Lasik Eye Surgery Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Am I elgible for the Lasik Eye procedure/surgery?
   MY vision is blurred, I am 18 years of age and from the age of 16 I had an office job working at the computer and answering telephones for about 4 hours/ five days a week and full time on the weekends at my aunts business, plus I did online classes. I barely left the job last month to start college and I realized that my vision was blurred after I tried on my cousins prescription glasses as a silly act. When I found this out immediately scheduled an appointment for both contacts and glasses but it's only been three weeks into this and I can't stand the hassle and feeling of the two. Am I eligible for Lasik surgery? I want 20/20 or slightly better vision again...

   • ANSWER:
     You trying on someone else's glasses didn't ruin your vision.

     You may not be eligible for LASIK yet, you need to have stable vision for a few years and it just changed for you.
     They need to be stable and can't be too dry. Your eye also can't have too thin of a layer over the part they laser and you'd need to be measured for that first too.

     You could even just call your eye doctor and they could explain this to you without you needing another appointment. You would have to wait another couple years from now though, that is definite, IF your eyes stop changing.
     You can't do much to stop them from changing either. You have to use your eyes, you can't just avoid things. Mine took almost 20 years to stop changing (needed glasses at 8, eligible for LASIK at age 24)

2. QUESTION:
   Is Lasik eye surgery an outpatient procedure, or do you need to remain in the hospital?
   My husband is being told that he has to remain in the hospital for a full 4 days after having LASIK done.

   I have never heard about it being an inpatient procedure before. Is he getting scammed by the clinic?

   • ANSWER:
     the person i know who did it went home that very same day. Did you ask them if there was a problem? it seems very uncharacteristic. I'd ask.

3. QUESTION:
   How much is lasik eye surgery, what is the procedure, and is it worth it?
   is it painful? and for how long?
   and i heard you had to stay awake for the procedure, is this true?

   • ANSWER:
     Lasik eye surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her dental implants and Lasik surgery in India by a company called Indian Health Guru Consultants. The Price for dental and Lasik surgery is very less in India. She paid 25% of the price she was quoted in America.

     Indian Health Guru Consultants is very famous in India They arrange Dental surgery, jaw surgery, Lasik eye surgery, Dental Implants etc for foreign patients in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and magazines- about their patient stories.
     They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low cost, as dental and eye surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

     http://www.indianhealthguru.com
     Hope this helps.

4. QUESTION:
   Has anyone ever had Lasik eye surgery paid for as a medical procedure?
   I seem to be allergic to every pair of glasses that I have tried. I get horrible rashes around my eyes. It is either something in the metal and/or something that the plastic is treated with. Also, when it's sunny it makes my eczema flair up. A Dr. who does Lasik procedures said I could ask my PCP to refer me for a procedure, but I don't think it would fly.

   I have tried contacts, but I am far-sighted in one eye and near-sighted in the other eye. They didn't work. Everything was blurry.

   • ANSWER:
     It is rare that a major medical insurance plan has in place a policy to pay for refractive surgery in a situation like yours, but that is what the appeal process is all about.

     I work for a nonprofit Lasik patient advocacy. We do not provide Lasik. We provide Lasik information and certify Lasik doctors' patient outcomes.

     In 1999 our organization developed a position statement for refractive pathology - when normally elective surgery like Lasik would be a medical necessity. Your allergies and unsuccessful contact lens use would be consistent with our policy.

     http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/refractive_pathology.htm

     Our position statement does not have the force of law, but it sets the guidelines that medical insurance companies have voluntarily accepted.

     The first step of your process would be to go to your primary care provider and explain your problems. A history of treatment for allergy due to glasses will help affirm your claims. The PCP would probably send you to an allergist and/or an ophthalmologist for evaluation. If those specialists confirm your situation and that you are an appropriate candidate for Lasik, the next step would be to ask the insurance plan for coverage. Expect it to be automatically denied, but there is always an appeal process.

     If you lose the appeal, most states have an arbitration process through the agency that regulates the medical plan. That would be your next step.

     Seek the help of your human resources department if you receive your insurance through your employer. They may have a bit more clout than just you as a beneficiary.

5. QUESTION:
   Can a doctor detect Wavefront LASIK Laser Eye Surgery after having the procedure done a year ago?

   Because I want to join the army as a pilot, and I want to have the procedure done then apply after a year.

   • ANSWER:
     It is essential to inform your Dr. of all procedures/surgeries you have had. Especially if you are trying to have another surgery or are trying to get a problem diagnosed.Your desire to have something "fixed" may not be in line with what is medically appropriate for you and by not sharing important information you may set yourself up for problems. Be honest with your dr.

6. QUESTION:
   Is Lasik Eye Surgery a Cosmetic procedure?

   • ANSWER:
     As far as insurance is concerned, it's considered to be a cosmetic procedure. I don't know about the tax thing.

7. QUESTION:
   Could someone who has had Lasik eye surgery tell me the pros & cons of the procedure?
   I am curious about it. I heard that for some people night driving is difficult as they see "halos" around lights and causes distortions.

   • ANSWER:
     I had the procedure in Nov 2007 and I love it!! But it IS harder to drive at night for me. I have to consciously focus harder- the halos are not really an issue for me, as I wore contacts for so long (and they were often dirty enough!) that I can compensate....my issue with night driving is that my LASIK correction was done unevenly (on purpose-to forestall needing bifocals) so that one eye is better than 20/20 and one eye is a bit worse. It just takes a little getting used to.

