Since the pandemic, I’ve had SOOOO many patients ask me about LASIK eye surgery (and I don’t blame those who have to wear prescription glasses)…I know fogging with the masks have been a BIG issue. As promised, I wanted to address everything there is to know about LASIK, in case you’ve been thinking about having the procedure done. A lot patients who are initially scared, realize how easy and smoothly the procedure takes place (It’s not as SCARY as you think). I personally work with an amazing LASIK/PRK surgeon whom I trust with my patients eyeballs completely. Best advice I can give you: Always do your research on your doctors and any surgical procedures beforehand. Don’t cheap out on anything that is health related – after all, there are risks with any surgical procedures and you want to make sure you go to the best of the best!
ONE. How Does LASIK work?
First, your doctor will create a thin surface-flap under the microscope.
Next, they will use a pre-programmed Excimer Laser that applies short pulses of cool ultraviolet light to change the shape of the cornea (the front translucent layers of your eyes), which is what allows images to focus clearly on your retina.
Lastly, your doctor will smooth down the flap.
TWO. how long does it take?
The actual PREP TIME takes longer than the procedure.
The whole procedure takes less than 15 minutes.
The laser portion takes anywhere from 20-50 seconds (depending on your prescription)
Three. does lasik hurt?
Nope! NO PAIN! The actual procedure doesn’t hurt. You’ll definitely be given numbing drops (anesthetic), so you won’t be experiencing any pain.
Things you WILL EXPERIENCE:
DURING THE PROCEDURE: A slight pressure feeling
AFTER THE PROCEDURE: You’ll feel that feeling as if there’s something in your eye for a few hours & will be light sensitive
four. How much time off will i need?
Keep in mind everyone is DIFFERENT, but MOST patients notice a HUGE difference in their vision the VERY NEXT DAY (THAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT LASIK!)
You should expect for your vision to gradually get better…. the full healing process can take a week to several weeks.
As far as days off go, I would personally take 2 days off. Again, everyone is different, but most people see and feel better just 2 days after the procedure. You will need to go in to see your doctor for a post-op check 1 day after the procedure, so plan accordingly.
five. Will I need Someone to be there with me?
Definitely have someone pick you up after you have your LASIK procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you home & to take you to the pharmacy to pick up your eye drop meds! DON’T be a Miranda from Sex and the City. You know…the episode where she refuses to have someone help her after she has LASIK done. Don’t worry though, Steve shows up & helps her in the end (he’s the SWEETEST!).
six. why not put me to sleep completely?
The procedure is so quick that once you’re done, you’ll realize how UNNECESSARY it is to completely put someone to sleep. There are always risks associated with general anesthesia, so be happy that you DON’T have to go through that.
seven. What happens if my vision changes after?
You need to be sure to go to your follow-up appointments and yearly eye exams, that way your doctor can determine if the change is caused from a refractive error or from an eye condition/disease. Depending on that, you may be able to get a “touch-up” to sharpen up your vision.
eight. What if i blink/move during the procedure?
The doctor with put a comfortable eyelid-holder around your eyelids, making it impossible to blink. You will also be on a reclined chair, mildly sedated, and will be told to look at a flashing light as a focusing point – most people don’t move with that combination, however, technology has gotten SO GOOD, that the laser is programmed in a way that it stops in case of any large movements.
nine. Any side effects i should know about?
Day 1-2 Post-Op:
-A lot of patients experience a feeling of having “something in your eye.” Think of it as having a contact lens in your eye when you’re blinking. It’s not painful, it’s just discomfort. Light sensitivity, so have your sunglasses ready!
Post-Op:
Dryness – Depending on how dry your eyes are naturally before the LASIK procedure, the degree of dryness can vary after the procedure. It can last up to 3 months to a year and your doctor will go over things you can do to make it more comfortable.
Glare/Halos – Patients usually experience glare and halos around lights more at night. Again, depending on how high your prescription was to begin with, it can last up to 3 months to over a year. Your doctor may prescribe you anti-glare glasses for driving at night depending on the severity.
Presbyopia – I make sure to explain this to ALL OF MY LASIK patients. Around the age of 40 & up, MOSTLY EVERYONE will eventually need READING/COMPUTER glasses, EVEN AFTER HAVING LASIK DONE. As we throw more and more birthday parties, our focusing system slows down, making it harder to see our phones & computers. There are other procedures you can do (MONOVISION), but if you work with tiny prints, chances are you’ll still need some type of prescription glasses for near-work. Monovision corrects one eye for distance and one eye for near (your doctor will determine if it’s a good fit for you).
Loss of Vision – There is a slight chance of an infection after any surgery, therefore, you have to make sure to use the medication drops your doctor prescribes. That’s also why the doctor checks your eyes 1 day after the procedure, to make sure you eyes are free of infections and that their healing properly.
Vision Fluctuating – depends on what procedure was performed, how fast your eye heals, dryness, and how high of a prescription you had to begin with
ten. Are both eyes done at the same time?
Yes! Both eyes will be done the same day.
eleven. How old do i have to be?
It’s better to wait until you’re 18 & older, because your vision can still be changing when you’re younger. Depending on your prescription and how stable it’s been, your doctor will let you know if you should wait a little longer or go in for a consultation. Think of it this way, if your prescription is still changing, then it’s a waste of money since you run the risk of being back in glasses/contacts a year or two after the procedure. If you’re serious about LASIK vision correction, make sure you go to your eye doctor routinely every year, that way they keep an accurate record of how stable your vision is.
twelve. Why doesn’t insurance cover it?
LASIK is considered a cosmetic or elective procedure, so insurance DOES NOT COVER IT.
If your company has Flex-Spending aka Flexible Benefits Plan, it may cover the procedure.
thirteen. How do i determine if i’m a candidate for lasik? next steps?
Start with an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with your favorite local Optometrist. Make sure mention that you’re considering LASIK and to take in you most recent glasses/contacts prescriptions, so your doctor can determine how stable your eyes have been throughout the years. Based on your eye exam, your doctor will let you know if they think you should wait a little longer or if you’re a good candidate for a LASIK consultation. Your doctor will also be checking the health of your eyes to make sure it’s disease-free before doing any sort of procedure.
If you’re in the LA area and have questions or want to come in for an appointment, feel free to message me through my Instagram @drluxy or email me at hello@drluxy.com
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Let me know if you have any more questions in the comments below!
