If you’ve ever thought about having LASIK, you’re certainly in good company.
Freedom from the hassles of glasses and contacts is something many people think about on the daily.
How annoying is it to wake up in the morning and not be able to see the clock on your nightstand until you feel around and locate your glasses? How about your glasses slipping down your nose at spin class? Sweat in your contacts on your morning run? Can’t see to put your mascara on without your glasses, but can’t actually put the mascara on while wearing said glasses?
Do you know what can help with all those hassles? LASIK.
The popular laser vision correction procedure has been performed on over 10 million Americans since it first received FDA approval in 1999. And for good reason. LASIK offers freedom.
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive surgery commonly referred to as laser vision correction. It treats nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. If you’re wearing glasses and/or contacts, and you fall into one (or even two) of the above-mentioned categories, then LASIK may be the right choice for you.
LASIK works by changing the shape of your cornea, which changes the way images focus on the retina. It’s a two-step process: Creating a small flap on the cornea, and reshaping the corneal surface, all in just a few short minutes!
LASIK FAQ
Every person who is interested in LASIK has questions. It’s a natural part of the process and we welcome them!
How successful is LASIK?
LASIK is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures and has given millions of people all over the world the freedom to enjoy their lives and live them the way they want to – without the hassles of glasses and contacts. The procedure has an excellent success rate.
Dr. Carter has performed tens of thousands of LASIK procedures with outstanding results…one patient at a time.
Why should I choose Carter Eye Center for LASIK?
You have many choices for LASIK in Dallas. However, if you do your homework, we believe you will choose Carter Eye Center, just like so many others have already. Check out some of our happy patient stories here.
Our LASIK results are proven. We offer the latest laser technology, including CustomVue Wavefront-guided LASIK, and Dr. Carter’s skill and experience are second to none. Most importantly, we will treat you and every other patient like a VIP. We seek to deliver not only great visual results but a great experience as well.
Is my eyesight too bad for LASIK?
While not everyone is a candidate for LASIK, more and more people are as technology in testing and treatment continues to advance. Because of these advances, many people who were not candidates just a few short years ago can benefit from LASIK today. Schedule your free LASIK consultation to see if LASIK is right for you.
Does LASIK hurt?
This is a common concern, but you don’t need to worry! The sensation during LASIK is most often described as a slight pressure. You’ll be given numbing drops before the beginning of the procedure so you’ll barely feel a thing.
How long does it take?
The procedure itself is incredibly quick. Typically, both eyes are treated in about 10 minutes. That’s it!
What if I blink during the procedure?
You don’t need to worry; we thought of everything. Your eyes will be gently held open by an instrument called a lid speculum after your eye drops have been administered.
How long is the recovery?
Everyone is unique, so the honest answer is that it depends. How much your vision needs to be corrected will play a large role in how long it takes to recover. That said, most people recover quickly and drive themselves to their follow-up appointment the next day!
Does insurance cover LASIK?
LASIK is classified by most insurance companies as elective surgery, meaning it is not a covered expense. Luckily, making eye care affordable for everyone is something we take seriously at Carter Eye Center. Check out our Financing page to learn more about pricing and payment plans.
When will I be able to see?
Many patients can read the clock on the wall in the laser suite immediately after LASIK. How cool is that?! However, everyone is different and your vision may fluctuate for a period of time after the procedure as your eyes heal completely.
Will I ever have to wear glasses again?
The goal of LASIK is to reduce or eliminate the need for any type of corrective lenses. Since virtually all of Dr. Carter’s LASIK patients achieve 20/40 vision (and those numbers are even better with custom LASIK) or better, very few need to wear glasses. That said, most people, whether they have had LASIK or not, will need reading glasses as they reach their 40s and 50s. Learn more about Presbyopia and treatments for reading vision correction here.
Can LASIK treat astigmatism?
LASIK can successfully correct nearsightedness, farsightedness AND astigmatism in most patients.
What age is best for LASIK?
LASIK is not for children or for anyone who continues to experience changes in their vision, but any adult whose vision prescription has been stable for more than a year is an ideal candidate for LASIK.
I've been told in the past that I'm not a candidate for LASIK. Should I be checked again?
Yes! There are many reasons why people who were not candidates for LASIK in the past are now perfectly suitable candidates. Technology and techniques continue to improve, making the procedure available to more people than ever. You may also be a candidate for other laser vision correction procedures, such as Visian ICL or PRK.
Didn’t see your question? No worries. Schedule your free LASIK consultation today and we will be happy to answer any question you have.
