FAQs
Eye Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
LASIK
LASIK Stands for Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. LASIK is a widely used vision correction procedure that creates a corneal flap, allowing for correction of Hyperopia, Myopia and Astigmatism.
No, LASIK itself does not hurt. Numbing drops are applied to the eye to decrease sensations of pain during the procedure. You can expect a pressure sensation during the flap creation, which is typically 20 seconds. After your procedure there will be a 3-4 hour period of discomfort. Most people sleep through this and wake up feeling much better.
Basic qualifications for LASIK are- you must be 18 years or older, have a stable glasses prescription and appropriate corneal thickness. LASIK is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Alternative vision correction procedures can be discussed at a free screening appointment. There are several alternatives to LASIK for individuals with thin corneas. You may qualify for PRK, SMILE eye surgery or ICL implants.
Yes, it can in many cases.
If you are having both eyes done, LASIK usually only takes 10-15min to complete.
Depending on your work environment, Many people return to work within 1-3 days following their surgery with little to no difficulty.
You should notice improved vision for a lifetime. However, some eye diseases can still impact your eyesight.
The cost can vary, depending on the amount of correction and other factors. However, the procedure tends to be well worth it, as you save money on contacts and eyeglasses, which could total much more than LASIK over a lifetime.
Medical insurance typically does not cover the procedure unless deemed medically necessary. For example, certain jobs may require it.
SMILE
SMILE stands for “Small incision lenticule extraction.” This is a laser guided vision correction procedure that is similar to LASIK but does not create a corneal flap.
Smile eye surgery is a nearly painless procedure to experience and recover from. Most patients report mild foreign body sensation and watering.
Most everyone who qualifies for LASIK can qualify for SMILE. SMILE is targeted to treat Myopia and Astigmatism and can be done on individuals with thinner corneas that would not qualify for LASIK.
Relief from dependency on glasses and contact lens use. Decreased postoperative dry eye, increased corneal stability, increased patient comfort during procedure and almost no postoperative discomfort.
Resting for a period of 4 hours, reduced screen time for 1-2 days, no dusty, dirty bacteria friendly environments for one week, use of medicated eye drops for one week.
Depending on your work environment, Many people return to work the next day with little to no difficulty.
The laser guided portion of the procedure is merely a few seconds. Afterward the doctor will remove the lenticule, which takes less than 5 minutes for most patients.
In most cases, SMILE and many other vision correction surgeries are considered an elective or cosmetic procedure and are not covered by health or vision insurance. However, discounts for certain vision correction procedures may be available with eye insurance plans. Many HSA and FSA plans allow use of funds for approved vision correction procedures. Financing options are also available.
While complications with cataract surgery are very rare, potential risks may include- Infection, swelling, retinal detachment, increased eye pressure, changes to glare or halos around lights. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before surgery.
CATARACTS
A Cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens that is caused by the proteins of the natural lens breaking down and clumping together. Cataracts are the leading cause of treatable blindness. They can occur at any age but are most often related to aging.
The most common symptoms of cataracts are decreased vision, light sensitivity, increased glare, decreased color sensitivity, changes in a person’s glasses prescription
Yes, we have a special procedure designed to address both glaucoma and cataracts in a single visit.
The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis. A small incision is made in the eye, the cloudy lens is broken up into small pieces and removed. A lens implant is then placed into the eye.
Most commonly patients will be light sensitive, have mild discomfort or foreign body sensation and watering. Your vision may be blurred as your eye heals. Vision typically stabilizes about one week after surgery. You may need a new glasses prescription to achieve your best visual result. Most people will at least need reading glasses for near vision.
Lens implants used in cataract surgery are designed to last a lifetime and do not need to be replaced.
Cataracts cannot return once the natural lens is removed. However, some people develop a condition called Posterior capsular opacification or PCO, which can impact vision similarly to cataracts. PCO is easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure.