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. 

Dry Eye and LASIK Questions Answered

Prior to LASIK surgery, your doctor will check your medical history and look for a variety of conditions, including dry eyes. It is important to let your doctor know if you suffer from dry eye prior to surgery, as your surgeon may want to treat it before surgery.

LASIK surgery is designed to improve vision with minimal side effects.  Since the surgery involves altering the curvature of the cornea, which can affect the make up of tear film, dry eyes can sometimes result from LASIK. Dry eye is so common that as many as half of all LASIK patients report it after the surgery, although many had it before the surgery as well.

If you’ve had LASIK and seem to have a problem with dry eyes, you should consult your surgeon.  Dry eyes can be treated with preservative-free artificial tear drops.  If you suffer from dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) topical cyclosporine prescription eye drops can also be of benefit.  Increasing the frequency of blinking can also help.

If you have questions about the risks and benefits of LASIK or the likelihood of dry eye and LASIK, please consult Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com.

LASIK after 40

LASIK has changed the vision for the better for millions over the past decades.  For those 40 and over, LASIK may be a great option to improve or even correct vision.

As the eyes age, it becomes more likely a person will need reading glasses, especially after the age of 40.  Today, individuals in their 40s  and older are increasingly opting for laser surgery that assists in correcting near vision, or presbyopia, by correcting one eye for distance and the other for near vision.  Sometimes LASIK surgery improves vision substantially although patients might still find the need for reading glasses.

If you’re over 40 and considering LASIK, please contact us at 864-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com to schedule a LASIK consultation.  We’re happy to provide you with the information you need.

Types of Laser Eye Surgery

Everybody’s heard of LASIK right?  But did you know there are actually different types of laser eye surgery?

LASIK (laser-assisted-in-situ-keratomileusis) is often referred to as laser vision correction or refractive surgery.  It uses a microkeratome metal blade to cut the cornea flap and an excimer laser to reshape the eye.  It is the most frequently performed elective surgery in America.  During LASIK in Charleston, the surgeon creates a protective flap to access the inner corneal tissue.  The inner layers of your cornea receive pulses of cool laser light controlled by a computer.  You hear a clicking sound while this happens but don’t feel pain because of the numbing drops put in your eyes.  The laser gently reshapes the inner corneal layer to improve your vision.  Following this, the surgeon repositions and aligns the flap to its original position.  Some blurriness may be experienced following the procedure but will correct itself quickly.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratotomy) is a procedure for people with larger pupils, thin corneas, dry eyes or other corneal issues.  During PRK surgery, an eye surgeon uses a laser to reshape the cornea. This laser, which delivers a cool pulsing beam of ultraviolet light, is used on the surface of the cornea, not underneath a flap of the cornea

LASEK is a type of surgery often used for patients who aren’t suites for standard LASIK surgery, such as people with astigmatism.  Short for laser epithelial keratomileusis, this is a variant of PRK. An epithelial flap is created and then epithelial cells are loosened using an alcohol solution. A laser is used to reshape the cornea, then the flap is replaced and secured with a soft contact lens while it heals.

If you have questions about vision correction surgery, please contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com.  We can provide you with detailed information about the different types of eye surgeries.  If you’re considering laser eye surgery, you want to make sure that the laser and procedure are 100 percent FDA-approved and that your surgeon is experienced and Board Certified.

How Does LASIK Work?

Most people are familiar with the LASIK procedure but don’t always know how LASIK actually works.  LASIK starts and ends with manipulation of your cornea.

A LASIK surgeon uses an excimer laser to adjust and reshape your cornea (actually the stroma layer on your cornea).  The laser removes cells based on the amount of vision adjustment needed.  Your eyes are numb while this is going on.  Although you might smell an odor and hear a clicking noise, you should feel no pain.  With custom LASIK in Charleston, your surgeon adjusts for those who are farsighted, nearsighted and who have astigmatism.

The surgeon replaces your flap and may apply eye drops.  Healing begins immediately and your newly reshaped cornea should be evident in an immediate improvement in your vision.

To learn more about the LASIK procedure, contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston today!

LASIK Financing for Patients

If you are considering LASIK surgery, you may be wondering what financing options are available to you. Since LASIK costs several thousand dollars per eye, it can be a major financial decision.  Here are some tips on LASIK financing:

·         Commercial credit companies.  These include Care Credit, AccessOne and others; they offer financing for medical costs.  The terms of medical care financing can vary so be sure to study the terms carefully and find out what your payments will be.  If it’s not affordable, wait until it is or save and pay cash.  You don’t want to be stressed about paying for LASIK.

·         Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).  With an FSA, you are able to use pre-tax income to pay for medical expenses.  Check with your employer and see if this option is available.

·         Health Savings Account (HSA).  Also a great option for eligible medical expenses, the health saving account combines high-deductible health insurance with a savings account.

LASIK is considered a tax-deductible medical expense if certain conditions apply.  See your accountant for information.  For more information about LASIK, please contact Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston at 843-856-5275 or charlestoncornea.com to schedule a LASIK consultation. 

LASIK Consultation Preparation

Here at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston, we believe preparation is the key to any successful treatment.  If you’re scheduled for a LASIK procedure, we advise you to do all you can to research the procedure, recovery and results in order to be as informed and prepared as you can.

Before you are scheduled for LASIK, you will have a consultation with a doctor at Charleston Cornea & Refractive Surgery in Charleston.  The goal of your consultation is to make sure that you are a good candidate for LASIK.  For some people, like those with dry eyes or other conditions, LASIK is not always a good option.  If LASIK isn’t right for you, you’ll be told why and offered alternative treatments.

If the doctor decides that you are a good LASIK candidate, our experts will help you understand the LASIK process and the results that can be expected.  For more information, contact us today.