LASIK FAQs
What types of vision problems can be corrected with LASIK?
LASIK is a surgical treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism that reshapes the cornea to improve visual focus.
Who is NOT a candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is not for everyone. Certain factors, such as the thickness of your corneas or the strength of your eyeglass prescription, determine whether or not you may be a candidate.
That is why, before any vision correction is performed, Dr. Shiller and Shiller Vision Center’s team of eye care professionals will conduct a detailed examination to evaluate your candidacy. Based on the results of those tests, Dr. Shiller will recommend the vision correction option best suited for you.
What happens during a LASIK procedure?
The surgeon begins by creating a flap in the eye’s cornea. After the flap is folded back, Dr. Shiller uses the high-energy microsecond pulses of an excimer laser to remove microscopic layers of tissue and improve the curvature of the cornea. Once the treatment is completed, the flap is folded back into its normal position and begins the rapid healing process. No stitches are necessary because the two layers of the cornea adhere naturally to each other. The entire procedure generally takes less than 20 minutes.
What is the “customized” procedure I have heard so much about?
The term “custom” generally refers to individualized visual diagnosis with “wavefront” technology which allows for customized treatment with the excimer laser.
A custom LASIK procedure makes it possible for Dr. Shiller to deliver an unprecedented level of personalization, safety, and precision with each patient’s procedure.
I am currently wearing contact lenses. Do I need to do something special?
Contact lenses cause subtle changes in the shape of the cornea.
Soft contact lenses should be removed 7 days before your examination (several weeks if you wear rigid gas permeable lenses). This gives the cornea time to relax and return to its normal and natural state before we measure its dimensions in preparation for your LASIK treatment.
What should I expect during a LASIK procedure?
After administering eye drops to numb the eye and a mild sedative to induce relaxation, you will be taken into the vision correction suite.
Dr. Shiller will place a tiny mark on the cornea with water-soluble ink to ensure proper alignment.
During the first step of an LASIK procedure, Dr. Shiller makes a tiny, precise flap on the surface of the cornea. Then, using a computer-controlled excimer laser, he reshapes the cornea with high-energy microsecond pulses. After the desired shape is achieved, the corneal flap is replaced and the rapid healing process begins.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes. The two layers of the cornea adhere naturally to each other once the flap is put back into position.
What happens then?
After the procedure, you will be given instructions and mediations to aid healing, as well as protective eyewear. Although you may experience an immediate improvement in your vision, your eyes will be sensitive to light for several hours, so you must have a driver on hand for the trip home. A long nap is recommended to promote healing.
What if I blink or move my eye during the procedure?
During a LASIK procedure, a small lid holder will prevent you from blinking. You will be instructed to focus on a blinking red light, and the VISX Star S4 excimer laser’s innovative ActiveTrak™ technology will monitor eye movement in three dimensions. The laser will stop if the eye moves outside of the treatment zone.
Are there any side effects?
LASIK side effects are few. Temporary side effects may include mild scratchiness, dry eyes, glare or halos in low light conditions, as well as minimal discomfort.
Is LASIK covered by my insurance plan?
As LASIK is considered an elective procedure, it is not covered by most insurance plans. However, budget-friendly financing plans with easy terms make LASIK affordable. Our coordinator will be happy to provide details.
Considering the recurring costs of new contact and eyeglass prescriptions and solutions, the procedure may save you money in the long run.
Many employers offer flexible benefit plans that are an excellent way to allocate pre-tax income to pay for a vision correction procedure.
Will I ever need glasses again?
Most patients will not need glasses for distance vision. However, when you reach the age at which bifocals or reading glasses are normally required for close vision, you will most likely need reading glasses. This generally occurs at age 40 or beyond.
Learn about presbyopia.
What is my next step?
Call Shiller Vision Center at (903) 723-1010 to schedule a free consultation.