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Commonly
Asked Questions About the LASIK Procedure
"When can I go swimming after LASIK?"
This can range from 1-2 weeks depending on the amount of
post-operative
inflammation. The physicians at Halpin-Poweleit Eye Center, a leading eye institute in
Greater Cincinnati,
will discuss this with you at your next-day post-operative
visit. |
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"How
long do I have to leave my contact lenses out before
the procedure?"
This will vary depending on which type of lenses you
wear, the frequency that you wear them and your doctor's
recommendation for you individually. Maximum time
is usually 1 week for soft contacts, 2-4 weeks for
gas perm and hard lenses. |
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"How
do I keep my eye open and not blink during the procedure?"
A small wire lid speculum is used to gently hold the eyelids
apart.
"When can I return to work?"
This would of course depend upon
several factors including type and extent of the procedure,
the specific physiological response of the individual
patient and certainly the type of work. This advice will be
best provided post-operatively by your surgeon.
"How many follow-up visits will I have and at what frequency?"
Follow-up schedules vary with the type
of surgical procedure and will be described during your
initial consultation. A typical situation would probably
involve four visits from day-after surgery up to a year.
"How soon can I fly and travel after the procedure?"
You will be able to travel the day following the procedure.
Flying tends to dry the eyes more, so artificial tears may
be used as needed if this occurs. |
"Will
I always be seen by my surgeon on the follow-up visits?"
Yes, the technician will check your vision on the
eye chart and your surgeon or another physician in
the practice will examine your eyes at each visit.
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"Is
there always a doctor available in case I have a question
or problem?"
Yes, a LASIK trained physician is on call 24 hours a day
7 days a week.
"Is the procedure painful?"
No, topical numbing drops are used to anesthetize the eye.
The only sensation you may have is slight pressure. Valium
is offered to help you relax and if at any time you are
uncomfortable, you can tell your surgeon. Most patients
only experience a slight burning, foreign body sensation
and/or increased tearflow
for several hours afterward. Tylenol or aspirin
are usually sufficient to relieve these symptoms.
"Is there a better procedure on the horizon than LASIK,
or is it here to stay?"
LASIK is an exceptional procedure, we believe it will be
around for a long time. There is a newly FDA approved procedure
for very low degrees of myopia, the Intrastromal Corneal
Ring (ICR). |
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"After I'm told I am a candidate, what is the
next step?"
Call our office and we will set your procedure date
and the pre-op appointment accordingly. If you wear
contact lenses, we will instruct you on when to
remove these. |
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"How
long will I have to use eye drops after the procedure?"
This depends
upon the patient's specific need. One or two weeks is
usually sufficient, although some people may need to extend
their use for a third week.
This can be discussed at the second
follow-up visit. Artificial tears
can be used during, after this period, and for as long as
needed.
"Will my vision change as I get older?"
Everyone eventually develops presbyopia, or the need for
reading glasses. Your distance vision will remain stable,
unless you later develop age-related eye conditions such
as cataracts or retinal disease. However, your vision will
not change as a result of LASIK. |
"Can
I wear contact lenses again after the procedure if
I need them?"
Since LASIK is performed
primarily to eliminate the need for any corrective
lenses, it is doubtful that you would need contact
lenses. However, if there would ever exist any
unusual circumstance regarding some other condition
that would require lenses, then lenses would be
custom-shaped for the slight flattening that results
from LASIK surgery. This would be recommended by
your ophthalmologist.
"Will I see glare, starbursts or halos around lights
or while driving at night after LASIK?"
Yes, this is not uncommon but fades over time after
the procedure. This experience is not much different
from what many people see with their contacts and
glasses before the procedure. Higher levels of myopia
and patients
with larger pupils experience this symptom
more commonly. If this is experienced, it is usually
not incapacitating. |
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"How
many years has the procedure been done and how many patients
have been treated worldwide?"
The first LASIK procedure was performed in 1987. The procedure
has been widely performed in the past ten years and approximately
3.5 million have had LASIK to date.
"How long has LASIK been performed in the United States?"
The excimer laser was approved in 1995 and then widely performed
here since 1996.
"How up-to-date is the
laser that you use for this surgery?"
The
Halpin-Poweleit Eye Center features the current
state-of-the-art
Allegretto Wave Laser
which offers the world's most advanced
laser vision enhancement technology. The
Allegretto
provides
fantastic improvements over previous equipment in terms of
maintaining the natural shape of the cornea and the
reduction of post-operative glare and halo occurences, and
also increases the number of potential LASIK candidates who,
prior to now, could not have received LASIK. |
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"Can
I still develop a cataract after the procedure and
can it be removed if I have LASIK?"
Yes, your eye may still develop a cataract in the
years ahead. However, it can be removed in the usual
manner. The laser does not cause cataracts.
"What are my options if I am at the age where I
now need reading glasses or bifocals? Will I still
have to wear reading glasses after the procedure?"
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There
is a monovision procedure that your surgeon can discuss
with you on your examination. This involves leaving one
eye somewhat nearsighted so you are still able to adjust
for up-close vision. Otherwise, you can have both eyes corrected
for distance and wear glasses for reading only. You and
your surgeon can decide together which option is best for
your individual situation. We recommend simulating monovision
first with contacts, if this possible before having correction
in this manner with laser. |
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