Is LASIK Surgery Safe?
While all surgical procedures are accompanied by inherent risk, LASIK is FDA-approved and safe with few or no side effects. Minor complications like dry eye occur in less than 5% of patients, while more serious complications like a decline in vision occur in less than 1% of patients.
Can Both Eyes Be Treated At the Same Time?
Because patients can see clearly after the surgery, most surgeons perform LASIK on both eyes at the same time. This creates convenience for patients and eliminates downtime.
What Can Patients Expect During Laser Vision Correction Surgery?
Patients lie back in a chair, and the eyes are numbed using anesthetic eye drops. Speculums are placed under the eyelids to hold the eyes wide open for the procedure. A corneal flap is created through a shallow incision, and then the flap is pulled back to reveal deeper layers of the cornea. The non-thermal laser is positioned over the cornea and emits pulses of light to reshape the cornea and correct vision. The flap is then put back into place, where it naturally adheres to the deeper layer of the cornea.
Who is Eligible for LASIK?
Only an ophthalmologist can determine whether a patient is eligible for LASIK surgery, but in most cases, patients are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- They are at least 21 years old
- They haven't been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or degenerative disease
- Their vision has not changed in the past year
- They don't have any other eye diseases (cataracts, dry eye, infection, or glaucoma)
The first step in determining eligibility for LASIK surgery is to schedule a consultation with the professionals at Paragon Eye Associates.
How Long Should Patients Wait Before Resuming Regular Activity and Returning to Work?
Patients can see more clearly immediately following the procedure and can return to work and begin driving again the very next day.
What are the Most Common Side Effects of the Procedure?
Very few potential side effects are associated with the LASIK procedure. Some patients may see a “halo” around a light in the dark, while other patients may notice that their eyes are dry after surgery. Both of these side effects resolve over time. In very few cases – less than 1% - the patient’s vision worsens instead of improves and re-treatment is required.