     It is genuinely like a miracle for me- I was 20/200 or worse and the procedure has changed my life. I am a huge advocate, but also concerned about the mall practioners and the like. I went to Johns Hopkins Wilmer EYE Institute and paid ALOT for the surgery, but did not want to risk what eyesight I had on a sub-standard procedure. Bottom line, I love my result, but please be careful about WHO does your surgery if you have it done. Do your research and don't price shop!

8. QUESTION:
   how much is lasik eye surgery, what is the procedure, and is it worth it?

   • ANSWER:
     Cost about 2k each eye, after a thorough eye exam by your optometrist, and yes it feels like a miracle happened.

9. QUESTION:
   Are major advances in LASIK eye surgery still being made, or is the procedure relatively close to maturity?

   • ANSWER:
     LASIK has been available in the US since 1995. Since that time several improvements have been made. For instance, eye tracking technology that allows the laser to rapidly adjust for any small movements in the eye during the procedure. Also, rather than using a blade to cut the flap it is now possible to use a laser itself to create the flap. In addition, we now have what is called custom LASIK. This allows the surgeon to assess whether a patient has higher order abberrations (distortion) in the cornea and program the laser to not only correct the prescription but also the distortion in the cornea. Having said all this, though, the basic technology has changed very little in the last 13 years.

     What does the future hold? Who knows. But I would not expect any major changes any time in the forseeable future. The real question you need to ask is this. At the current state of technology is LASIK able to provide satisfactory results and do it in a safe and predictable manner. The answer to that is a resounding YES.

     I personally believe that rather than expecting a dramatic technological improvement in LASIK anytime soon, it is more probable that some other technology may someday take the place of LASIK. But that is just conjecture. We'll just have to wait and see.

10. QUESTION:
    is lasik eye surgery a reputable highly rated procedure?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes it is, I had my eyes done and only wish I did it sooner. If you're unsure ask questions like how long they've done procedure, how many patients they worked on.

11. QUESTION:
    Why Lasik Eye Surgery India is the best among other eye surgery?
    •Lasik is a painless procedure.
    •It involves the use of a local anaesthetic which is a simple drop on the eye surface.
    •Time of the surgery can vary according to the needs of the patient.
    •The flap on the cornea is cut by a special device and lifted out of the way. The surgeon then goes to work re-shaping the tissue beneath the flap and when completed, the flap is replaced.
    •No stitches or sutures are required
    •The recovery time can vary from patient to patient.

    • ANSWER:
      omg is it safe?that sounds scary...

12. QUESTION:
    What do you think about lasik eye surgery?
    I want to get lasik surgery but I remember about 9 years ago when I was about 18 and I wanted to get the procedure done, someone I worked with told me that it was dangerous. She told me before lasik there was a different type of eye surgery. It produced the same result as the lasik but 20 years later there vision was worse than before and they were practically blind. That scared me. Is this true? Is lasik surgery safe?

    • ANSWER:
      LASIK eye surgery is a medical procedure that can correct your vision by altering the physical properties of your eye. Unlike traditional surgical procedures that depend upon the skills and steadiness of the surgeon's hand, advanced LASIK eye surgery is computer controlled.

      The more progressive LASIK surgery centers perform in-depth analysis of your eyes as an evaluation procedure to determine if you're a good candidate for the LASIK procedure. The evaluation process, which is largely controlled by computer itself, maps the overall physical makeup of each eye. A traditional eye exam determines your visual abilities and then an exhaustive computer analysis determines if your eyes can be enhanced by the LASIK procedure.

      In addition to determining whether or not you're a good candidate for LASIK, the procedure also records quite a bit of data that's specific to your eyes. If you choose to proceed with the LASIK surgery, this data is used to program the computer controlled LASIK equipment to insure that your eyes are modified exactly in the proper manner so as to provide maximum benefit.

      LASIK eye surgery does carry some risks, such as loss of vision. In some extremely rare cases, the patient may lose vision due to equipment malfunction, scarring or healing related complications.

      One common risk of LASIK eye surgery is that any dry eye condition that is experienced right after surgery may hamper the healing process. Signs of dryness are burning, redness and decreased vision. If this dry eye condition persists, you may have to medicate to improve tear duct function and use artificial tears to maintain the proper level of moisture. You must keep your eyes moist after LASIK surgery in order to promote healing.

      LASIK eye surgery is relatively safe and it can free you from glasses and contacts. Before you commit to LASIK surgery, make sure that you consider all the advantages and disadvantages of having the procedure. Ask the doctor lots of questions so that you can make an informed decision about whether LASIK eye surgery is the right choice for you.

13. QUESTION:
    Is it worth paying more for Lasik eye surgery?
    I see various prices for Lasik eye surgery. Is it worth paying more for Lasik eye surgery? Or is it a pretty straightforward procedure now and there is no reason to pay more for the procedure. Like to hear from anyone who got Lasik and what they felt about it.

    • ANSWER:
      There are a couple of different procedures depending on the condition of your eyes. Both me and my wife have had the surgery and I can tell you it is well worth the price. I suggest you shop around and compare prices. The difference is going to be in the services you get after the surgery. Good Luck!!!

