Lasik Questions

If you are wondering whether you should have lasik eye surgery or not, you most likely have several questions. This post covers some of the more obvious questions potential lasik patients are likely to ask. For a more thorough discussion and to get all of your questions about corrective eye surgery answered, please consult with your physician.

Will I no longer have to depend on eyeglasses or contacts after lasik surgery? Most all lasik patients will have 20/40 vision or better with most ending up at 20/20 or better following lasik. 20/20 is considered perfect. To put 20/40 in perspective, 20/40 is by and large good enough to be issued an unrestricted driver’s license in most states. You may find, however, that you continue to require reading glasses or that you need to wear eyeglasses when driving at night.

Is lasik surgery painful? You will be awake during your surgery and your eye will be numbed. You might feel some discomfort, but not pain. The speculum used to hold your eye open and the corneal ring applied during surgery can be uncomfortable. Following surgery, your eyes may feel dry and irritated, but you will be given eye drops and instructions for post surgery care which will help reduce discomfort.

What does lasik eye surgery cost? Since your health insurance policy likely will not cover the procedure, it is a good idea to get a sense of the cost of lasik eye surgery. There is no uniform price, however, and a number of factors could affect what you ultimately end up paying. For example, it might cost less if your vision requires only minor correction, but it might cost more if you opt for wavefront or custom lasik. Expect to pay between $1500 and $2500 per eye.

Is there a risk of being blinded during lasik surgery? The US Food and Drug Administration has recorded no known instances of blindness as result of lasik eye surgery, though it theoretically is possible. It is crucial to understand not only the potential rewards, but the dangers involved with lasik surgery as well. Talk to your doctor and ask as many questions about the procedure as you have.

What activities are off limits after lasik surgery? You might not be able to safely operate a motor vehicle in the days immediately after surgery, but you should be able to return to work within a day or two. You may find yourself taking more frequent breaks when using a computer or watching television to lessen eye strain, but you won’t be completely barred from such things. You will probably have to wear eye shields while you sleep for a few nights and avoid getting water in your eyes while showering. Your doctor will give you post-operative care directions and it is important that you follow them precisely.

If you are thinking about lasik surgery, you have probably considered these questions and many more. This post was not meant to be a comprehensive lasik FAQ so talk to your doctor. Make sure you ask as many lasik questions as you need to. Asking questions so that you completely understand the procedure, its risks and its rewards is the key to being able to decide whether lasik eye surgery is right for you or not.