Lasik Surgery- Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve booked to have Lasik Surgery in New Jersey but still have lots of questions to ask, read our list of FAQs below to get you prepared for what to expect when you have Lasik eye surgery.

What is Lasik surgery?

The aim of Lasik is to reduce or eradicate the need for glasses or contact lenses. The procedure involves a laser that is used to modify the shape of the cornea and corrects near-sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In order to be able to have Lasik you need to have healthy eyes, be at least 18 years of age and have an eye prescription which has been stable for the past 12 months.

Does it hurt to have Lasik treatment?

It does not hurt to have Lasik treatment as anesthetic eye drops are used.  The surgery and the recovery process are usually pain-free. The only thing that you may feel is a small amount of pressure when the laser is actually reshaping the cornea. If you experience any discomfort after having the surgery, it can be relieved using everyday painkillers.

How long does Lasik surgery take?

Once you are in the treatment room it only takes about 15 minutes for the surgery to be completed. The actual laser only takes around 60 seconds per eye.

Can I have Lasik in both eyes at the same time?

Usually, it is safer to treat one eye at a time and therefore the results of the first eye can be observed. That said it is possible to have both eyes treated at the same time. In fact, the majority of patients tend to get both eyes treated at the same time.

Will I have to wear glasses again?

The majority of patients do not require glasses for distance. However, from the age of about 45, most patients may require reading glasses as any normal person of that age would.

Is there a limit to Lasik?

The limit of the laser is around -10d of short-sightedness. This combines both the SPH and the CYL. The thickness of your cornea is also a factor when it comes to Lasik surgery.

Can I have Lasik surgery if I am diabetic?

If you don’t have any other eye disease and you have good control of your diabetes, it is likely that you will be able to have a Lasik. That said you would need to have a consultation with your doctor beforehand.

When will I be able to play sports again?

Once you feel that your vision allows it, you’ll be able to restart your activities. You will need to avoid swimming however for at least two weeks after surgery as swimming poses a risk for infection. Contact sports also need to be avoided for at least three months after having Lasik surgery. It’s also crucial to avoid dirt or dust as well as sunlight for as long as possible after you’ve had the Lasik procedure.

When will I be able to drive?

Your night vision may be affected for a few days after having Lasik surgery. You will be advised when your sight is at a standard where you can drive, however, you should not drive until you feel that you are ready to do so. In general, you should be able to drive within one to two days.

What results can I expect?

20/20 is deemed as normal vision whereas driving standard is 10/20. Around 98% of patients achieve the 10/20 vision after treatment.

Can severe vision issues be treated?

Lasik surgery can treat many cases of severe long-sightedness, short-sightedness and astigmatism.

What is short-sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism?

If you are short-sighted, things will seem blurry unless they are close to your eye. With long-sightedness, you’ll find it easier to look at objects that are further away, rather close-up. When your cornea or the lens that is behind the cornea is rugby ball shaped as opposed to round, this is known as astigmatism.

Will my eyes look any different after having Lasik?

The equipment used to perform Lasik is very high-tech and therefore your eyes will not look any different a few days after surgery. You may have some slight redness or some red spotting on your eyes a day after the surgery. This is not a cause for concern and should disappear a couple of weeks after having the Lasik surgery.