FAQ
You'll find the most frequently asked questions on this webpage
It is a painless laser surgery performed on your eyes, that can correct refractive problems such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism. The LASIK procedure has been used worldwide for about 10 years. The first clinical test was performed in the USA in 1991, however, they have been using its basic principles for much longer. Ophthalmologists have been forming and changing the cornea for more than 50 years. The excimer laser has been used since the 80's. LASIK combines the benefits of the precise excimer laser and corneal formation techniques. People who are near-sighted, and far-sighted or use cylinder correction devices. For whatever reason they decide they do not wish to or can not wear glasses or contacts. They must also be aware of the possible complication, even though they are very rare. Ultimately, it is decided whether you may be a candidate after a complete eye exam performed at our clinic. We do not perform surgery under age 18. Surgery is not recommended for people whose degree of refractive problems or prescription may still change. There are also contra-indications for a few eye and general diseases, which will be discussed during your examination (ie. Keratoconus, other corneal disorders, severe degrees of blurred vision, advanced diabetes, pacemaker). Surgery is not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Certain diseases increase the risks involved in having the procedure, therefore a decision is made based on your individual state of health. Most ophthalmologists agree that people who have no problems or complaints about wearing contact lenses or glasses, should really consider whether it is worth it for them to have the LASIK surgery. It varies depending on where you want to have it done. Our prices range from 85,000 FT- 198,000 FT on one eye, depending on which type of procedure you choose to have. Your general eye-sight, without additional correction, improves greatly after the LASIK surgery. 95% of patients can drive without glasses or contacts. In fact many reach 1.0 or 100% clear vision. Patients need to know that the 1.0 or 100% clear vision after surgery may be different than the previously 1.0 vision acheived by wearing glasses or contacts; depending on which type of procedure they have. It is also important to know that over 40 years of age, as the eye's ability to adapt decreases, reading glasses will probably be needed. Diopters corrected with laser surgery do not regress, but you should not forget that throughout life eyesight continually changes. This is why eye doctors only recommend laser surgery, if your eyesight has not changed for a longer period of time. Usually, your eyes stop changing after age 18. The surgery takes about 15-20 minutes for both eyes, but the actual treatment takes only about 1-2 minutes. No, it is not recommended. You should be accompanied by someone to the surgery. Although, in many cases your eyesight is dramatically improved from the first minute, but some blurriness may still be possible. Your cornea will be swollen, you may be sensitive to light, have tearing or a strange feeling like there is something in your eye afterwards. During the surgery you are given local anaesthesia in the form of drops. You will also receive a mild pill prior to the procedure to relax you. Due to the desensitizing drops you would receive prior to the procedure, there is no pain. However, you may feel mild discomfort. Nowadays, both eyes are usually treated at once. The last ten years of experience has shown that there are no greater risks or complications, if both eyes are treated at the same time. In fact, this way you avoid the uncomfortable feeling of experiencing the difference between the treated and untreated eye. (One eye perceives objects differently than the other. It may cause you to feel uncertain, dizzy, and possibly even give you a headache.) It's easier to only have to prepare for the procedure once. It is recommended that in between the two surgeries you wear contacts in the un-operated eye, so that the difference between the two is not too disturbing. This depends on the type of work you do. In most cases, patients are able to return to work the next day. In certain cases (where the job requires perfect vision), it is worthwhile to stay home for a day or two. However, in any case, there is no reason to take an extended vacation. Directly after the surgery you can do light sporting activity. It is recommended that you avoid any sporting activity that can injure the eye for two weeks following the treatment. With these types of sports, you should probably wear protective eye gear for at least 1 month. Avoid swimming for two-three weeks. Anytime. Air travel has no affect on the surgery. The day of the surgery you will already have relatively good vision, which may change in the first few days. Your vision will stabilize in the following 2-3 months. You may need reading glasses after age 40, regardless of whether you have the surgery or not. It is a natural fact, that as you grow older your eye's ability to adapt decreases. The external appearance of your eyes will not change after the surgery. Many tests prove that LASIK is a safe and effective procedure. As with all surgeries, there are some risks, but these are meaningless compared to the benefits you would receive. 
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