1.   How will I know what type of LASIK procedure I need?

Everyone’s eyes are different. Your OPI doctor will evaluate your needs based on thorough testing and recommend the best procedure for your vision needs. 

2.   Does LASIK hurt? 

The LASIK treatment itself is painless.  Plus, numbing drops are also used to make you even more comfortable.  You will feel pressure on and around the eye during surgery.  It is not unusual for patients to have dryness in their eyes for a few days after the surgery.  Post-surgery, drops are provided that help reduce dryness, prevent infection, and provide you with more comfort.
 

3.   Can I have both eyes treated at the same time?

Yes, LASIK can be performed on both eyes the same day and most patients elect to do so.  Based on your type of treatment and your particular needs for healing and time off, you and your OPI doctor will determine if this option is best for you.

4.   Will my eyes be patched?

No.  Patients are advised not to rub their eyes and to not squeeze or squint.  All patients are seen the day after surgery for follow-up care.

5.   How soon after LASIK will I see well?

Each patient is different.  How well and how quickly your vision improves depends on how well you heal and your prescription.  Many patients notice a dramatic improvement within a very short time period.

6.   Will I end up with 20/20 vision?

While no one can promise a patient 20/20 vision, most LASIK patients with mild to moderate prescriptions do achieve 20/20 vision or are within one to two lines of 20/20 vision on the eye chart.

7.   How soon after LASIK can I return to driving, work, take a shower, or participate in sports?

Your OPI doctor will advise you as to the best time frame needed before resuming your specific activities.  Generally speaking, you should not drive the day of treatment but after that, you may drive when you feel confident that your visual acuity and eye comfort allow you to drive safely.  Other general time frames for returning to various activities after surgery are: Returning to Work, 1 day; Showering, 2 days; Using Makeup, 1-2 weeks; Non-contact Sports, 1-3 days; Contact Sports, 1 month; and Swimming, 2 weeks. 

8.   Will I need glasses or contact lenses after LASIK?

Before proceeding with LASIK, it is important that your expectations are realistic.  The most common expectation is to be completely free of glasses or contact lenses.  The best approach is to think  of your laser vision correction as a procedure that reduces your dependence on glasses or contacts.  Results vary for each patient.  Your OPI doctor will discuss with you the possibilities and expectations specific to your vision needs and procedure.

9.   Is the effect of LASIK permanent?

Yes.  Following an initial healing period, the effect of the treatment is permanent.  While most patients achieve fully corrected vision with one procedure, some may require an enhancement to complete their correction.  Enhancement procedures are usually performed once a patient's vision has stabilized.  Your OPI doctor will work closely with you in follow-up visits to determine if additional enhancements are needed. 

10.  How many times do I need to be seen following my LASIK procedure?

Follow-up care is just as important to your results as the actual LASIK procedure.  Periodic exams are required to monitor how well you are healing, protect against infection, and measure your visual progress.  We strongly recommend that everyone, regardless of having a LASIK procedure or not, has a routine eye exam performed by an eye doctor once a year.