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on a question below to read the answer.
Will my vision improve immediately after surgery?
Can both eyes be done at the same time?
When can I return to work?
Are there any restrictions on my activities after surgery?
Will I have 20/20 vision after LASIK?
Will the results of LASIK last?
How long will the procedure actually take?
Does the laser hurt?
What if I move or blink during the procedure?
Is one type of laser machine better than the other?
Can I still wear glasses or contacts after surgery?
I have a history of severe scarring after other surgeries
- will this be a problem?
Can you give me patient references?
Will my vision improve immediately after surgery?
Vision usually improves immediately after treatment though it's
normal that some may experience a slight fluctuation in vision for
a few days or weeks following surgery. You may also notice some
glare or halos around lights, particularly at night. Some people
note that their night vision is not as clear as the vision during
the day or bright light conditions. You may find a pair of glasses
helpful for night driving at least initially. Our patients continue
to see a gradual increase in their vision during the first few days
after the procedure.
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Can both eyes be done at the same time?
Because of the advanced technology of laser vision correction, both
eyes can be done at the same time. Circumstances may vary for each
patient though. Your doctor will discuss with you your particular
situation and whether it would be best to do your second eye at
the same time or a few days or months after your initial laser treatment.
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When can I return to work?
Many patients return to their normal activities a day or two after
surgery. It is suggested that you take a little time to rest after
the procedure though. We can give you more details on what to expect
during your evaluation and let you know when you will need to return
to the office for a follow up examination.
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Are there any restrictions on my activities
after surgery?
You should not swim for one week after surgery, although bathing
and showering is fine. Driving can be resumed when vision is adequate,
usually a day or so. Contact sports such as basketball, racquetball,
etc. should be delayed for two weeks and then, protective eyewear
should be worn (goggles should be worn for these sports anyway).
If you have a particular activity that you are concerned about resuming,
be sure to ask the staff at your first post-op visit. Generally,
all other activities including exercise may be resumed on the first
day following surgery unless Your eye doctor has directed you otherwise.
You will receive complete instructions before you leave our offices
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Will I have 20/20 vision after LASIK?
The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your
dependence on corrective lenses. While most patients experience
an excellent improvement in vision after LASIK. Laser vision correction
does not always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. Your eye doctor
will discuss your particular visual situation in your evaluation
and help you make an informed decision on surgery based on realistic
expectations of your outcome. Keep in mind that laser vision correction
does not correct a condition known as Presbyopia, or aging of the
eye, which normally occurs around age 40. Presbyopia may require
the use of reading glasses.
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Will the results of LASIK last?
Laser vision correction is considered to be a permanent procedure
resulting in the change of the shape of the cornea. Since 1987,
doctors have performed millions of laser vision correction procedures.
Studies to date show excellent vision stability following treatment.
However, laser vision correction will not prevent age related conditions
such as presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) or cataracts.
These conditions would still be treated in their normal manner.
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How long will the procedure actually take?
You should plan to be at our center for approximately two hours
on the day of your LASIK procedure. The actual LASIK procedure takes
only a few minutes, however we need to allow for preparation time
and a few minutes for you to relax afterwards.
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Does the laser hurt?
The procedure is virtually painless. A drop of medication is placed
on the surface of the eye to provide anesthesia. No needles or shots
are required. Even after the procedure, most patients experience
little or no discomfort. Some people do experience a scratchy, gritty
sensation or watering in the treated eye for a few days. These symptoms
are temporary and don't generally cause a problem for most.
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What if I move or blink during the procedure?
Patients worry about this a great deal, and their fear is unnecessary.
Many people move minimally during the procedure. Your eye doctor
will keep the laser centered on your eye. If you make a sudden movement,
the doctor can stop the procedure at any time. The computer that
controls the Laser "remembers" where the procedure was
stopped and will precisely resume the treatment when you are ready
and the doctor begins again. The eye will be held open with an instrument
to prevent blinking. You may feel some pressure, but no pain. We
will provide a light to focus on that will aid you in maintaining
a steady gaze. This will be demonstrated to you at your initial
evaluation. If you have particular concerns about this, please let
the staff know so that they can take steps to reassure you and alleviate
your fear.
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Is one type of laser machine better than
the other?
Among the most known FDA approved Excimer Lasers currently in the
market: Autonomous Technology (LADARVISION), Bausch & Lomb Surgical
(Technolas 217a), CRS/VISX (Star S2), Nidek and Summit. However,
it is the surgeon that is the most important factor in successful
LASIK surgery, not the laser. Newer lasers such as the LADARVision
Laser, have tracking abilities to adjust as the eye moves during
surgery. The LADARVision Laser uses an infrared laser to monitor
the position of the eye 4,000 times each second.
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Can I still wear glasses or contacts after
surgery?
Most patients do not wear glasses or contact lenses after LASIK.
However for those who need or want to wear glasses or contacts for
some occasions (e.g. driving or reading), they can still use them.
Many patients are having LASIK because they are unable to wear contacts.
LASIK changes the shape of the cornea, but does not change your
ability or inability to wear contact lenses. If you had a problem
wearing them before surgery, you probably will afterwards too.
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I have a history of severe scarring after
other surgeries - will this be a problem?
Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea, which contains no blood
vessels. Without blood vessels, there is no bleeding or clotting.
Because of this, the cornea heals very differently than do other
parts of the body. It is possible that a small, microscopic amount
of scarring may occur after the surgery. However, it can only be
seen by a microscope and will not affect your vision.
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Can you give me patient references?
We have many patients that we have treated with LASIK that would
be happy to discuss their experiences with you.
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