LASIK FAQs

• Is LASIK Painful?
• Am I awake during my LASIK?
• Can I wear my contacts when I come in for my pre-LASIK exam?
• When can I return to work?
• What restrictions will I have after my LASIK?
• Is the effect of LASIK surgery permanent?
• Is Laser Vision Correction considered experimental?
• What can I expect following my Laser Vision Correction?
• Can I have LASIK if I am farsighted?
• Can LASIK eliminate my reading glasses?

Is LASIK Painful?

No, we use a powerful numbing drop so that you feel no pain during LASIK.

Am I awake during my LASIK procedure?

Yes, you are awake during your LASIK procedure. We give a medication to relax you, but it doesn't put you to sleep.

Can I wear my contacts when I come in for my pre-LASIK exam?

No, contacts alter the shape of your cornea. It is important that we work on the natural shape of your eye.

• Soft contact lenses must be discontinued for 2 weeks.
• Toric contact lenses must be discontinued for 3 weeks.
• Hard contact lens wearers must discontinue their contact lens wear for 5 full weeks before their exam. (minimum)*
• Gas permeable lenses must be discontinued for 5 weeks prior to your exam. (minimum)*

* At your pre LASIK exam a corneal mapping will be performed. If Dr. Nachbar notes irregularities, the mapping may need to be repeated until stability is documented.

When can I return to work?

Most people have their LASIK performed on Tuesday or Thursday and return to work the next day. You should plan to rest the day of your LASIK.

What restrictions will I have after my LASIK?

• Do not swim for 2 weeks.
• Do not wear eye makeup for 10 days.
• Do not participate in contact sports for 2 weeks. Use protective eyewear for 3 months when playing sports where the eye could be hit (i.e. basketball).
  Protective eyewear should be worn by everyone while playing sports with a higher probability of eye injury.
• Do not rub your eye for four weeks.
• Avoid getting soap, water, perfume, hairspray and aftershave in your eyes for 1 week.
• Do not drive until your vision is clear.

Is the effect of LASIK surgery permanent?

YES, the vision correction provided by your LASIK procedure is permanent once the healing process is complete. Of course, your eyes may undergo natural changes in the focus. This may occur from time to time, whether or not you have LASIK surgery.

As with any individual that has great vision early in life, the natural aging process (presbyopia) will eventually affect your vision as you approach your mid-forties. This process may require you to wear reading glasses part of the time. Should you want to reduce your potential need for reading glasses, mono-vision is an option. Monovision* is a technique to reduce the need for reading glasses and bifocals.

We will discuss your options with you at your FREE consultation so that you are able to make the best decision possible for you.

Is Laser Vision Correction considered experimental?

No. LASIK has been performed since the mid-nineties in the US. It is a laser/surgical procedure that evolved from two earlier procedures:   ALK and PRK.  The first LASIK laser in the US achieved FDA approval in 1999, but had already been in widespread use internationally for several years. 

What can I expect following my Laser Vision Correction?

The weeks following your surgery you may experience:

• Your vision may fluctuate during the first several weeks. This is usually due to dryness which is a common temporary side effect of LASIK that is treated with artificial tears.
• Your vision may be worse in dimly lit areas while your eyes are stabilizing.
• Night driving may be difficult due to a combination of low lighting and starburst or glare around car lights. This often relates to post-operative dryness which is temporary.
• Halos that persist after the first several weeks may indicate that your focus needs adjusting. An enhancement (additional laser treatment) may help to correct the situation, and will be explored if appropriate. There is no fee if an early enhancement is needed.

Can I have LASIK if I am farsighted?

Yes, LASIK was approved for the correction of hyperopia (farsightedness).

LASIK is also approved for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism as well.

Can LASIK eliminate my reading glasses?

Sometimes. Presbyopia, a natural part of the aging process, is the culprit for the need for reading glasses in your mid-forties. Since LASIK is a permanent procedure, individuals that had both eyes corrected for distance early in life will likely need reading glasses later in life, just like individuals who never required glasses for good distance vision.

There are options available to help reduce your need for reading glasses, such as monovision*. This allows for one eye to be treated for distance vision and the other eye to be treated for near vision. Monovision* is a good option for many people; however, it is important to further evaluate this option with your LASIK Coordinator or Dr. Nachbar to be sure this is the right option for you.

* Please ask our surgical coordinator for a further explanation of monovision. With monovision, the cornea of your non-dominant eye is treated to create slight nearsightedness. This nearsightedness (steeper cornea) has a stronger focusing power and is able to bend light rays that your lens cannot bend due to loss of elasticity. Your dominant eye is targeted to achieve the best possible 20/20 distance vision. If monovision works as intended, with both eyes open, distance and near vision are clear. If you are over 50 years of age, monovision allows you to see your dashboard, computer, stovetop, menu but you may need glasses for finer focus or to read for an extended period of time.