14. QUESTION:
    Can LASIK eye surgery be done under anesthesia?
    I wear glasses, and I actually can't wear contacts (which I purchased many years ago) because my eye instinctively closes whenever the contact gets too close to my eyeball. I also have some issues with keeping my eye open through a surgical procedure, since I might end up blinking during the LASIK process.

    Would it be possible for me to be under anesthesia throughout the surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      No, the whole procedure takes less than 2 minutes, and your eye is clamped open, so you can't blink.

      Most people are squeamish about that, but they have all the bases covered.

      They give you a valium or something before the treatment anyway, so you won't even care what they are doing...and it's over before you know it.

15. QUESTION:
    How safe is lasik eye surgery? Do bad procedures happen and how often?

    • ANSWER:
      Every surgery is risky including laser eye surgery. I suggest you read information on this website:

      http://www.lasiksucks4u.com/

      You may be interested to know that there is an alternative treatment for blurry vision called natural vision correction. It consists of specific eye exercises and techniques that can improve your eye sight and it's completely safe. Eye exercises work but require persistence. Read more here:

      http://www.refractiveeyedisorders.com/ryv

      Best regards,

16. QUESTION:
    What is the best lasik eye surgery to get?
    When it comes to things like this I am pretty ignorant. I hear that there are two new methods out there for lasik eye surgery. Can I please get some feedback in regards to which procedure is the best and why! Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      There are many different kinds of LASIK. It really depends on your preference. The normal LASIK uses a blade to cut a "flap" in your cornea where another LASIK procedure is done by laser to cut the "flap". There is also laser procedures that can be done if your cornea is not thick enough to have LASIK and that is called PRK and still people may not be able to have this. The best thing to do is to schedule a free consultation with an eye doctor that does Laser Surgeries and find out if you are a candidate for them. Many people find out they aren't candidates for any laser surgeries anyways. Hope this helps!!

17. QUESTION:
    Lasik eye surgery. Have you had it tell me about it please?
    How was the precedure? was it painful? what were the side affects? how long did it take for your eyes to heal? is your vision better or worse? were you able to return to work soon? If you could redo anything to do with the whole lasik procedure would you do anything differently?

    • ANSWER:
      My mom also had it done, and she loves it. It was painless and easy. She wore dark sunglasses for a few weeks, and she couldn't swim for a few months (anything that gets water, dust, etc in the eyes are bad). Her vision is perfect now.

      On the other hand, my grandpa had his done when the procedure was fairly new and untested. He's cheap, so he went to the cheapest guy he could find (still far more expensive than prices today). This guy was basically working out of his basement...he was totally incompetent. I think he was later sued and shut down, I don't know. Anyway, my grandpas eyes were really messed up. He has had a bunch of corrective surgeries, but he still has trouble driving at night and reading. Don't let this worry you, though, he was the one-in-a-million screwup. Go to a reputable doctor and you'll be fine.

18. QUESTION:
    Will the navy SEALs disqualify a trainee who has received LASIK eye surgery?
    I am 16 years old and have plans to join the navy after graduation. i was planning on receiving LASIK before enlisting. a friend of mine seems to think that navy SEALs do not allow recruits who have received LASIK. he says i need to get a different procedure called PRK refractive surgery. is this true?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes your friend is right.

19. QUESTION:
    I have astigmatism, can I get lasik eye surgery?
    How old do you have to be? What other alternatives are there, besides glasses, contacts, and lasik eye surgery? I'd like something permanant. How long does it take for it to heal? Are there serious risks during the procedure? If I can't get lasik eye surgery done, what's the problem? Sorry about all the questions, feel free to give me as much information as you can because I'm pretty sure I'm missing something that I'll want to know later . .

    • ANSWER:
      Sure.
      Lasik works for most healthy people with healthy eyes who need total corrections less than about 3 or 4 diopters. It has to do with the shape of the eye and the thickness of the cornea.

      You really should wait to have the proceedure until you have stopped growing and until your corrective prescriptive lenses have been the same for a year. When you are older, you will probably go 3 or 6 years without changing your prescription. You will not want to risk complications by having a lasik revision frequently while you are young.

      The cornea is sliced with a micro thin blade (micro karatome) and flipped up. The lazer contours the freshly exposed inside tissue of the cornea and corrects the vision. The flap is then closed.

      The corneal flap makes a bandage and the whole thing heals pretty quickly.

      There are risks. Infection, halos in the night vision are the ones that come to mind.

      You need to see two or three doctors, in my opinion. The consultations take about an hour. The consultations are free or about 50 dollars.

      Lasik will not work if the astigmatism is very severe. My correction was more than 4.75 diopters and would have required PRK.

      PRK requires the lazering off the front of the cornea and takes 2-3 weeks of rest and no work to heal.

      My brother had PRK and needed 16 days. My sister had lasik and was back to work in three day. Both are happy and generally do not need any glasses.

      See the doctors. Google LASIK and read about twenty sites.

      God Bless you.

