Frequently Asked Questions
This Web site and our free informational seminars are designed to answer your questions about laser vision correction and surgical procedures offered by Northern Eye Institute. The following are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions. Many of these questions are answered in this Web site, but are restated and summarized here for your quick reference.
Who is a good candidate for laser vision correction?
Healthy eyes are essential and a complete eye exam is necessary to determine candidacy. However, generally speaking, anyone over 18 years of age who sees well with glasses or contacts and has not had a significant change in their prescription in the last 12 months is probably a good candidate. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates.
What are realistic expectations for laser vision correction?
The goal of laser vision correction is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Laser vision correction does not always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. It cannot correct presbyopia, the aging of the eyes that normally results in the need for reading glasses starting around age 45. In fact, people over age 45 who have their distance vision improved may find they now need reading glasses after the procedure.
How soon after LASIK will vision improve?
Most patients will see 20/20 within 1–2 days and are able to drive and work the day following LASIK.
What if LASIK is not right for me?
LASIK is not right for everyone, but that does not mean people who shouldn't have LASIK are out of options. Another procedure, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), may be a good choice for people whose corneas are too thin to have LASIK. Both LASIK and PRK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. There is slightly more discomfort and downtime with PRK.
How long will the results of laser vision correction last?
Because laser vision correction has only been available since about 1996, there are no results available beyond that date. So far, most patients' corrected vision has remained relatively stable. It should be noted however, that vision could change with age. After the age of 45 most people develop a condition called presbyopia that affects near vision. Laser vision correction does not prevent this age-related condition from developing.
What keeps the flap in place after LASIK surgery?
The flap created in LAISK eye surgery stays in position after surgery without stitches. It protects the treated areas of the cornea and enhances healing. The flap does not need stitches because of action of specific cells within the eye. First, endothelial cells, which line the deepest surface of the cornea, create suction as they funnel fluid from the exterior to the interior of the eye. This suction helps to hold the flap onto the eye. In addition, the cells of the epithelium, the outer layer of the cornea, are able to rapidly heal and bond to the cornea.
Can the corneal flap be lost?
By definition, the flap created during LASIK remains attached to the cornea by a hinge. As long as the flap has a hinge, it cannot be lost. If you rub your eyes too soon after having LASIK, you might dislodge the flap, but it will remain attached. Displaced flaps can usually be put back into place with a second procedure. In order to avoid this, we give you a protective eye shield to wear for the first three nights day after LASIK eye surgery. Patients are also advised not to rub their eyes for one month after surgery.
Should I have both eyes done at the same time?
Whether or not to have both eyes done at the same time is a personal choice. Some people opt to have each eye done separately because they hope to avoid any possible complications, such as infection affecting both eyes. Fortunately, the risk of infection affecting both eyes is so rare, that the reduction in risk is extremely small.
What causes glare and haloes and how can they be treated?
Although LASIK has a low occurrence of side effects overall, problems with night vision glare and halos are among the most common. There are a few possible causes of glare and haloes. For example, the shape of your eye may not have been changed enough during your first LASIK procedure, meaning that you are still slightly nearsighted, farsighted or have a slight astigmatism. If this is the case, you may be able to correct the problem by having a second LASIK "touch-up" procedure, or by wearing glasses at night.
Glare and haloes can also be caused by an off center ablation – meaning that the area of the cornea treated by the laser is off to one side. Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon can help minimize your risk of this complication to which there is no entirely satisfactory solution yet available. Wavefront-guided LASIK may significantly reduce the risk of glare, haloes and night vision difficulties. However, corneal surgery will always pose some risk of night vision symptoms, even for good candidates.