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Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser vision correction hurt?
The actual laser procedure does not hurt. Your eye is numbed with anesthetic drops. After PRK you may experience some discomfort for the first few days. With LASIK you may feel some irritation for a few hours.
Can you guarantee 20/20 vision?
As with any surgical procedure there are no guarantees. Although our results are extremely good (97% of patients no longer need glasses for driving), the results of your procedure depend on your initial refraction, your own healing characteristics, and other factors. It is good to look at laser vision correction as a way of reducing your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Who is a candidate for laser vision correction?
You should be at least 21 years of age. You may not be pregnant or nursing. You may not have any collagen vascular diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.), or certain uncontrolled eye diseases. Your prescription has to be stable for at least 1 year. It is also important that your expectations are reasonable.
How long will the correction last?
Once your eye has stabilized, your correction is permanent. Any additional need for glasses after that would be the result of the normal aging processes that would occur to anyone.
Can both eyes be treated at once?
LASIK and PRK are most often done on both eyes on the same day. The most conservative thing to do is to have one eye done at a time. You will be able to function with your untreated eye while the first eye is healing and you will be able to assess whether the procedure meets your expectations before committing to both eyes. The advantages of bilateral surgery are that it is more convenient to have them both done at once. The balance in vision between your two eyes is restored more quickly, especially if you are unable to wear a contact lens in the unoperated eye. Your doctor can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both ways.
What is monovision?
For patients beyond 40 years of age who experience difficulty reading with their distance correction on, it is possible to treat one eye for near vision and one eye for distance vision, decreasing the necessity for both near and distance glasses. If you are considering monovision, it is advisable to try it first with contact lenses.
For Ladies - When can I wear eye-makeup?
As a safety precaution it is best to wait at least two weeks before you can start wearing mascara and eye-liner.
When can I drive?
With LASIK you can often drive the next day. With PRK you should probably delay driving for 3-7 days. It is recommended that you do not drive until your doctor has evaluated your vision following your procedure.
When can I return to work?
With PRK you should plan on taking at least three days off as you will experience some discomfort and you will be fairly blurry. With LASIK you may return to work the next day.
Can I still wear contact lenses after surgery?
If you have a residual refractive error and you choose not to have an enhancement, you may elect to wear contact lenses.
Are there risks?
Laser Surgery, like any other kind of surgery, does have risk factors. Fortunately, the success rate for all refractive procedures is extremely high. In fact, the complication rate is lower than most other common eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery. During your visit, the doctor will give you specific information about both the benefits and risks of laser surgery. If the results of the surgery are not satisfactory, you may need to have additional laser refractive surgery in the same eye. The doctors and technical staff at New Vision Laser Center take pride in providing thorough information.
When can I start working out?
Once you have had the surgery it is recommended that you postpone your workouts for at least 10 days. Light walking is permitted.
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