Q: What eye conditions can LASIK correct?

A:  In general, LASIK is able to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  Your surgeon will screen your eyes carefully to determine how well LASIK may work to improve any of these conditions in your eyes.

Q: How long does the treatment take?

A: The laser treatment itself takes about 30 seconds, based on the degree of correction necessary. Typically you will notice improved sight in a few days and can usually go back to work in two or three days.

Q: Is the surgery painful?
A: The treatment itself is painless because it is performed using topical anesthetic (nothing more than eye drops) in the comfortable setting of our outpatient center. Medication is provided to relieve post-procedure discomfort.

As a guideline, patients from their late 30s to 50 years old should strongly consider slight monovision, while those over 50 years old should strongly consider full monovision. Your doctor can advise you as to whether monovision may work for you.

Q: Will insurance cover LASIK?
A: In most instances, insurance companies consider LASIK "elective" surgery and do not cover the procedure. You should check with your benefits provider to see if they cover LASIK or allow LASIK to be paid for with pre-tax income under a flexible benefits plan.

Q: Can both eyes be treated on the same day? A: Most patients do elect to have both eyes treated on the same day. The advantages include convenience, less total time away from work and balance in vision. Consult with your physician before you decide. Q: How long does the whole LASIK procedure take? A: The laser operates, on average, less than one minute per eye. Time in the laser room is generally 15-30 minutes. Your ophthalmologist may opt to observe you for up to one hour after the surgery. Q: How long will it take to achieve stable vision? A: Each patient’s healing response is different. While most patients achieve stable vision overnight, others may take a few days or in rare cases, a few weeks. Most patients, however, report that they return to their normal activity schedule in a few days.

Do you have questions we haven't covered?  Attend a free, no obligation seminar, or contact us with your questions.

Risks and Possible Complications

Before the surgery, your surgeon will explain to you the risks, possible complications, and potential side effects, including the pros and cons of having one or both eyes done on the same day. This is the "informed consent" process. Some risks and possible complications include:

• Over- or under-correction. These problems can often be improved with glasses, contact lenses and enhancements.
• Corneal scarring, irregular astigmatism (permanent warping of the cornea), and an inability to wear contact lenses.
• Corneal infection.
• "Loss of best corrected visual acuity" — that is, you would not be able to see as well after surgery, even with glasses or contacts, as you did with glasses or contacts before surgery.
• A decrease in contrast sensitivity, "crispness," or sharpness. That means that even though you may have 20/20 vision, objects may appear fuzzy or grayish.
• Problems with night driving that may require glasses.
• Flap problems, including: irregular flaps, incomplete flaps, flaps cut off entirely, and ingrowth of cells under the flap.
• The following side effects are possible, but usually disappear over time. In rare situations, they may be permanent.
  • Discomfort or pain
  • Hazy or blurry vision
  • Scratchiness
  • Dryness
  • Glare
  • Haloes or starbursts around lights
  • Light sensitivity
  • Small pink or red patches on the white of the eye

Feel free to ask any questions you have to make sure you understand, and can weigh, the benefits and the risks involved in your LASIK surgery.  If you have questions the staff at LaserView of CNY can answer, please feel free to contact us.