Contacts after LASIK

LASIK and other laser eye procedures have great records for successfully improving vision.  However, it doesn’t always improve vision to the point where prescription corrective lenses are no longer needed.

Wearing contacts after LASIK is sometimes necessary.  While a follow-up procedure or enhancement may be able to solve the problem, it is not always the case. Gas permeable or hybrid lenses may be a good solution for improving vision after LASIK.

LASIKsurgery can significantly alter the shape of the cornea, making the fitting of contact lenses post-surgery a bit more challenging.  You’ll want to consult your eye care specialist to be sure you have the right contact lenses for your eyes.  For more information about contacts after LASIK, please contact Charleston LASIK & Cataract Center in Charleston today!

Eye Surgery for Farsightedness

Tired of wearing contacts lenses or eyeglasses for your farsightedness?  Have you considered LASIK eye surgery for farsightedness?

Eye surgery for farsightedness continues to grow in popularity and is a frequently requested procedure.  LASIK reshapes the cornea and changes the way light rays enter your eye, allowing your eye to focus differently.  LASIK is typically a very effective treatment for farsightedness, though it is also good for nearsightedness and for some forms of astigmatism.

Some doctors utilize a “monovision” treatment plan for LASIK when treating farsightedness.  This means one eye is corrected for distance vision and one eye is corrected for near vision.

LASIK surgery is not without risk, although most patients report few complications.  Side effects can include over-corrections or under-correction (sometimes requiring a second adjustment), difficulty with night driving, infection and other complications.  Your doctor will discuss your risks, recovery and LASIK options during your consultation.

For more information about eye surgery for farsightedness, please contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com. 

LASIK Risks Should Be Addressed By Your Surgeon

Patient satisfaction and safety is our top concern at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston.  The majority of our patients are very pleased with their LASIK surgical procedures performed here.  Like all medical procedures, though, some risk is involved.  Some of the risks include (as provided by fda.gov):

• Under treatment or over treatment, possibly requiring additional therapy.  You may still may need glasses, contacts or reading glasses after treatment.   
• Glare, halos, double vision or poor night vision.  This can sometimes be permanent.         
• Some patients lose vision.  Some patients lose lines of vision on the vision chart that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery as a result of their procedure.
• Dry eyes, which sometimes may not go away.
• Patients with very large refractive errors generally don’t receive as good results as others. Your doctor can provide you with information about this.

If you are considering LASIK surgery, the FDA recommends that you find the doctor that is right for you.

• Compare. The levels of risk and benefit vary slightly not only from procedure to procedure, but from device to device depending on the manufacturer, and from surgeon to surgeon depending on their level of experience with a particular procedure.
• Don't base your decision simply on cost.  Remember that the decisions you make about your eyes and refractive surgery will affect you for the rest of your life.
• Be wary of eye centers that advertise, "20/20 vision or your money back" or "package deals." There are never any guarantees in medicine.

For more information about LASIK risks, contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com.

Side Effects of LASIK Eye Surgery

If you know people who’ve had LASIK, you may have heard the great results they’ve experienced.  You may have also heard about some side effects. 

Side effects of LASIK eye surgery are usually minor.  Immediately following surgery you might experience:

• Blurry vision
• Weepiness
• Itching
• Scratchiness
• Discomfort

The doctors at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery will instruct you to lie down and rest.  You will be advised to wear an eye patch when you sleep, since it is important to avoid rubbing your eyes.

Within the next several days after surgery, your eyes will feel better.  Medicated drops may be provided.  Eyes usually heal within three to six months and adjustments are occasionally required.  Longer term side effects can include dry eyes, halos, starbursts and glare, especially at night. Consult your surgeon for more information.  Contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com to schedule your LASIK consultation. 

Questions About LASIK Healing

One of the most popular questions we are asked is: How long does it take to heal after LASIK surgery?

Our answer is:  In most cases, the healing process is remarkably quick.  In fact, often by the next day, patients report an improvement in vision although there may be a haze or fog. 

After LASIK surgery, someone will need to drive you home.  Your eyes may be itching, uncomfortable, weeping or may burn a little and will feel a bit blurry.  This is normal after LASIK.  You will be told to rest for several hours and may be instructed to sleep with an eye patch as it is important that you do not rub your eyes.  Medicated drops may be prescribed by your LASIK surgeon.

Although everyone heals differently, vision typically stabilizes within six months.  If you have questions about LASIK, contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com.