LASIK surgery offers a wealth of benefits for the typical glasses or contact lens wearer. Here, Dr. Evan Pike, one of the fellowship-trained LASIK surgeons at Illinois Eye Center, answers some LASIK FAQs. It’s everything you wanted to know about LASIK surgery but were afraid to ask!
What problems can LASIK correct and how does it work?
“Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), is a vision correction surgical procedure. LASIK involves the use of a laser to gently reshape your cornea, correcting irregularities causing you to be nearsighted, farsighted, suffer from astigmatism, or experience a gradual loss of the ability to focus (a condition called presbyopia). The Wavelight® FS200 Laser is a 100% blade-free technique used to perform the critical first step in the LASIK procedure: creating the corneal flap. Specially designed for fast, precise custom flap creation, the Wavelight® FS200 Laser prepares the eye for the second step of the LASIK procedure where an excimer laser is used on the inner cornea to correct vision.”
A flap in my eye? Doesn’t that hurt? Will I need stiches?
“LASIK is done on an outpatient basis and both discomfort and recovery are generally minimal. Patients are locally anesthetized before the procedure starts and they’ll receive eye drops to take home with them afterwards to help keep eyes moist and free from swelling or infection. The best part – you don’t need stitches!”
When will I begin to see better? How much improvement can I expect?
“After surgery, you’re given a sleep aid to reduce the chance for any post-op irritation. When you wake up, you’ll already begin to notice improved vision. Most patients return to work and normal activities after a weekend of taking it easy.
Studies have shown that following LASIK surgery, 96% of nearsighted patients see 20/20 or better, 83% of farsighted patients see 20/25 or better and 92% of patients described their vision as good or excellent.”
Are there risks to the surgery?
“LASIK has been approved by the FDA since 1999 and is currently the most popular elective procedure in the United States. That’s because LASIK surgery is safe, performed relatively quickly and offers a rapid recovery with minimal discomfort.”
So, most people are happy they had LASIK?
“Yes – the results are life changing. While LASIK surgery costs quite a bit more than a 90-day supply of contacts, you only have to pay for it once. And, after several years, LASIK will begin to save you money and pay for itself by eliminating the need for contacts. LASIK patients are also able to wear any style of shades they want without having to shop for special lenses or purchase prescription sunglasses.
The changes made to the eye during LASIK are expected to be permanent. Following a brief stabilization period, people should look forward to excellent vision. The need for additional procedures is rare (less than 2% in first year). If your vision changes slightly as you age, you may be a candidate for a touch up (“enhancement”).”
Am I good candidate for LASIK?
“The best candidates for LASIK meet the following criteria:
- 18 years of age or older
- Need glasses or contacts to see clearly
- Have had stable vision over the past two years
- Have a healthy cornea, retina and eye pressure
- Have no major eye diseases
- Have no evidence of collagen vascular, autoimmune, or immunodeficiency disease
- Are not pregnant or nursing
Find out if you’re a good candidate with a LASIK consultation at Illinois Eye Center. This consultation is free and includes the discussion of other alternatives that may be relevant to your unique visual needs.”
– Dr. Evan Pike, fellowship-trained physician specializing in refractive surgery, cataract surgery, corneal disease and treatment and general ophthalmology