20. QUESTION:
    lasik eye surgery can i sue?
    can i sue?

    I had lasik eye surgery and have suffered numerous side effects in my vision. Including a loss of peripheral vision in both eyes, floaters, regions of depressed sensitivity in day light vision. Night vision has degraded significantly and my vision has a yellowish tint. In addition, i require daily eye drops for dryness and get flashing migraine headaches on occasions. I have extreme difficulty reading, and can not do technical work anymore. I deal with eye pain and eye strain daily. Additionally, my eyes are very sensitive to sunlight. Now i just go to college and live off the proceeds of my house. I am also registered with the learning disabilities center as visually impaired. Yet, my eye dr says my vision is 20/40 and i am fine. I still need eye drops for dryness 2. 5 years later. Additionally, i feel that my eye dr who did the lasik procedure is not being truthful with me and i have to pay for this checkups every six months for the rest of my life. I am getting ready to apply for disability.

    • ANSWER:
      Of course you can. Although, that does not mean that you will win. It may end up costing you more money to get a good lawyer and doctor who will testify in your defense (good luck finding).

21. QUESTION:
    Where is the best place to get a LASIK eye Surgery? Factoring in both the quality of the procedure and cost.?

    • ANSWER:
      Lasik and Laser eye surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her dental implants and lasik surgery in India by a company called Forerunners Healthcare. The Price for dental and lasik surgery is very less in India. She paid 25% of the price she was quoted in America.

      Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India They arrange Dental surgery, jaw surgery, lasik eye surgery, Dental Implants etc for foreign patients in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and magazines- about their patient stories.
      They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low cost, as dental and eye surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

      http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
      Hope this helps.

22. QUESTION:
    I'm interested in having Laser Eye Surgery/LASIK done. Any good informative resources on the net?
    I'm interested in having the LASIK procedure done to my eyes to correct my vision. Any good non-bias resources on the web?

    • ANSWER:
      I went to this site called www.uslasereyesurgery.com and it had all kinds of information about LASIK as well as a doctor directory for your site. It helped me for sure.

23. QUESTION:
    Lasik Eye Surgery, I still get dry eyes?
    I got Lasik Eye Surgery about a year ago. The procedure turned out great I have perfect vision now. However, there is one problem sometimes late at night my eyes get dry. What causes my eyes to become dry and what remedy this problem?

    • ANSWER:
      You don't give your age, dry eyes (sicca) does increase with age and may well have nothing to do with the surgery.

      There are many over the counter eye lubricants that may help,such as lacrilube, though there are no cures.

24. QUESTION:
    Question about Lasik Eye Surgery?
    I am 50 years old. I have been nearsighted since I was a kid, but the need for reading glasses came much later in life. Right now I have to wear bifocals to function. I would really like to have the Lasik procedure, but my question is if the procedure can be done to correct both near and far sightedness either at the same time or with two separate procedures? Anyone know?

    • ANSWER:
      After around age 40 the natrual lens within the eye becomes less able to change shape and thereby change focus. This is when reading glasses or bifocals become necessary and is called presbyopia. Lasik cannot treat presbyopia, but there are a few workarounds that you may want to consider.

      I work for a nonprofit Lasik patient advocacy. We do not provide Lasik, just Lasik information and we certify Lasik doctos who meet or exceed our patient outcome requirements.

      Lasik is only able to reduce the need for glasses, and only one set of glasses at that. It is probable that Lasik can make your vision to be as you see through your distance glasses OR as you see through your near glasses (bifocal), BUT not both. You must choose one or the other, thanks to presbyopia.

      There are a couple of workarounds. You can have most of your correction but leave yourself a little nearsighted. That means you would be able to see objects near, such as a computer monitor, reading, etc., but you would lose some of the clarity of your distance vision.

      Monovision is the process of correcting your dominant eye to distance vision and your nondominant eye to near vision. After a few weeks the brain figures out what is going on and will "look" through the near eye at near objects and will "look" through the distance eye at distant objects.

      http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik-monovision.htm

      The problem with monovision is that about one-third of people who try it cannot stand the effects, and even if you adapt well it is very likely you will lose some accuracy of depth perception. Monovision is a workaround, not a total answer, but it can make daily tasks likegetting around the house and being able to see your watch much easier.

      The best part of monovision is that you can try it in contact lenses before you have it lasered into your eyes.

      A comprehensive examination by a competent doctor will give you more details and help determine if you are a condidate for any form of Lasik or similar laser eye surgery.

25. QUESTION:
    Question about Lasik Eye Procedure. Thinking about having it done a second time?
    I had the Lasik surgery done back in 2003 by Dr. Booth in Cincinnati Ohio. I had great vision for about a year and a half and then my eyes started changing. I now wear glasses and am .5 in one and and .75 in the other. This is still much better than it was before the surgery but not good enough to allow me to do day to day activities withough glasses or contacts.

    My perscription has been the same for about three years now and I am wondering.

    1. Is it easier to fix my vision now that my eyes are staying the same persription?
    2. Is there added risk to having the procedure done a second time?
    3. Have there been any significant advances made in Lasik since 2003, that would make it even better now?

    I've already invested k in this, and I would want to know this one will last before paying another k.

    Thanks,

    • ANSWER:
      I would go to one of the Lasik Plus locations. They have a free appointment to talk to you about any of your questions and they can answer all of them. I just got Lasik last week for the first time and I can answer most of your questions. It is good that your prescription is the same. They will NOT do the surgery if your prescription is not constant (at least Lasik Plus will not). Also, when you get Lasik done and they cut the cornea to make the flap, it makes your cornea a tiny bitter thinner. If it is too thin it can cause problems with your eye. Doing the surgery again, will make it thinner. This may not be a problem. I know with me, I had very thick cornea and the doctor said that I would be able to have it about 4 times over and still be fine. Lasik Plus will check for that and be able to tell you if your cornea is thick enough.

