- New York LASIK
- What is LASIK surgery?
- Is LASIK surgery safe?
- LASIK vs. Contacts
- LASIK vs. LASEK
- LASIK vs. PRK
- Blade vs. Bladeless LASIK
- What is Custom LASIK?
- What does LASIK cost?
- Am I a LASIK candidate?
- Choosing a LASIK surgeon
- Long-term effects of LASIK
- LASIK Alternatives
- LASIK F.A.Q
- What is the process of LASIK eye surgery?
- Visian ICL
- Cataract Surgery
- What is a cataract?
- What is cataract surgery?
- What causes a cataract?
- Symptoms & Types of Cataracts
- What does cataract surgery cost?
- Modern Cataract Surgery
- Cataract Surgery Recovery
- Cataracts & Astigmatism
- Cataract Surgery & Glaucoma
- Choosing a Cataract Surgeon
- ReSTOR lens
- Crystalens
- Toric Lens
- ReZoom lens
- Presbyopia
- LASIK Alternatives
- Keratoconus
- DSAEK / DSEK
- Pterygium
- Dry Eyes
- About Dr. Cohen
LASIK Frequently Asked Questions
LASIK surgery is a very popular medical procedure, with more than 10 million recipients in the last 25 years worldwide. Today, dramatic advances in medical technology have moved this surgery into a whole new arena, making vision correction possible for people who were once told they would never qualify for LASIK or similar procedures.
If you’re considering LASIK surgery, you’ve probably got questions. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding LASIK surgery:
- What is LASIK surgery exactly?
- What can I expect during LASIK surgery?
- Is recovery painful?
- Are my activities restricted after LASIK surgery?
- How much will my vision improve?
- What if I have astigmatism?
- What if I don’t qualify for LASIK surgery?
What is LASIK surgery exactly?
LASIK surgery stands for (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). This procedure involves cutting a microscopic flap in the cornea of the eye to expose the stroma, or middle section of the eye where most aberrations or irregularities occur. From there, a LASIK surgeon will use a laser to reshape the cornea to improve your vision. The flap is then closed and heals within a few days.
What can I expect during LASIK surgery?
You will receive a mild sedative before surgery so that you can relax during the procedure. You may feel pressure as the surgery is happening, but the vast majority of patients do not report any pain or discomfort. After the 15 to 20 minute procedure is finished, you will be able to see and can go home the same day. The next day, when you wake up, you will get the “wow” effect of the visual sharpness.
Is recovery painful?
Typically, LASIK surgery patients experience very little to no discomfort during and after LASIK procedures. Complications due to poor healing or infection are possible, so talk to your doctor about these risks before undergoing any LASIK procedure.
Are my activities restricted after LASIK surgery?
You can resume your normal activities right after surgery, except for swimming. Swimming should be avoided for two weeks. Likewise, you should avoid rubbing your eyes for two weeks after surgery to allow them to properly heal. Running, working out, weightlifting and playing sports are OK.
How much will my vision improve?
This depends on your original vision capabilities as well as the type of surgical correction that is performed by your surgeon. In general, though, traditional LASIK surgery can vastly improve mild to moderate cases of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism to near “perfect” (20/20 or better) vision. When you have your initial consultation, your doctor can tell you what you can expect in terms of improvement.
What if I have astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the eye is football-shaped instead of being basketball-shaped. LASIK surgery uses a laser to reshape the middle part of your eye’s cornea to correct this condition. If you have an extreme case, you may consider Wavefront LASIK surgery, which employs computer-guided lasers to shape the cornea on a micro-level for pinpoint accuracy.
What if I don’t qualify for LASIK surgery?
You’re not alone. Some people with thin corneas, extremely poor vision, histories of infections or health problems, abnormal eye conditions or other issues simply don’t make good candidates for LASIK. In these cases, your doctor can discuss other surgical and non-surgical alternatives with you.
Once you’ve decided that you’re interested in LASIK eye surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us at The Fifth Avenue Eye Center. We’ve got above 10 years of experience in this industry and look forward to helping you choose which procedure will improve your vision most effectively.
