The following are frequently asked questions by patients:

Is LASIK permanent? Will I need to have the surgery repeated?

Results since FDA approval of LASIK seven years ago have shown that surgery does not require updating --- other than the possibility of minor adjustments called enhancements. Sometimes an individual with a high amount of correction may need an enhancement to fine tune the corneal change. This enhancement is usually included in the cost of your LASIK for up to one year from the date of your surgery.

Has anyone gone blind or lost an eye from laser vision correction?

More than one million patients in more than 60 countries worldwide have had laser vision correction surgery. No cases of blindness or loss of an eye have been reported.

Can I have LASIK if I have already had RK (Radial Keratotomy)?

Yes, however, Dr. Whitsett will have to evaluate during his complimentary consultation. With RK, cuts were made around the cornea to create the effect of corneal change whereas the laser used today is significantly more precise. Because of the less precise nature of RK, sometimes the corneal change was not exactly correct.

Will I have perfect vision after the procedure? Will I still need glasses?

The majority of our patients are within one or two lines of 20/20 vision after the procedure. Some patients with extremely high degrees of correction may still require glasses after surgery. Individuals who wear reading glasses before the surgery will most likely continue to need them afterwards. This is because the need for reading glasses is caused by presbyopia, a condition within the eye that involves the material within the lens of the eye becoming less pliable and the muscle that squeezes the lens to focus aging with time.

Does LASIK surgery hurt?

You will receive Valium before surgery, and topical anesthetic eye drops just prior. You will be awake during the procedure, however, you should not experience any pain. After surgery, you may feel like your eyes may feel gritty for the first few hours after the surgery.

Will I experience a lot of glare? Will I have halos at night?

With the new, expanded treatment zones of the lasers, night vision symptoms have been greatly reduced. Dr. Whitsett will be able to evaluate in advance whether your pupils are larger than the treatment zone, and what impact that will have on your potential surgery. The few patients who experience halos or starbursts at night generally improve after one month and the problems resolve by three months.

When can I return to normal activity?

Most patients can resume daily activities the first post-operative day. Avoidance of contact with the eyes, such as rubbing, is critical the first few days to allow the outer surface of the cornea to heal.

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