      But don't worry, if it is not thick enough, there is another option. It is something called PRK and it is usually for people 40 and older that have thin corneas. In this procedure, they do not create a corneal flap but instead scratch the surface of your eye and then use the laser. After that, they put in a protective contact lense that you have to keep in for a couple of days. I watched someone get this done and it also was painless. However, after the procedure, it takes 5-7 to heal instead of the 1-2 with traditional Lasik, just because they are scratching your cornea. Lasik Plus will definitely tell you which one they would reccommend.

      There is also a new type of Lasik which is bladeless. They just came out with it recently. This is the type that I got. The whole procedure is the same as the lasik you got except instead of cutting the flap with a blade, a laser is used to cut the flap. It is good because it is a more precise cut.

      Lasik Plus has free enhancements if needed after you get your first one from them. You should definitely check it out and get a free consultation from them. Hope this helps.

26. QUESTION:
    how long will the lasik surgery take?
    ok im dragonfly's cousin and im 13. im stayin over this week well anyway on thursday im havin a lasik eye procedure done. will i b asleep? what will happen during surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      13? Lasik at 13 years old? That's interesting.

      Anyway...

      LASIK is a very brief procedure. If everything goes well, it should be done in 15 minutes or less.

      It's usually done while the patient is awake. Topical (eye drops) anesthesia is used. Its not that uncomfortable to the patient.

27. QUESTION:
    How long to recover from Lasik Eye surgery?
    Once the procedure is done how long does it take to be able to function and go back to work? Is there any upkeep that you have to use like eye drops?

    • ANSWER:
      TWO HOURS?! Try 10 minutes.
      I just had Lasik a few months ago. I went back to work the next day. School started a week after my procedure and I had a tiny bit of trouble the first two days with studying and with the climate control system inside the building. Your eyes are SUPER dry for about a month after the procedure and then kinda dry for a month beyond that. You have a regimen of eye drops for a week or two (I already forgot!) but I only had two, a steroid and an antibiotic. But the lubricating ones will be your best friend and companion for a month or two. You have to wear protective goggles while you sleep for a week and make sure that you don't get anything in your eyes while you shower for a week. Not even rubbing your eyes so it's a bit hard. Lasik is one of the best things I ever did in my life! I am so happy!!! The postoperative care was cake compared to contacs and glasses! I would recommend it to anyone. In one month I was back to doing everything like swimming, but I could see! I still can't believe it!

28. QUESTION:
    Laser Eye Surgery? Has anyone done this procedure? How did it go?
    I'm 18 and i'm tired of wearing glasses all the time,
    i'm considering about that lasik eye surgery but i don't know if it's a good idea for someone my age.
    what do you think?

    please tell me about your experience or if you know anyone who has done it. thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I've had PRK laser surgery done. Typically eye doctors want you to be at least 20 to get eye surgery because your eye sight changes too much before then.

      Lasik is a good option because it is painless and the results are instant. I had to get PRK because the Air Force doesn't allow Lasik for people interested in the flying route.

      The difference is Lasik is painless with instant results but they peel back the corneal flap, use the laser, then sew it back on.

      PRK is painless during the procedure but will give you hell for the next few months. They scrape away the corneal flap with a metal brush and let it grow back after the procedure. Your vision continues to improve over a 3 month span.

      Lasik is cheaper, painless, instant and can handle major astigmatism so unless you're in a situation where you have to get PRK, go for Lasik.

      Go in for consulting as is required before getting surgery.

29. QUESTION:
    Lasik eye surgery?
    I have some questions about lasik eye surgery...

    1. whats the procedure? Are you awake? what happens during the surgery? are you given any medications?

    2.does it hurt?

    3. What's your expeirence with this?

    4. is there the posibility that it's done wrong and you can go blind?

    I want to get this so badly but im kind of scared...my eyesight isn't that bad at all...my eyesight is 80/20 i think....thanks in advance!!!!
    =]
    how long does the surgery actually take?
    they actually cut your cornea???? that really freaks me out.....did this freak you out too??

    

    • ANSWER:
      I am speaking from experience because I just had LASIK over 3 weeks ago:
      1. The doctor starts by putting numbing eye drops in your eyes and then marks your eyes to make the cut in your cornea. They put a suction device on your cornea and then make the cut using an instrument which creates a flap. The doctor then flips the flap open and does the laser. It took 11 seconds for the laser and then they rinse your eyes and flip the flap back over and even it out. That is it and they do the same with the opposite eye.
      2. There is no pain at all. I still haven't had any pain from it.
      3. See beginning and I now have 20/10 vision.
      4. There is a possibility of complications like any surgery, but the chances of anything happening are very rare. My doctor wouldn't even talk about blindness because that is one of the rarest side effects possible.

      I was scared about having it done also, but it is well worth it. I have no glasses and can see better than I did with glasses. Good Luck!!!

30. QUESTION:
    how much does lasik eye surgery cost in MI?
    My eyes are pretty bad and I want to get lasik. I was wondering about how much I can look on spending for this procedure.

