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How long does laser vision correction take?
Will I be able to drive myself home from the surgery?
Will I be able to see right away?
When can I return to work?
Does it hurt?
What is glaucoma?
Is glaucoma treatable?
What is a cataract? Who is at risk for developing them?
Can cataracts be prevented?
How are cataracts treated?
Most laser vision correction patients spend about 60 minutes at the office. Most of this time is spent in preparation for the laser vision correction procedure.
Most laser vision correction patients spend about 20 minutes in the laser room. Most of this time is spent preparing the patient and the laser. Typical patients require 30 - 90 seconds of laser treatment per eye. In the LASIK procedure, the "flap" forming portion of the procedure takes about 60 seconds.
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No. Because of the sudden change in your vision and the possibility that you will be under the effect of a sedative, we insist that patients arrange some other means of transportation after surgery. Also, plan on seeing your surgeon the very next day. Although you may be able to see by that time, you still may want to arrange for other transportation.
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PRK patients may notice a improvement in their vision immediately. The full effect of the procedure may not be seen for days or weeks after the procedure. A typical PRK patient might be 20/100 the day after surgery, 20/40 on the third day and 20/20 or 20/25 during the second or third week. Patients who are in their late 30s and above may notice increased difficulty reading for as much as one month after the surgery.
LASIK patients experience clear vision more rapidly. Most LASIK patients experience 20/40 the day after surgery, with many seeing 20/30 or better.
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Most laser vision correction patients can return to work soon after their procedure. PRK patients can usually return to work within two or three days after their procedure. If they have only had one eye done they will need to use a contact lens on the un-operated eye.
LASIK patients can usually return to work the next day. They will also require a contact lens if they have only had one eye operated.
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Laser vision correction is a relatively painless technique. For PRK patients there is no pain during the surgery. After the surgery the eye may feel low to moderate pain. Many patients experience a scratchy sensation similiar to an old or dirty contact lens. Some patients may have more discomfort and may experience some difficulty sleeping on the first night. These patients can often be helped with eye drops and oral pain relievers.
LASIK patients may experience a brief (90 second) sensation of pressure on the eye during surgery. Except for this brief discomfort, LASIK patients experience no discomfort during laser vision correction. After the procedure, the comfort is generally excellent. A few patients may experience a mild scratchy sensation due to small abrasions at or near the edge of the flap.
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One of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises high enough to damage the optic nerve. It cannot be prevented, and vision lost to it cannot be restored. The high eye pressure associated with glaucoma is caused by blockages in the eye’s fluid drains. No one knows yet why the blockages form. People at the greatest risk include those who are over the age of 40, diabetic, nearsighted, African American, or who have a family history of glaucoma.
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Once diagnosed, glaucoma can be controlled. Treatments to lower pressure in the eye include non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications, laser therapy, and surgery.
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A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the eye, and cause blurred or distorted vision. People at risk for developing cataracts are over 55 years old, have had eye injuries or disease, have a family history of cataracts, smoke cigarettes or use certain medications.
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They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.
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Vision loss from cataracts can often be corrected with prescription glasses and contact lenses. For people who are significantly affected by cataracts, replacement surgery may be the preferred method of treatment. During cataract replacement (the most common surgical procedure in the country), the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL.
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