Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is LASIK?
2. Will I have a lot of pain during or after the surgery?
3. How successful is LASIK?
4. What are the risks of LASIK?
5. Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?
6. How long will the surgery last?
7. How much time do I need to take off from work?
8. When will I be able to see?
9. When can I drive?
10. How long has LASIK been around?
11. When is LASIK not for me?

• What is LASIK?

  LASIK is a surgical procedure that can reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses by permanently changing the shape of the cornea. LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. The word “Keratomileusis” is derived from two Greek words that literally mean “to shape the cornea”. “In-situ” means “within”. The term LASIK literally means “to shape the cornea from within using laser”.   LASIK is performed under local anesthetic eye drops with the assistance of mild tablet sedation. There are no needles or stitches.

• Will I have a lot of pain during or after the surgery?  

  While you may feel pressure during the procedure, the eye is numb so you will not feel any pain. After the surgery, you may experience a mild burning sensation for a few hours; however the recovery should be painless.

•   How successful is LASIK?  

  In the FDA clinical investigations for VISX Star 4 Excimer Laser Wavefront Treatments, the results on 351 eyes that were reported, 94% could see 20/20 or better and 99.6% could see 20/30 or better (good enough to pass a driving test without glasses) at the six months post operative treatment.

• What are the risks of LASIK?

  LASIK is an extremely safe procedure. In clinical studies the risk of complications that could reduce vision was less than 1 %. Still, as with any surgical procedure, no guarantees can be made. Your results will depend on your initial refractive error, your own individual healing characteristics, and other factors.  

• Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

  If you are eighteen years of age or older and wear glasses for near or farsightedness, or for astigmatism, you may benefit from corrective laser eye surgery. At your first consultation, you will be given a thorough eye examination to make sure that your eyes are healthy and stable.   If you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have certain health conditions, you may not be a good candidate for the laser treatment. Dr. Kavoussi will determine your candidacy at your initial visit.

• How long will the surgery last?

  The procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes. However, expect to be at our surgery center approximately an hour to an hour and a half before leaving.  

• How much time do I need to take off from work?

  For most patients, they usually can return to work 24 hours after surgery.  

• When will I be able to see?

  Many patients report an immediate improvement within the first day. Since an individual’s situation, healing powers and tissues are unique, not everyone should expect to achieve full vision correction immediately. However, vision will improve considerably by the next day when you return for a follow-up exam.  

• When can I drive?  

  You need 20/40 vision for driving. Most patients can drive the next day.

• How long has LASIK been around?

    LASIK has been around for about 13 years and is still advancing.  

• When is LASIK not for me?

  Certain conditions may affect the proper healing of the surgery, Such as diabetes, immunodeficiency states, autoimmune diseases, or some medications. If you are a participant in sports that may cause injury to your head or face, this would probably not work for you . Dr. Kavoussi can determine this at your first consultation.