    • ANSWER:
      I think it's like 1-2,000, an eye. Something like that, you'll actually have to talk to the place you are thinking of going to get it done, and they will give you an answer...but i do believe it's that much per eye. hope this helps, i'm not sure what it is in michigan..but it does depend on your eyes, and how bad they are, and if they can do it.

31. QUESTION:
    Question to those who have had lasik eye surgery....?
    I had the lasik procedure done nearly 3 months ago. I am very happy with my results regarding my vision. But, since the procedure, I have had 3 styies....2 on my left lower lid and one on my right lower lid. Is this a coiincidence or have you also had this experience?

    • ANSWER:
      I have never heard of that as being a complication or anything...

      Call the place that did it...they'll surely tell you.

32. QUESTION:
    Where is it cheapest to get a lasik eye surgery?
    I would like to know where in the world it's cheapest to do the procedure.

    • ANSWER:
      My dear it is personal suggestion that you should consult to Eye Doctor

33. QUESTION:
    How risky is Lasik eye surgery?
    Just looking into Lasik and was wondering how risky the procedure is.

    • ANSWER:
      I don't know where the first response got his/her info from, but I personally know 2 ophthalmologists, 3 optometrists, and 3 opticians who have had it done, so there must be hundreds more around the world also.

      The Lasik procedure has been performed in Canada and most of Europe since 1987, and in the USA since 1990 , that is hardly a new procedure, and long term effects are well known after 24 years of doing it.

      There is very little risk to the surgery, but the results aren't always as good as hoped for....like with almost any surgery. But if you wear - 8.00 glasses and end up with only a - 0.50 left...it is still a success in most peoples minds.

      The most common side effect is dry eyes, but most of those problems clear up in within 1 year at the most. Some see halos around lights at night, which often clears up with time also, but not all. Those people pretty well have to wear glasses with an anti reflection coating at night to eliminate that.

      Very often , a slight correction is still needed for the best night vision for driving.

      Eventually reading glasses will be needed, but that won't be until you hit 40 or so. Aside from that , thousands have it done every year and there are very few problems considering the number that are done.

      The important thing is to do your homework and choose a clinic with a great reputation and lots of experience.

34. QUESTION:
    How old do you have to be to get Lasik Eye Surgery done?
    I really would like to get this done, because my eyes are already pretty bad (-7.00), and I'm terrified of going blind.
    Also, what exactly do they do during the procedure that corrects your sight?

    • ANSWER:
      General practice is at least 18 with a stable eye exam for two years. My surgeon actually prefered for patients to be in their early to mid 20s with a stable prescription for 2 years.

      I was -8.25 and -7.75 prior to my PRK...you won't go blind I am a 30 something and couldn't see worth a darn without glasses or contacts lol But my bad prescriptions weren't gonna cause blindness. Breathe easily there.

      The laser ablates, or removes, a thin part of your eye called the cornea once the flap is created (LASIK) or the corneal epithelium removed (PRK). The pattern, location, and how much laser removal depends on YOUR eye measurements, the shape of your cornea, your prescription.

      In the article below, check out the section called Treatment. It describes the entire preop, during surgery, and postop. Very informative and that is what helped me to decide to go ahead with my PRK.

      If you aren't eligible now for laser correction, just continue with your yearly eye exams to document the stability of your prescription and your eye health, then go for the consult when you are ready and research your surgeon very carefully.

      Good luck!

35. QUESTION:
    is it safe for me to have lasik eye surgery at the age of 20 about to be 21?
    Because i hear all these bad things about it on this early show on ABC. That people were reporting seeing double, blurry vision, and other effect. I dont want to regret having the surgery. My mother tells me i should wait, but i dont know if i wait longer i will be able to afford the procedure.
    also, my mom ask at my opthamologist assistant and she said that according to her it only last about 7 years and your vision will start to reduce

    Help?

    • ANSWER:
      Don't do it. What you heard is right. This kind of surgery is too risky and even if it goes well it doesn't last long.

36. QUESTION:
    Have you had Lasik Eye Surgery? What kind of side effects did you have?
    My husband is thinking of doing this procedure, but he's also heard of some weird side effects such as shadow figures at night and glared vision at night. How do you feel about this surgery? I just saw a commercial about SafeLasik.com and was curious about it. It doesn't look like there's much involved in correcting eye sight. Meaning, it looks like a pretty simple procedure and pain free.
    Anyone out there who can give me some feedback? Thanks so much!
    Have a great weekend!

    • ANSWER:
      My stepson had it done two years ago, Thank goodness no side effects at all. He was wearing coke bottle Glasses, before the surgery, And he still has 20-20 vision after 2 years. I was totally amazed,at the results. But ,Still get the doctors opinion , for real medical advice. My sister works at the eye Clinic, and she too, has been amazed.at what she has seen, But, just telling you what I know.. others may have not gone as well, as our son. Now, that he can actually see for himself that he really is the handsome guy he always thought he was.LOL

37. QUESTION:
    Is Wavefront Lasik the best laser eye surgery to date?
    I am scheduled for my Wavefront Lasik surgery next week. I was told this is the most recent, top of the line procedure available to date. I want to achieve better than perfect vision (20/10 or 20/15); and although it is not guaranteed, Wavefront Lasik has a higher percentage of success compared to other procedures to achieve, what I like to call, "high definition vision". Does anyone have any testimonials or web site links to verify if this is statistically true?

