• • LASIK FAQ

Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

The best way for you to determine this is with a thorough exam from your eye doctor. Laser vision correction can treat a very broad range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Through an initial consultation, your doctor will confirm if you are a good candidate, explain the procedure, and answer your questions so that you can make an informed decision. He or she will explain what results you can reasonably expect by measuring your prescription and thoroughly examining your eyes.

I have heard about Custom LASIK. What is this procedure?

Custom LASIK is a procedure that involves the use of a wavefront analyzer and enables your surgeon to customize the Conventional LASIK procedure to your individual eyes. This customized procedure can result in patients seeing clearer and sharper than ever before.

What is the difference between Conventional LASIK and Custom LASIK?

Custom LASIK uses a tool called the wavefront analyzer to accurately measure the way light travels through your eye. The resulting map of your eye is then programmed into the laser, and the laser treats your eye based upon that personalized 3D map. Custom LASIK helps to treat “higher order” aberrations, which are tiny imperfections in the eye that can have a significant impact on one's quality of vision. Higher order aberrations have not been previously treatable with contacts, glasses or Conventional LASIK. Conventional LASIK is still a very good choice for many patients, though most will prefer the higher level of customization that Custom LASIK can provide.

Is the actual LASIK part performed the same way? Or is Custom LASIK a completely different procedure?

The actual LASIK procedure is performed in exactly the same way in both Conventional LASIK and Custom LASIK. The pre-op testing for Conventional LASIK and Custom LASIK differ greatly. The wavefront analyzer used with Custom LASIK brings a whole new level of knowledge and accuracy to the surgeon.

I've heard a lot of great things about LASIK. What can LASIK do for me?

While laser vision correction has proven overwhelmingly successful in reducing dependence on glasses and contact lenses, the degree of improvement may vary among individuals. How well and how quickly your vision improves depends on how well you heal and the severity of your prescription. Most laser patients with mild to moderate prescriptions do achieve 20/20 vision or are within 1 to 2 lines of 20/20 vision on an eye chart. This means they no longer need glasses or contacts to drive, play sports, watch movies and TV, or participate in careers requiring excellent vision such as police and fire departments. Additionally, Custom LASIK has proven to be an exciting development. Clinical studies have shown that Custom LASIK can improve not only what you can see but how well you can see it. Many patients who have had Custom LASIK are reporting being able to see clearer than ever before. Because Custom LASIK corrects the unique imperfections in each individual's vision, it is likely that night vision will be improved. Your pre-procedure consultation with your doctor will help determine the range of your probable outcome based on your particular prescription, healing profile and expectations.

How will I know what procedure I need to have?

Your eye care professional is the best person to tell you that. Custom LASIK is necessary for some and desirable for many. You should schedule a consultation with your eye doctor. Together, you can determine what is right for you.

Will the procedure hurt?

Most patients find the procedure to be slightly uncomfortable. For most patients, the feeling of anxiety and the fear of the unknown is worse than the actual procedure.

What will my recovery be like?

Most LASIK patients usually see quite well the day following their procedure and may be able to resume most of their normal daily activities, but patients with higher prescriptions may recover more slowly. Although the speed of visual recovery depends on personal healing patterns, most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure.

What are the risks?

There are risks with the laser vision correction procedure. However, the chance of having a vision reducing complication has been documented in a number of clinical studies to be minimal. Remember, millions of people have had excellent results from laser vision correction.
Proper preoperative screening ensures that the procedure will proceed only when it is medically advisable. As well, diligent post-operative care helps to identify and address any potential healing complications. Perhaps the best way to help prevent LASIK complications is to choose a surgeon who is experienced and respected in the community. This is one of the advantages of finding a surgeon through 800SeeAgain.