LASIK specialists at Ocala Eye recently answered patients’ most commonly asked questions about LASIK surgery in a Facebook Live Q&A event.
Below you’ll find a handful of the LASIK questions as well as answers from Nikki Nix, COA, and Alissa Jensen, COA.
If you have additional questions not answered here, please schedule your free LASIK evaluation here.
Alissa explains that during the LASIK procedure there will be pressure, but nothing uncomfortable to patients.
Nikki explains that some patients may see results immediately after the LASIK procedure, but all patients will wake up the next day and notice a tremendous improvement in their vision which will only improve after the eyes fully heal.
Nikki explains that during the LASIK procedure patients are awake and can ask the doctor questions should they feel the need to. The doctor will also talk through the surgery to calm nerves.
Alissa explains that 45 is not too old to have a LASIK procedure performed to correct distance vision. Reading glasses, though, may still be necessary for near vision sight correction.
Nikki explains that LASIK is primarily a distance vision procedure, and that its effects are good until regular aging disrupts it in a patient’s mid-to-late 60s. However, for most people, reading glasses may be necessary by mid-to-late 40s.
Nikki explains how they perform a LASIK procedure by lasering underneath a flap of tissue to improve a patient’s vision; while patients are awake during a LASIK procedure, not very much is required of them, other than lying still and looking at a light.
Alyssa describes the three main restrictions post-surgery for LASIK surgery patients. Restrictions after LASIK surgery typically last no longer than one week after the procedure, but a doctor may recommend extending those restrictions depending on the patient’s regular activity level.
Nikki explains how people over 60 may still benefit from LASIK surgery depending on their ocular history. Cataract formation is a primary factor in determining whether LASIK surgery is the most practical (and financially viable) option for patients over the age of 60.
Nikki explains that a screening of your ocular health and the reasons for having only gotten LASIK in one eye the first time will be the main factors in determining whether or not LASIK can be performed on your other eye.
Nikki explains that insurance providers may consider LASIK to be a cosmetic procedure and therefore will not provide coverage for a LASIK surgery. However, Nikki also encourages patients to always check with their insurance carrier first to see if there is at least a partial reimbursement option.
Find Out if LASIK is Right for You
Want to know if you might be a candidate for LASIK or other vision correction procedure? Take our brief LASIK candidacy quiz to find out today.
Once you submit the quiz, you’ll be sent your free resources and a member of our team will reach out to schedule your free consultation appointment.
Alyssa recommends taking at least the day of the LASIK procedure off of work as well as the following day for your post-op appointment. Whether you can return to work after that may depend on your line of work and what sort of activities fill your day-to-day.
Nikki explains that dryness is fairly normal for a little while after LASIK surgery. This can be treated with artificial tears until the healing process returns the eyes’ dryness to your normal, preoperative level.
Alyssa explains that depending on the surgeon’s availability, you can expect to schedule your surgery one to two weeks after your consultation.
Nikki explains that, while a patient undergoing LASIK surgery will need to be at the surgery center for a couple of hours, the procedure itself only takes a few minutes to complete.
Alyssa explains that patients will not require eye drops long-term after their LASIK surgery; however, they will be on prescription eye drops for about seven to ten days postoperatively.
Nikki explains the difference between nearsighted and farsighted and how LASIK can be used for either kind of patient. Your prescription will determine whether you are an ideal candidate for LASIK surgery.
Alyssa explains that while some patients do smell the effects of the laser on the tissue, most will not, especially if they are wearing a mask.
Nikki lays out the different factors that contribute to the cost of LASIK. Ultimately, patients can expect the procedure to cost $3,800-$4,200 for high-quality care using the latest and greatest technologies.
Alyssa lists the four refractive surgeons at Ocala Eye who perform LASIK surgery: Dr. Hussein Elhalis, M.D., Dr. Vishwanath Srinagesh, M.D., Dr. Mark A. Jank, M.D., and Dr. Peter J. Polack, M.D.