    • ANSWER:
      Wavefront lasik will in most cases give better results compared to surgery without using wavefront.

      However as you say yourself results are not guaranteed.

      Of course with all laser eye surgery there is of course no permanent cure and at some stage later in life spectacles will again need to be worn.

      Please read up as much as you can before considering surgery.

      Good Luck

      Dominic
      Retired optometrist and husband of refractive eye surgery patient(now wearing spectacles 9yrs later!)

38. QUESTION:
    Cleveland area lasik eye surgery doctors?
    I am just begining research on Laser Eye Surgery. I am origianlly from Louisiana and don't know anything about the doctors in the cleveland area that perform this procedure. I have heard that the Cleveland Clinic prides itself on what a great job it does and that people come from all over the world to have eye surgeries done there. If anyone can give me any suggestion or has any info about the cleveland clinic or can recommend any doctor I would appreciate it.

    • ANSWER:
      I recommend you use our 50 Tough Questions For Your Lasik Doctor to help evaluate a potential surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. I believe you will find the senior surgeon there will pass with flying colors.

      http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik-tough-questions.htm

39. QUESTION:
    Lasik Eye Surgery question (sort of)?
    I am going tomorrow to have a blade free lasik procedure performed and the doctor prescribed 2 5mg pills of Valium to be taken an hour before the surgery. Now, I understand all of the precautions (don't take if pregnant, no heavy machinery, no driving, etc...) but one kind of threw me off. Why is it that I cannot eat or drink grapefruit when taking the Valium? It does not say to stay away from citrus-which maybe I could figure out, but only grapefruit in particular is mentioned.
    Anybody know?

    • ANSWER:
      Q What's Wrong with Grapefruit Juice?
      What is it about grapefruit and grapefruit juice that interferes with the effect of some drugs?
      A Answer (Published 11/3/2006)

      Actually, grapefruit juice more than grapefruit itself seems to be the problem – something it contains interferes with the absorption and metabolism of a number of drugs (although there is increasing concern that eating grapefruit might do the same). The affected drugs include calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure, non-sedating antihistamines such as Hismanal (astemizole), certain tranquilizers including Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Halcion (triazolam), and others, a number of cholesterol-lowering drugs, including Lipitor (atorvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin) and other statins, and the immunosuppressive drugs used to prevent rejection of transplanted tissues organs and the antiviral agents used to treat HIV/AIDS.

      With the tranquilizers, you may notice increased sedation. More dangerous side effects including kidney toxicity; increased susceptibility to infections could develop among those taking immunosuppressive drugs. Grapefruit juice can even enhance your response to caffeine, resulting in nervousness and over-stimulation.

      Orange juice doesn't appear to have these effects and neither do any other types of juice made from citrus fruits.

40. QUESTION:
    Has anyone received Lasik eye surgery in Mexico?
    I am going to Cancun this summer and wanted to check out some safe/professional facilities while I was there. If anyone has received this procedure in Mexico, please advise the details of your experience (who, when, where). Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Are you in the U.S. now? And why aren't you having it done here? Why Mexico? Just curious.

41. QUESTION:
    Has anyone got major eye damage from lasik-eye surgery?
    I saw a video of the procedure of lasik and omg I don't think I will ever get that done!

    • ANSWER:
      I had it done 10 years ago and couldn't be happier. That being said, you must do your research. Choose a well-qualified surgeon who will establish your candidacy prior to performing surgery. Have more than one opinion as well. Most centers will give you a free consultation.

42. QUESTION:
    How soon can you have sex after lasik eye surgery?
    The one thing I forgot to ask before the procedure (I guess it wasn't on my mind ). They said to not exercise for 2 weeks afterwards, but does this include sex. feedback please...

    • ANSWER:
      immediately unless you like eye sex, then wait 2 weeks.

43. QUESTION:
    When you get lasik eye surgery what does it look like at the time it is happening?
    I am going next week and am nervous even though the procedure is short. I just want to know what you are seeing when the laser hits your eye

    • ANSWER:
      you will lie down , face will be covered , have drops in ur eyes [ a lil cold ] , feel some pressure on ur eye , hear something going on , stare at a red light while u smell something burning and hear a machine , then everything stops and the other eye is done .
      just don't worry .

44. QUESTION:
    How much is Lasik Eye Surgery?
    How much is it?

    Also how does the procedure work?

    • ANSWER:
      Some national chains advertise as low at 9 an eye, but when you look at the financial reports of those same chains you will find that the averaged cost is about ,350 per eye. Lasik cost varies from about ,400 to ,900 per eye, depending on the surgeon and technology, according to David Harmon, president of the St. Louis research firm MarketScope.

      http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik-cost.htm

      I work for a nonprofit organization that certifies Lasik doctor patient outcomes. We don't provide Lasik, just Lasik information and certification.

      What you will pay will depend greatly on your unique circumstances and which procedure is recommended. Conventional Lasik will likely be less expensive than wavefront-guided custom Lasik. All-Laser Lasik will likely be more expensive than traditional Lasik. Some clinics charge extra for "lifetime acuity" plans that provide additional surgery if required later.

      Nobody wants to pay too much for anything, but you are talking about microsurgery on your eyes. If you can't afford the best available surgeon, then you may not want to have Lasik at all . You need to focus (pun intended) on the quality of the surgeon and keep price secondary.

