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Ask the Expert
Dr . Shamik Bafna , MD , is a board-certified ophthalmologist who completed a one-year fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery after his ophthalmology residency . In addition to his extensive experience performing laser vision correction , he also has a unique perspective having had the LASIK procedure himself .
Q : Who is a good candidate for LASIK ?
Dr . Shamik Bafna , MD
LASIK can treat a very broad range of nearsightedness , farsightedness and astigmatism . The best way to determine who is a good candidate is with a thorough eye exam . Candidates must be 18 years of age or older , in good general health , and have good eye health with no ocular diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma .
Q : How do I know if I am a good candidate for LASIK ?
AIO offers a free LASIK consultation to determine your eligibility . During the consultation , testing will be performed to ensure that your cornea is thick enough and your prescription is within the limits of what LASIK can correct . A comprehensive eye exam , performed by our optometrists , will confirm your prescription , and evaluate the health of the front surface and inside your eyes .
Q : What is involved in LASIK ?
The LASIK procedure takes 5-7 minutes per eye and is done under topical anesthetic drops . During LASIK , a laser creates a thin corneal flap . The surgeon will use an instrument to lift the thin flap , and will laser the next layer of tissue to change the shape of the eye . After the laser treatment , the flap is laid back into position and kept in place by natural suction , no sutures . In order to protect the eyes after surgery until they are seen the next day for follow-up , patients are instructed to use eye drops , and plastic shields are placed over the eyes . Visual results are almost immediate , with minimal discomfort during the first 24-hour period .
Q : What are the risks of LASIK ? Some potential complications include conditions such as dryness , night glare , under or over-correction , and loss of best-corrected vision . The risks of surgery should be discussed fully with the doctor prior to the procedure . Additionally , proper postoperative care helps to identify and address any potential healing complications .
Q : I have dry eyes – can LASIK help ? Many patients who desire LASIK surgery have dry eyes . They have become intolerant of their contact lenses because the dryness makes them uncomfortable . LASIK occasionally worsens dry eyes , but typically this is temporary and usually treated with frequent artificial tear lubrication . In special cases of severely dry eyes , special punctal plugs that are placed in the lower eyelid tear ducts can be inserted with significant improvement in dryness . These are easily removed in the office once the dryness resolves , or they can be left in place permanently .
Q : I need reading glasses , Can LASIK correct my vision ? LASIK only corrects your distance vision . If LASIK is performed such that distance glasses are not needed , and the patients are over 40 , it is likely that they will still need to put on a pair of glasses to read . The exception to this is when patients opt to have monovision , when one eye is corrected fully for distance and the other is left nearsighted . Only about 10 to 20 percent of patients opt to have monovision correction , and it is only recommended in patients who have tried it with contact lenses and liked the results .
Q : How long does LASIK last ? LASIK is a permanent vision correction procedure .
Q : What options do I have if I have been told I am not a good candidate for LASIK ?
AIO offers two alternatives for those who have been advised they are not good candidates for LASIK or whose lifestyles may have precluded them from having LASIK . The first alternative , PRK ( Photorefractive Keratectomy ), also known as ASA ( Advanced Surface Ablation ), is often recommended for patients who have thinner corneas than what is advised for LASIK , are prone to dryness of the eyes , or are involved in high contact sports and are more likely to take a hit to the eyes . The second alternative , ICL ( Implantable Collamer Lens ) surgery , is for those who have been told their prescription is too high for LASIK , as it can correct or reduce up to -20 diopters of nearsightedness and -4 diopters of astigmatism .
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