It is of course not possible to answer all questions on a web site.
If you are considering LASIK surgery, your doctor will answer all of
your questions.
•What is LASIK?
•Am I a candidate for LASIK surgery?
•Does LASIK surgery correct only nearsightedness?
•What kind of results can I expect?
•How can I evaluate an eye surgeon?
•Will I be awake during my surgery?
•What happens during the recovery period?
•How soon will my eyes stabilize?
•Will I need glasses after the procedure?
•Is the laser FDA approved?
•Does LASIK surgery cause night blindness?
•Does LASIK surgery cause dry eyes?
•What do we know about long-term effects?
•Does insurance cover the procedure?
•What is the difference between LASIK
and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)?
If you have a question that is not answered here, ask it by e-mail
or discuss it with the doctor during your free consultation.
What is LASIK?
Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis is a surgical procedure in which
a laser is used to reshape the cornea. Your Kremer eye surgeon will
create a flap on the surface of your cornea, then use a cool excimer
laser to reshape the underlying tissue. The flap will then be put back
in place, allowing for a quick and relatively painless visual recovery
for most patients.
Am I a candidate for
LASIK surgery?
If you need glasses or contacts to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness,
or astigmatism, you may be a candidate for surgery. Even people who
have had cataract surgery or corneal transplants may be candidates for
LASIK. Surgery may be available for those who are under age 18. If you
are under 18 or are interested in the surgery for someone under 18,
arrange a free consultation with a Kremer Laser Eye Surgery Centers surgeon.
Does LASIK surgery
correct only nearsightedness?
Kremer surgeons can correct farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism,
as well as nearsightedness (myopia).
What kind of results
can I expect?
Typically, you will see an immediate improvement in your eyesight. LASIK's
objective is to produce vision of 20/40 or better without glasses or
contacts. Your vision may be somewhat hazy for several days following
the surgery. Most patients' eyes stabilize within 4 - 6 weeks of the
surgery. Some patients may require a second procedure known as an enhancement.
The need for an enhancement may be caused by several factors, including
high degrees of refractive error, or simply the fact that each patient's
corneal cells will absorb the lasers energy slightly differently.
How can I evaluate
an eye surgeon?
LASIK should be performed only by an ophthalmologist -- an M.D. with
a specialty in LASIK. You should ask about your surgeon's medical training,
board-certification, years of experience and number of LASIK surgeries
performed. Remember, most people have two eyes treated, so a surgeon
who has performed 1,000 surgeries has operated on 500 people. To learn more about
Kremer Laser eye surgeons, click
here.
Will I be awake during
my surgery?
A mild sedative and anesthetic drops are administered before surgery.
You will be fully conscious, yet relaxed, throughout the procedure.
What happens during
the recovery period?
Your eyes will be covered with protective shields until the next day.
These shields have pinholes that permit sight while protecting against
foreign objects entering your eyes. Your eyes may feel scratchy and
may tear up for about two hours after surgery.
For the first week, you'll wear the flexible shields at night to make
sure you don't accidentally rub your eyes while you sleep.
You'll take eye drops for the first four days after surgery. One prescription
is an antibiotic, and the other controls inflammation.
Many patients are able to return to normal activities one or two days
after LASIK, but every patient is different, so be prepared for a longer
recovery, and keep your schedule flexible.
You can probably start driving by the second day; some patients are
able to drive after 24 hours.
You will have an initial postoperative visit with your surgeon after
surgery. You will also schedule postoperative visits with your regular
eye doctor one week, one month, three months, six months and 12 months
after your LASIK surgery.
How soon will my
eyes stabilize?
Most patients can resume most activities within 1-2 days of the procedure.
The eyes tend to further stabilize over the next 4 to 6 weeks and in
some cases over a longer period. During this extended period usually
you can work, drive, and carry on with most daily activities.
Will I need glasses
after the procedure?
Most people who are older than 40-45 will probably need reading
glasses for close work, just as they would if they were wearing
contact lenses. (They would wear bifocals if they wear regular
glasses.) Others may require glasses for some activities such
as driving at night. Some patients may still require glasses
or contact lenses.
Is the laser FDA approved?
The excimer laser developed and built at Kremer Laser Eye Surgery Centers headquarters
was the first laser in the world to be approved by the Food and Drug
Administration for the LASIK procedure.
Does LASIK surgery
cause night blindness?
Some patients have reported seeing halos around lights at night immediately
following surgery. In 99% of patients, the halos either disappear or
become small enough that they are not a problem within a few months.
In a survey completed in 1997 and audited by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), Kremer Laser Eye Surgery Centers determined that this condition was reported
in about 1% of patients.
Does LASIK surgery cause
dry eyes?
Patients who had borderline or symptomatic dry eyes when wearing contact
lenses may find that the condition continues after LASIK surgery, but
it can be treated with artificial tears eye drops and, in some cases,
occlusion of the tear drainage ducts.
What do we know about
long-term effects?
Dr. Kremer himself performed the first LASIK surgery in North America
in 1993. His patients report lasting improvement in their vision. Choosing Kremer Laser Eye Surgery Center's "True Commitment" program means that if you need additional correction, it will be provided at minimal charge. Although LASIK is a relatively new procedure,
it is actually a refinement of a procedure performed since the 1950's;
keratomileusis, in which tissue was removed from under the cornea's
surface by mechanical means instead of a laser. Patients who had the
original procedure in the 1950s have reported no detrimental long-term
effects. Dr. Kremer first performed keratomileusis in 1982.
Does insurance cover
the procedure?
Some insurance companies cover the procedure, although most do not.
Check with your insurance provider. Kremer Laser Eye Surgery Centers offers affordable
payment plans to bring the benefits of LASIK surgery within the reach
of almost anyone. We also offer group benefits programs through companies,
unions and associations.
What is the difference
between LASIK and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)?
Both procedures use the excimer laser, but in the LASIK procedure, the
corneal surface cells are hinged to one side, and the excimer laser
is applied under the surface of the eye. In the PRK procedure, the corneal
surface cells are discarded, so healing takes longer, and there is a
more gradual improvement in vision. Kremer Laser Eye Surgery Centers performs
both procedures, depending on the needs of the patient.
If you have a question that is not answered here, you can discuss it
with the doctor during your free consultation. To schedule your consultation,
click here.
If you prefer to ask a question by e-mail,
click here.
LASIK FAQs
LASIK Surgery
What to Expect
with LASIK
KremerCare
Excimer Laser
Kremer Laser Fact Sheet
