Whenever someone considers laser eye surgery, there are bound to be questions and queries going around their mind. If that sounds like you, then no doubt you will be looking forward to the opportunity to discuss the treatment at an appointment with a laser eye surgeon or consultant. They will provide advice and may answer many of your questions before you even ask them, but if not, here are ten of the key question and several answers concerning LASIK.
Am I Suitable For LASIK?
To be A suitable candidate for LASIK, there are certain criteria you must meet. Your vision issue must be one that LASIK can correct, your eyes must be free of ailments like glaucoma and cataracts, your cornea must have sufficient tissue for reshaping, and your general health must be good.
Does My Age Affect The Use Of LASIK?
Whilst there is no upper age limit, there is a lower age limit. The absolute minimum age is 18. However, many laser eye surgeons will not operate until someone is at least 25 due to the ongoing eye development that can occur in younger people.
How Many Times Has The Surgeon Performed LASIK?
We obviously cannot answer that for your surgeon, but it is worth asking them to reassure you that they are experienced. Bear in mind all laser eye surgeons have gone through many years of education and training and must be fully qualified to perform LASIK.
How Much Does LASIK Cost?
Another question your laser eye surgery can answer for you, as a general rule of thumb. LASIK can cost between 2,500 AUD and 4,000 AUD for each eye.
Doers LASIK Have Side-Effects, And If So, What Are They?
The truth is any surgery can produce side effects, but thankfully they are rare with LASIK. The most likely is dry eyes which can be remedied with eye drops. Seeing halos or starbursts is another, although these tend to diminish within a few months.
How Much Will LASIK Improve My Vision?
The answer to that will depend on your current vision and prescription if you are short-sighted or long-sighted. Most laser eye surgeons will advise that your vision should be at least 20/40, meaning you should no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Is LASIK Painful?
Thanks to a local anaesthetic, you should feel no pain whatsoever during the procedure. As the anaesthesia wears off, some discomfort or irritation may be felt but these dissipate within hours or days, and normal painkiller tablets are usually enough to provide relief.
What Is The LASIK Process?
LASIK is a four-step process that is repeated in each eye and takes a total of about 15 minutes.
- Eye drops /anaesthesia is administered by the surgeon
- Surgeon creates a flap in the cornea using a laser
- Surgeon reshapes the cornea using another laser
- Surgeon puts the corneal flap back in position
How Long Does It Take To Recover From LASIK?
You might experience blurry vision and some discomfort for a few days, but that is about it. Longer-term issues are rare, and most patients can drive and go back to work within 24-48 hours.
Does LASIK Last A Lifetime?
LASIK is a permanent process and does not ‘wear off’ as some suggest. However, if the patient’s vision changes due to a health issue or an eye disorder, then another surgery might be necessary, but this is rare. Some patients elect to undergo a LASIK enhancement after 10 years if their vision diminishes.