      Lasik works by reshaping the cornea - the clear front of the eye. The first step of Lasik is creating a thin flap of corneal tissue and moving that aside. Laser energy is applied to the exposed area, and then the flap is repositioned over the area that has been treated.

      By applying the laser energy deeper in the center of the cornea instead of at the top (like PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik), the wound response is different. The eye is somewhat fooled into not knowing it has had surgery. This is how Lasik can have very fast vision recovery and virtually no pain.

      http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasik.htm

45. QUESTION:
    How much does Lasik Eye Surgery cost?
    What exactly is the range of prices I'm looking for?
    We'll probably want to conduct the procedure in Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio, TX.

    Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      I had Lasik eye surgery done after wearing glasses for 16 years. It has been perfect for me. I have had no changes. Of course, as I age, I expect changes. I also co-manage refractive surgery and have seen hundreds of successful patients. It doesn't hurt, generally. There is a bit of pressure, but no real pain if you have LASIK. The PRK version (where no flap is cut) is a little more uncomfortable for the first few days following the procedure. I've seen several people who said they were in some pain, but healed just fine. I used to wear both glasses and contact lenses. I had LASIK done and it's the best decision I've ever made. I can see clearly, no squinting, no driving with glasses anymore. I can read road signs, see the individual leaves in the trees (they're not just a blurry mess anymore). It's also nice to be able to see what time it is when I wake up. The procedure is painless (although a bit uncomfortable) but takes less than 15 minutes. Highly recommended.

      If you need help finding a reputed surgeon in India u can check out the ink below:
      http://www.indianhealthguru.com
      You can schedule a free appointment there and they'll answer all your questions and see if you qualify as a good candidate or not

46. QUESTION:
    Opinions on Lasik eye surgery?
    I've been considering Lasik eye surgery for years. At one point I even had a consultation and appointment to have it done, but backed out. I would really like to consider it again, but I'd like to hear from people that have had it done or know people who have had the procedure.
    I have astigmatism in only one eye, my prescription is like 2 something…if that information helps.
    Oh, yes, the age factor. I'm currently 26.

    • ANSWER:
      Lasik eye surgery is rather safe if only you are a suitable candidate. As with any surgery, there is a definite risk incurred. You must be screened for suitability and examined by the doctor personally. (Not the sales team to mislead you to get expensive package deal).

      If you are a suitable candidate, the risk maybe :-
      1.)Dry eyes (temporary)
      2.)Regression/ enhancement
      3.)infection (3-5/20,000 for the next 3 weeks)
      4.)Flap/ complication of treatment (rare)
      5.)Miscellaneous

      A suitable candidate for Lasik surgery, it depends on:-
      1.)Your corneal thickness
      2.)Your power
      3.)Your age
      4.)A centre with a doctor who is examining your eyes personally
      5.)Torough explanation to suit your lifestyle

      Always insist on seeing the doctor performing the surgery for you. It is the due deligent of him or her to present the risk and benefit to you in detail personally.

      Dr. Yeoh Phee Liang
      Consultant Ophthalmologist
      www.advancevision.net.my

47. QUESTION:
    Does LASIK eye surgery hurt?
    What is the procedure? I am scared of when they put the metal things to hold your eye back, and I am afraid when they scrape the eye. What is the exact procedure, step by step, and how much the pain was during the steps, only people who have gotten lasik eye surgery plesae.

    • ANSWER:
      I have had it done. There was almost no pain. Look at the link below for the rest of the answers you need.

48. QUESTION:
    Questions about lasik eye surgery?
    Hello, I'm 17 and have been wearing glasses since i was about 10 years old. Im thinking about getting lasik eye surgery cause i cant stand wearing glasses. Now whenever i get eye drops at the eye doctor i freak out. When the drops hit my eye i start to panic and i start crying ALOT! Now im not crying cause of the pain.... its jsut that my eyes are really really sensitive. Whenever i arrive at teh eye doctor and he says "ok lets put in the drops" and i lean back and he opens my eye, i start tearing up before he even puts in the drop. Just leaning back and opening my eye makes me tear up, even if im at home. My question is... will Lasik be impossible for me since my eyes are so freaking sensitive? I saw the procedure on youtube and im pretty sure my eyes will be a swimming pool of water as soon as 1 drop goes in and they put the clamps on your eye. Plus i have a hard time keeping my eye open when u puts in eye drops, and i dont think i will be able to keep my eyes open during the procedure, i would blink too much. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    • ANSWER:

49. QUESTION:
    can I still become a plastic surgeon if i undergo lasik eye surgery?
    I am in doubt because the FDA says that some jobs prohibit certain refractive procedures.

    My prescription is -1 on the left and -.75 on the right.

    • ANSWER:
      wl DDDDDDDDDDDDDDUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

50. QUESTION:
    I just got lasik surgery and poked myself in the eye accidently?
    I got Lasik about 2 weeks ago. I've been recovering great and there have been no problems. Today I was changing my shirt and it seems like it scratched my eye. Above the pupil of my right eye is a large red gash and I'm worried that could complicate my lasik procedure. I'm seeing blurry out of my right eye too. I also just put in some antibiotic eyedrops incase..is there anything else i should do? Should I be worried?

    • ANSWER: