What is LASIK and who can benefit from this procedure?

LASIK is a surgical procedure performed to correct refractive error of the eyes. Individuals suffering from refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism benefit from this surgery.

Who do you consider an ideal candidate for LASIK?

To determine whether you are an ideal candidate, Dr. Boothe will ask you to undergo several tests. After evaluating the results, Dr. William Boothe will be able to decide whether the patient is suffering from myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or other eye conditions. The extent of your refractive errors will be determined by performing further diagnostic procedures. The best way to know if you will be a good candidate is to perform these thorough tests and see if LASIK will fit your needs.

How much time do you require to complete a LASIK surgery?

Normally, a LASIK surgery by an experienced eye doctor requires five to seven minutes for the completion of the procedure for each eye or about fifteen minutes to complete work on both of the patient’s eyes.

Is LASIK is a lifelong treatment? Will I need to wear reading glasses after LASIK procedure?

LASIK treatment is a permanent treatment for your current refractive errors. Normally, patients who are below the age of 40 can read well without spectacles after the treatment. Patients with more than 40 years of age may require reading glasses because they tend to develop Presbyopia. The LASIK procedure does not treat presbyopia.

How soon after surgery can I go back to work?

Most of the patients can return to their workplace on the very next day. The healing time will vary from one person to another. It is a good idea to maintain some level of flexibility and be allowed to rest for a day or two after LASIK surgery if necessary. Dr. Boothe recommends you to take a leave from work for a couple of days, if possible.

How much time is required to obtain optimal vision after LASIK?

LASIK surgery assures fast recovery of vision. Most of the patients are achieving good vision on the very same day of the surgery or on the next day. Immediately after the surgery, you may feel like you are looking through water. But, within four hours after surgery, your vision will become clearer. During the healing period, it is common that patients experience phases of vision recovery in which their eyesight varies between blurry and clear for some weeks. Vision will improve continuously, but it may take 2-3 months to achieve the best vision, especially for patients with high prescriptions. Patients who had undergone LASIK surgery for hyperopia may have to wait longer to get a clear vision.

Is it possible to achieve 20/20 vision after LASIK surgery?

The outcome of your LASIK surgery depends up on the strength of the patient’s prescription and other associated factors. Most patients without any previous history of eye disease can achieve a vision of 20/40 or even better. More than 50% of the patients will get 20/20 vision or better. Dr. Boothe will usually be able to estimate the probable outcome of your surgery after learning the results of the pre-op tests. You have to know that 20/20 vision achieved through LASIK procedure will feel a bit different from 20/20 vision achieved by corrective lenses.

Is it possible to correct both eyes on the same day?

According to Dr. Boothe, both the eyes can be corrected on the same time. This saves time and also eliminates problems related with period imbalance. Some patients prefer to complete surgery in two steps and this option is valid as well.

What happens when I blink or move my eyes at the time of the surgical procedure?

While doing the procedure, the eyes will be kept opened with the help of an eyelid opener. So, there is no question of blinking or moving of eyes. The laser is under the complete control of the surgeon, and if requires he can stop the surgery until the patient feels comfortable to focus on the fixation light. Special tracking software is installed in advanced laser systems and they correct themselves in real time if involuntary eye movements occur.

What about the safety of the LASIK procedure?

LASIK procedure, if done by an experienced surgeon who uses the most up-to-date machinery, is very safe for patients. Nowadays risks or complications after the procedure are very rare. Again, it is important to remember that LASIK procedure should be performed only by an experienced and skilled surgeon.