What are the side effects of LASIK?

The most common side effects are temporary light sensitivity and halos.   Undercorrection or overcorrection may occur, and an enhancement may be necessary to attain your best correction.  A more detailed discussion of these issues will take place during your comprehensive pre-surgical consultation.  

Will I ever need glasses again?

Usually not for distance vision, although some patients may still require thinner glasses for fine tuning.  When you are in the age range where bifocals or "readers" are normally required for close vision (usually 40-45 and beyond) you will most likely need reading glasses.  This is a natural process known as presbyopia.

Are there any long-term side effects?

This procedure has been performed with the use of the laser since 1991 in Europe, but is based on the lamellar kertomilieusis technique that has been used for over forty years.

How old do I have to be for LASIK?

An eighteen year old with a stable prescription for 2 years may have the procedure done.  There is no upper age limit.

I am currently wearing contacts.  Do I need to do something special?

Yes!  Remove your lenses at least one week prior to your pre-surgical evaluation if you have daily wear soft lenses.  If you have extended wear lenses, you must leave them out for two weeks.  Patients who wear rigid gas permeable lenses must leave them out three weeks prior to the pre-surgical testing, or until stable.  Once you have your detailed exam, you can wear your contacts right up to the night before surgery without affecting your result because we will base the laser treatment on the results of your exam.

Does the laser affect the inside of my eye?

No.  The pulses of the laser do not enter the eye at all.  The laser treatment will not cause glaucoma or cataracts.  If later in life you develop glaucoma or a cataract, these conditions can be treated as though you had not had the laser treatment. 

Is  there any pain? 

The surgery is nearly painless.  We usually don't prescribe pain killers.   Most patients report a pressure sensation during the procedure.  Following the procedure, a shield is placed over the operated eye.  You may experience some sandy sensation the first evening post operatively.

How much time off work do I need to take?

The day of surgery, you need to go home and rest .The next morning, many patients drive in for their one day post-op visit and then go on to work.  You will note great improvement in your vision on the first morning post-op, but crystal clear vision may take a week or more.

How long does the surgery take?

You will be in the surgical suite for about ten minutes.  Plan on being at the Laser Center for about an hour and a half.  You will need a driver to take you home.

What are the post-operative restrictions?

The day of the procedure, you are requested to keep both eyes closed and rest as much as possible.  Every night for a week, you will place the shield over your eye for additional protection.  Swimming is not recommended for a month following your procedure unless you wear watertight goggles.  Avoid hot tubs for one week.  You will use antibiotic drops for one week. 

Are both eyes corrected at the same time?

Dr. Millsap prefers to have one eye corrected at a time, usually a week apart, but you may have them operated on a day or two apart or simultaneously.  If you have surgery a week apart you may wear a contact lens in the unoperated eye in the interim.

How does the doctor know how much surgery to do?

The doctor programs the amount of nearsightedness in your eyes into a computer which controls the pattern that the laser sculpts.  The laser is accurate to the level of .25 microns!

Who is not a candidate?

Anyone with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, keratoconus, herpes simplex of the cornea (herpes elsewhere is of no consequence,) AIDS, autoimmune diseases, or anyone with unrealistic expectations.

How can I hold my eye still for the treatment?

There is a light inside the laser that you focus on during the procedure.

How will I keep my eye open during the treatment?

We hold your lids open with a small lid holder.

Will I see everything the doctor is doing during the treatment?

Often we hear patients say that it is like having someone work on a window above you, or perhaps working on your glasses surface.

Why won't I get any shots or have any stitches?

We use topical anesthetic drops to numb your eye during the procedure.  No stitches are necessary because the two layers of the cornea are naturally "sticky" and will adhere to one another very well once the flap has been put back into position.

I am interested!  What is my next step?

Call our office in Colorado Springs at (719) 593-9937 for a complimentary evaluation to discover if you are indeed a candidate.  There is no charge for this evaluation.   The pre-surgical testing is the next step and takes about an hour and a half.   This eye exam consists of a thorough evaluation and analysis of your eyes and costs $78.  This is an ideal time to have all of your questions answered by Dr. Millsap.

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