Thinking About LASIK? Here's What You Need to Know

LASIK eye surgery is an extremely popular choice for people who want to enjoy clearer vision without being tied to glasses or contact lenses. Millions of people have had LASIK since the FDA approved it more than a quarter century ago.

But if you’ve never had the surgery, it’s only natural to wonder how it works and what to expect both during and after treatment.

Eye Care & Surgery is a leading provider of state-of-the-art LASIK surgery, using the most advanced techniques for optimal outcomes. In this post, our team provides answers to some of the most common questions to help you decide if it just might be the right choice for you.

The laser reshapes your cornea

The cornea is the clear dome over the front of your eye. Ideally, this dome is round (or very close to round) to prevent distortion when light enters your eye. If the cornea is misshapen, you’re more likely to have vision issues, like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

LASIK corrects these vision issues by reshaping your cornea, using a special laser device designed for highly precise and accurate results. After LASIK, you can enjoy clearer vision — so clear, most patients no longer need glasses or contact lenses.

It only takes about a half hour

Although cornea reshaping might sound like major surgery, LASIK is surprisingly quick, with most procedures taking a half hour or less. What’s more, we perform LASIK on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home soon afterward.

Before surgery, we apply special eye drops to numb your eye, so you’re comfortable. Many patients enjoy clearer vision almost immediately.

LASIK recovery is quick

LASIK creates a tiny flap in your cornea, and afterward, this flap self-heals, meaning you don’t need to worry about sutures. It’s common to have some mild redness, light sensitivity, and dryness following your surgery, effects that typically resolve within a few days to a few weeks.

We provide recovery instructions, along with special eye drops to support healing and prevent infection. You also have follow-up visits so we can track your progress.

Be aware of potential risks

Like any surgical procedure, LASIK carries potential risks. Temporary side effects such as dry eyes, glare, halos, or mild discomfort are common and usually resolve on their own. Rare complications, such as infection or under- or over-correction, can occur but are extremely uncommon.

Discuss these risks with our team beforehand so you can make an informed decision about your treatment and so you have peace of mind. During your visit, we explain how we manage potential issues and monitor your recovery for safe, optimal results.

LASIK is not ideal for everyone

While LASIK yields great results for many people with refractive vision issues, it’s not ideal for everyone. Specifically, LASIK is generally appropriate for people who are 18 years of age or older, have a stable lens prescription, and don’t have certain eye conditions, like glaucoma, keratoconus, or dry eye disease. 

Before recommending LASIK, we perform a comprehensive eye exam and review not only your vision history, but your general health history, too. A thorough health evaluation helps ensure your LASIK procedure delivers the best possible vision benefits while minimizing potential risks.

Your eyes can still change as you age

LASIK corrects your current vision, but it doesn’t stop your eyes from changing naturally over time. As you age, it’s not uncommon to develop a vision issue called presbyopia, which causes blurriness and makes it more challenging to read or perform other close-up tasks. 

It’s also possible for your eyes to change in other ways that may require prescription lenses in order for you to enjoy consistently clear vision. Some patients still require glasses or contacts following LASIK, particularly when performing specific tasks.

Enjoy clearer vision

LASIK can dramatically improve vision and reduce reliance on corrective lenses, but making an informed choice is key. At Eye Care & Surgery, our team is dedicated to helping you make the best decision — and get the best care and treatment — for optimal vision and eye health now and in the future.

To learn more about LASIK or to schedule a pre-LASIK exam and evaluation, request an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Eye Care & Surgery at our locations in the Fort Washington neighborhood of Manhattan, in the Bronx, and in New Rochelle, New York.