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What is “All-laser LASIK”?
All-laser LASIK is a procedure that utilizes two different lasers in the laser vision correction process. The Intralase laser is used to create the corneal flap in the LASIK procedure instead of a blade. Reshaping of the cornea is then achieved by using a separate laser, the VISX Star S5. Each laser has unique characteristics optimized and designed specifically for different parts of the LASIK procedure.
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What is retreatment frequency and why is it important to my visual outcome?
A retreatment frequency determines the likelihood of needing a repeat procedure to obtain an acceptable visual result (usually 20/20). The higher a surgeon’s frequency of retreatment the greater the likelihood of needing another procedure. The national retreatment frequency ranges from 5% to 20%. The need to undergo another procedure carries increased risk and this is why all surgeons should share their retreatment frequency with patients.
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How long does LASIK take and will I see immediately after the procedure?
The entire procedure takes 3-5 minutes for each eye. The total time at the laser center is 1-1/2 hours. Immediately after the procedure vision is typically blurred. Vision continues to rapidly improve over 1-3 days. Mild to moderate corrections may have excellent vision on the first post-operative day. Larger and far-sighted corrections may take longer to stabilize.
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Is Laser Vision Correction painful?
LASIK is performed using and eye drop anesthetic. During the procedure, patients do not feel pain but may experience transient pressure. There may be slight irritation for the first twelve hours following the procedure.
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What visual result can I expect? Will I need glasses after LASIK?
There is no guarantee that you will have 20/20 vision without glasses after surgery. Although our experience to date in achieving 20/20 vision or better is impressive. We will gladly share a composite of our patients’ history and result with you during consultation.
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Can LASIK correct reading vision difficulty (presbyopia)?
There are no FDA approved laser treatments for presbyopia. While the science of LASIK has made tremendous progress in treating near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism, the treatment of presbyopia is still experimental. Monovision (one eye corrected for distance and the other for near) is the only good alternative for those who wish to see both distance and near without glasses. This solution, however, is only tolerated by 35% of individuals. Keep in mind that excellent depth perception is slightly imparted by monovision correction since both eyes must be focused simultaneously at the same distance for excellent depth perception. For more information on reading vision difficulty click here.
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Is there a risk of blindness or other permanent side effects from LASIK?
There is risk involved in LASIK. However, the risk of sight threatening complications is extremely rare in the hands of experienced physicians and staff. The most common problems associated with LASIK fortunately are temporary, and have been markedly reduced in incidence by new technology. The most common temporary problems are: blurred or fluctuating vision, dry eye, night glare and halos. A thorough preoperative evaluation by the operating surgeon and having the procedure performed in a facility with experienced technicians can minimize risks and false expectations.
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Where can I find unbiased information about LASIK?
Please see section “LASIK Information on the Web” on our navigation bar for direct links to the Eye Surgery Education Council and the Food and Drug Administration.
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lens wear affect LASIK?
The measurement of your eyeglass prescription is one of the most important parts of your preoperative evaluation. The accuracy of this series of numbers is critical to attaining good results. Both soft and hard contact lenses can warp the surface of the eye, changing these numbers. It is essential that the surface of the eye be allowed to assume its normal shape after contact lens removal before LASIK is performed. For hard lens wearers this means being out of lenses for a minimum of one month and for soft lens wearers two weeks. Not only do contact lenses alter the shape of the ocular surface, they alter the health of the ocular surface as well. It is necessary for the surface of the eye to be as healthy as possible prior to LASIK. If either of these facts is ignored, the need for a second procedure (a retreatment) and/or the likelihood of a sub optimal result is greater.
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Who is not a good candidate for LASIK?
Individuals with thin or misshapen corneas, corneal scarring, severe dry eyes, or chronic eye infections are not good candidates for LASIK.
Individuals with large pupils (measured in the dark) may be more susceptible to night glare. Although it should be noted that the relationship between pupil size, magnitude of treatment and treatment zone size has not been clearly defined and is still widely debated.
Individuals who have had certain types of nearsighted or farsighted surgery in the past may not be good candidates.
Individuals under the age of 18 or those with fluctuating eyeglass prescriptions are not good candidates.
Pregnant or nursing mothers must wait until the hormones of pregnancy and gestation return to normal before being considered for LASIK. (Six months postpartum or six months after breastfeeding).
Certain medical conditions and medications can also disqualify candidates for LASIK surgery. Your consulting surgeon can provide a list.
At the time of your consultation you will be individually evaluated and advised by Dr. Benedetto as to whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK.
