Patricia Woloch asked:


 

You may have heard the term LASIK surgery for years. You may know people who have had it done and no longer wear glasses or contacts. Still, you may have questions. If you are nervous, as most of us are, about having anything called “surgery” done to your eyes, having questions is a great thing. Here are some of the more common LASIK questions and answers to help dispel your fears or concerns.

Is LASIK safe?

There are inherent risks associated with any surgical procedure. Having said that, be sure you select a highly skilled and experienced LASIK surgeon who will determine whether or not you are a good candidate. The success rate for LASIK surgery performed by experienced eye surgeons is around 95%.

Are there any side effects with LASIK surgery?

There are a few common side effects. They include seeing a starburst effect, a problem with glare or driving at night, and feeling as though something is in your eye. Most of these side effects disappear within a few days or weeks of the initial surgery. One to two percent of LASIK patients may have side effects that are permanent.

Does LASIK surgery hurt?

Most patients report an initial bit of discomfort but basically no pain. This is mostly because so little tissue is affected during the short procedure. Any mild discomfort is easily treated with a standard pain reliever.

What kind of results can I expect after the LASIK procedure?

That question is best left to your LASIK surgeon to answer. He or she will give you a complete and detailed eye exam prior to scheduling your LASIK procedure. Based on your current vision, overall health and post-procedure expectations, they should be able to give you a realistic idea. However, over 50% of LASIK patients have reported 20/20 vision and more than 90% reporting at least 20/40. Keep in mind that, as you age, your eyes will continue to change naturally so you may find yourself needing reading glasses down the road.

How much does LASIK surgery cost?

There is as wide a range in costs as there are in skill levels when it comes to LASIK surgeons around the country. In the Denver, Colorado area, the most respected and highly qualified LASIK surgeons are very reasonable in their pricing and most offer payment plans to help in your budgeting. This is your eyesight we’re talking about. You don’t really think skimping on price for this type of surgery is a good idea, do you?



Charlie

Patricia Woloch asked:


LASIK. A word bandied about for years now. While most people know that it means going from wearing glasses or contacts to not wearing glasses or contacts, most people don’t really know what LASIK is.

LASIK is an acronym that stands for Laser Assisted In situ Keratomileusis. Basically, it is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea (the clear cover on the front of the eye) using an excimer laser.

An excimer laser is an ultraviolet laser that is used in refractive surgery to remove corneal tissue.

Wow. This is still just really too scientific. Let’s try to put it in layman’s terms, shall we?

LASIK surgery changes the way light is refracted or bent through your cornea so you can see more clearly and, almost always, without the use of glasses or contacts.

The actual procedure is pretty short and simple. To begin with, you relax in a reclining chair while numbing drops are put in your eyes. Once the drops have taken effect, a special device is used to gently hold your eyes open so you don’t blink during the procedure. Next, the LASIK surgeon cuts a small flap from the top of the cornea.

All the information you and your doctor discussed prior to your exam was entered into a computer connected to the excimer laser. That customized program is used as the laser quickly reshapes your cornea. Once that’s done, the LASIK surgeon puts the flap back down so it can seal and heal all by itself. No stitches required. And that’s it. From start to finish, the entire process only takes about 15 minutes per eye.

The morning after your LASIK procedure, you will probably be at about 90% for improved vision and you can go to work if you want to. The other 10% improvement will happen over the following two to three weeks, as the eye recovers from being worked on.

LASIK surgery has helped lots of people with truly poor vision see clearly again. Instead of having to grab your glasses before you are even able to get out of bed and walk around each morning, you may very well be able to open your eyes and see clearly all by yourself.

If you wear glasses or contacts, you owe it to yourself to find out how LASIK surgery can improve your view of Indianapolis every day. Besides, think how great it would be to buy lots of cool sunglasses right off the rack instead of having to change from sun to regular every time you go outside.



Ruben