Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Am I a reasonable candidate for LASIK?
A: To answer this question, you will need to undergo a thorough eye examination administered by your eye care professional. A good candidate is at least 18 years old and has good general and eye health (the latter meaning he or she does not complain of glaucoma or cataracts). The LASIK procedure is best applied to the range of patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This initial meeting with your eye doctor, including eye exam, will confirm your candidacy. The specialist will also explain the surgery and answer any remaining inquiries about LASIK. By measuring your prescription and examining your eyes, the doctor will furthermore be able to let you know what to expect post-procedure.
Q: What is Custom LASIK?
A: The CustomLASIK procedure is performed using a wavefront analyzer device which allows the eye surgeon to tailor the traditional procedure to your unique set of eyes mapped out by the analyzer. This customized procedure often leaves patients delighted by how they see clearer and sharper than ever before.
Q: How do Custom and Conventional LASIK differ?
A: In the CustomLASIK procedure, a wavefront analyzer apparatus measures how light passes through your eye and around your cornea. A map of your eye is thereby created and programmed into the laser so that your eye can be adjusted. CustomLASIK also works to treat "higher order" aberrations--that is, minor imperfections in your eye that can have a major impact on your vision. Before CustomLASIK, "higher order" anomalies were not able to be treated. Your LASIK eye care professional can lead to choosing the procedure is perfect for your individual eyes.
Q: What can LASIK do for me?
A: Both conventional LASIK and CustomLASIK have been widely successful in reducing glasses and contact dependency. Most patients with mild to moderate prescriptions find themselves enjoying nearly 20/20 vision--no more need for corrective lenses! CustomLASIK is an exciting innovation in the field of laser correction. Patients who formerly were not good candidates for LASIK are now ideal for the CustomLASIK procedure. Thorough clinical studies have revealed that CustomLASIK can improve not only how much you see, but the quality of your vision. Vision used to be measured with a standard eye chart, after which, the doctor would be able to assign you a number (e.g. 20/20) that corresponded with how well you read the letters on the chart. With CustomLASIK, doctors can go beyond judging by the quantity of your vision (i.e. how many letters). Many patients are able to see letters on charts and leaves on trees clearer than ever! Moreover, because the Custom procedure corrects each individual's eye, night vision can be enhanced as well. Because of the broad network of LASIK clinics and numerous procedures completed successfully, we are able to amass knowledge and continually tweak the techniques that promise you clearer vision. TLC Laser Eye Centers defend its patients' distance vision results for life because we have confidence in Long-term LASIK. The LASIK Lifetime Commitment SM Program guarantees a free enhancement procedure for life for qualified nearsighted patients - this commitment will be honored by any TLC Laser Eye Centers located in North America to boot!
Q: How do I decide which procedure to have?
A: Your eye doctor is the right person to advise you on this topic. Currently, most patients choose CustomLASIK because of the level of individualization. Schedule a Free Consultation to decide which procedure to undergo.
Q: How much does LASIK cost?
A: Several issues factor into the overall cost of the sugery, issues that will be examined during your initial meeting with the eye care professional. The cost of the procedure depends upon the technology required for your unique condition and the level of correction. CustomLASIK is generally more costly than Conventional LASIK since CustomLASIK is performed by way of some of the most innovative and forward-thinking technology in the vision industry. The LASIK network does notably offer several payment options for those interested in the surgery.
Q: Does the procedure hurt?
A: Most patients find the procedure to be at most uncomfortable--certainly not painful. Most likely, anxiety and apprehension are the greatest causes of discomfort, while the procedure itself is fairly painless. Rest assured that numbing drops are applied to your eyes before surgery and you may also be given a mild sedative should you require a little extra soothing. Post-procedure, your eyes may feel somewhat irritated or dry for several hours, although most patients alleviate these side effects with a nap. You'll be given drops, in addition, to help with dryness after the procedure.
Q: What can I expect in terms of recovery?
A: Most LASIK patients see clearly within 24 hours post-op. Patients with stronger prescriptions may need additional time to recover; however, generally it is only a couple of extra days. While the rate of recovery varies with each individual, most patients will be experiencing clear vision within a week following the procedure.
Q: What are the risks?
A: As with any major procedure, there are a few risks involved in LASIK, although the chance of vision reducing complications are minimal. Millions of patients are duly impressed with the results of their vision correction procedure. For awareness sake, some of the possible complications include dryness, night glare, under or over-correction, complications in making the surgical flap, and loss of best-corrected vision. At TLC Laser Eye Centers, these and other unlikely risks of surgery are discussed at length so that the patient makes a well-informed decision prior to the procedure. Only when it is medically advisable do we carry on with the procedure. In addition, extensive care follows the procedure, including the identification and address of post-surgery complications. The best means of avoiding complications is to choose an experienced and reliable surgeon. The LASIK Network affiliates itself with only the most reputable eye care professionals.
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