FAQs on Laser Eye Surgery

Everybody has the desire for a clear and sharp vision. Many people, however, do not have perfect vision, they are either nearsighted or farsighted or have astigmatism. These common eye conditions are what we call refractive errors. An eye surgeon can correct these refractive errors by using a laser to reshape the cornea so that light is properly focused onto the retina in order to improve vision without glasses and contact lenses. Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure that uses a cool (non-thermal) beam of light to gently reshape the cornea — the surface of the eye — to improve vision. The laser removes microscopic bits of tissue to flatten the cornea (to correct nearsightedness), steepen the cornea (to correct farsightedness) and/or smooth out corneal irregularities (to correct astigmatism). The goal of laser eye surgery is to change the shape the cornea so it does a better job of focusing images onto the retina for sharper vision. LASIK and PRK (LASEK) are two types of laser vision correction. Learn more abour laser eye surgery by looking at our page here.

LASIK and PRK is proven to be safe and effective. Laser vision correction uses a cool (non-thermal) beam of light that is computer controlled. The surgeon turns the laser on and is able to turn it off at any moment. Many safeguards are in place to reduce the risk of error. However, risks are associated with any surgical procedure. Although no one knows the exact number of complications, studies suggest that the incidence of minor difficulties such as dry eyes and nighttime glare is around 3 percent to 5 percent, while the risk of serious incidents such as lost vision is thought to be less than 1 percent. There are no known cases of blindness from LASIK or PRK. Again, outcomes generally are very good.

Most surgeons perform a LASIK procedure on both eyes at the same time. However, because it takes longer for clear, comfortable vision after PRK, many surgeons will wait a week or two between eyes for PRK.

Laser eye surgery is generally painless. Before the procedure, anesthetic eye drops are applied to ensure comfort. After LASIK, most patients experience mild discomfort for a day or so, while PRK may cause more noticeable discomfort as the deeper corneal layers heal, which can take up to two weeks. You might feel slight pressure for about 30 seconds during the surgery, but this is normal. Post-surgery, teary or scratchy eyes for a few hours are common and will subside quickly.

Laser eye surgery is quick, with the laser treatment taking less than a minute and the full procedure lasting about 15 minutes per eye. As an outpatient procedure, you'll spend roughly an hour at our clinic. Post-surgery, your vision may be blurry, so arrange for someone to drive you home.

Most people achieve clear vision without glasses after LASIK or PRK. However, you might need glasses for specific activities like night driving if mild refractive error remains. Over age 40, presbyopia may require reading glasses or progressive lenses. LASIK has a 95% success rate for eliminating glasses, though higher myopia may reduce this to 85%. Reading glasses are typically needed as part of normal aging between ages 43–46.

Almost immediately after the LASIK eye surgery there will be a marked improvement in the patient’s vision. To assist with recovery transparent patches will be placed over the patient’s eyes which will only be removed the following morning. At this point, in most instances, once these patches are removed the patient will now have normal vision.

To determine if you're a candidate for laser eye surgery, you'll need an assessment. Generally, candidates should have healthy eyes without infections or conditions affecting healing, stable vision for at least a year, and normal hormonal levels if nursing. Degenerative or autoimmune diseases may disqualify you due to potential healing complications.

We will give you a thorough eye exam to make sure your eyes are healthy and you're a suitable candidate for laser surgery. We will test for glaucoma, cataracts and other disqualifying conditions. We will use a machine called a corneal topographer to photograph and electronically map your eye. We will use this map to plan your surgery for the most precise results possible. Watch our explanation video here.

LASIK and PRK are outpatient procedures, which means you'll spend around an hour at our rooms and walk out afterwards. Someone else must drive you home, because your vision will be a little blurry right after surgery. You'll lie down in a reclining chair. The surgeon will place anesthetic drops in your eye, position your head under the laser and place an eyelid speculum (retainer) under your lids to hold your eye wide open. In LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin flap in the top of the cornea, folds it back out of the way, uses the laser to remove some corneal tissue and then puts the flap back in place. If you're having PRK, no flap is created: The laser simply removes the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium), which grows back after surgery. Watch our explanation video here on what happens on the day of your surgery.

The surgeon will place eye drops or ointment in your eye. You may relax for a little while then go home and rest. You'll probably notice clearer vision immediately, and typically it will improve even more as the weeks go by. Watch our explanation video here.

After laser eye surgery, you can drive once your vision is clear, but not on the day of the procedure. Makeup can be worn a week post-surgery, but it's best to discard old products to avoid infection. Most LASIK patients return to work the next day, while PRK patients may need 2–3 days of rest.

Some people experience dry eye after LASIK, which is usually relieved with eye drops and disappears over time. Others may experience starbursts or halos around lights, especially at night. Usually this effect lessens or disappears over time, too.

You will probably return the next day, then one week or one month later and then three months later. Your doctor will let you know if more visits are necessary and on which dates.

The absolute best source of information about laser eye surgery is the surgeon. All you have to do is make an appointment. Book your consultation here.