questions that did not get answered during your FREE consultation with the LASIK specialists at Rohr Eye & Laser Center, patients can call the office at any time.
Will LASIK hurt?
The number one question we are asked involved the pain level that is experienced with LASIK. The truth is that most patients experience very little pain or discomfort during surgery. In fact, many patients explain the sensation as a slight pressure that is felt as the laser is reshaping the cornea. Of course, everyone’s pain tolerance is different but overall this is the experience patients have described after their procedure.
What occurs during the LASIK procedure?
The actual LASIK procedure itself is fairly quick and easy. Numbing drops are applied to the eyes. Once this occurs, doctors will cut a very thin flap on the surface of the cornea. The surgeon will use the laser to shape the cornea according to the prescription from the most recent eye exam. After this is finished the eye surgeon will carefully place the flap back into place and perform the same procedure on the other eye. Lasers are used in both the creation of the flap and shaping the cornea although in the past a thin blade had been used to create the flap.
Is LASIK performed on both eyes at the same time?
YES! Laser vision correction can be performed on both eyes at one time. With LASIK, vision improvement is virtually instantaneous, and healing is minimal. During LASIK the laser is only used for about 60 seconds per eye. Although LASIK can be performed on both eyes at the same time some patients prefer to have one eye done at a time. This is possible however, rare.
Do surgeons use anesthesia during LASIK?
No, anesthesia is not given during the LASIK procedure but instead eye drops are put into the eye just prior to the procedure. Some patients with higher levels of anxiety about the procedure require oral medication to be given for relaxation. Needles and intravenous drugs are not required.
How long does the LASIK process take?
LASIK is a quick process surprisingly. On average the procedure can take less than 15 minutes once the patient is settled in the treatment room. The laser aspect of the procedure usually takes less than 60 seconds per eye.
If I blink during LASIK what happens?
Surgeons use a speculum to keep patients’ eyes from blinking. Some patients remark that there is a slight pressure from the speculum. Patients are told to focus on a blinking light throughout the procedure. Movements of the eye are expected, lasers that are used include an eye tracker which accounts for movement and helps to ensure accurate delivery of laser pulses.
What are the side effects of LASIK?
Although infrequently experienced there are some side effects that patients experience following LASIK. The most common side effect is dry eye which is easily remedied through over-the-counter artificial tears. Rare side effects include:
- Inconsistent vision
- Difficult night vision with halos
- Sensitivity to light
Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.