LASIK is "hybrid" procedure, combining the ALK technique with the accuracy of the Excimer Laser. First the doctor will use an instrument called a Microkeratome or the Intralase laser to create a thin surface-flap under a microscope; this will only take a few seconds. Then the Excimer Laser, which has been pre-programmed with your exact correction, applies a rapid, cool ultraviolet light that precisely sculpts a very small amount of the sub-surface of the cornea. These short laser pulses correct the curvature of the cornea, allowing images to be focused clearly on the retina. The flap is then smoothed back down where it quickly bonds back in place, usually in three to five minutes, restoring a smooth, intact surface.

Is the LASIK procedure approved by the FDA?

The FDA does not approve procedures; they approve the technology. They consider LASIK to be a "Practice of medicine issue," meaning that it is up to the doctor to decide what procedure is best suited for the patient. We use a laser that has been fully approved by the FDA, along with the Microkeratome or Intralase laser. The laser used by our doctor represents the most advanced laser vision technology approved by the FDA.

How long does LASIK take?

The actual procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes. Depending on your prescription, and the amount of correction needed, the laser itself only takes 20 - 50 seconds to correct your vision. However, you should plan to be in the office for approximately an hour and a half.

Does LASIK hurt?

No. The treatment itself is painless. You will be given plenty of numbing (anesthetic) drops to completely numb the eye. You may feel a light pressure sensation around your eye, and after the procedure is finished you will feel a sensation our patients describe as "wearing a poor-fitting contact lens" for a few hours . . . but you shouldn't have any pain. We rarely find the need to prescribe anything for pain after the procedure.

How long will it take to get my final LASIK results?

Although everyone is a little different, the vast majority of our LASIK patients achieve legal driving vision or better, the very next day. One of the most exciting advantages of the LASIK procedure; clear vision comes in quickly. The final result may take anywhere from a week to several weeks, but vision should improve gradually day by day.

What side-effects can I expect from LASIK?

There are a few minor side effects associated with the LASIK procedure. Although post-operative pain is not commonly associated with the procedure (we don't need to prescribe anything other than Paramol), some patients feel a "foreign-body sensation" for the first day or two. This is similar to the feeling of having a contact lens in the eye when you blink. Some patients may experience either "halos," glare, or light sensitivity around bright lights for a few days after the procedure. It may also take a short period of time to adjust to your close-up, or reading vision. Other, side effects include dryness, under/over correction, flap problems, long lasting halos and glare.

Why can't you "knock me out" for the procedure?

Because, it's completely unnecessary. You'll realize just how unnecessary that would have been when you finally have your procedure done. Also, the risks associated with general anesthesia are excessive for a simple, pain-free procedure that only takes a few minutes. Also the procedure requires that the patient be alert to focus on a blinking light throughout the procedure.

Can I drive myself home after the procedure?

No. You'll need to have someone drive you home after the procedure. Although your vision may (or may not) be good enough to drive after the procedure - everyone is different. The Valium we give you prior to the procedure is a mild sedative . . . and sedatives and driving don't mix.

When can I go back to work?

You may go back to work the next day.

Do you do both eyes at the same time?

We typically do both eyes at the same time with LASIK, although that decision should be made between you and the doctor. Since the vision comes in so quickly and the post-operative sensation is minimal, doing both eyes at the same time makes sense to most of our patients.

Can children have this done?

No. The approximate minimum age-range for Laser Vision Correction is 18 to 21. That's because we require a "stable" prescription. Children are likely to have their prescription change over time, just like their shoe size and height change with time.

Is there a maximum age . . . am I too old to have Laser Vision Correction?

Although there is no real "maximum age" for Laser Vision Correction, we would first need to determine that the overall health of your eyes is good, and that your vision difficulties are not being caused or hindered by cataracts.