Frequently Asked LASIK Questions
In Chicago, Illinois
- Can LASIK treat presbyopia?
- Is LASIK a painful procedure?
- How long does the LASIK procedure last?
- Is the LASIK postoperative recovery painful?
- Should I restrict my activities right after LASIK surgery?
- How soon after surgery will I see well?
- Will I need reading glasses after surgery?
- How successful is the LASIK procedure?
- What are the chances of complications during LASIK?
- Who do I call if I have any problems?
- Can I afford LASIK surgery?
- Are the results of LASIK permanent?
- Why should I choose Northwestern Vision Correction Associates to perform my LASIK procedure?
Can LASIK treat presbyopia?
LASIK will not correct or prevent presbyopia, a condition that occurs in adults over the age of forty as a natural result of the aging process.
Is LASIK a painful procedure?
No, you will feel no pain during surgery. You will feel pressure on and around the eye, but you will not experience any pain.
How long does the LASIK procedure last?
LASIK usually takes only about 20 minutes for both eyes.
Is the LASIK postoperative recovery painful?
Some patients experience a feeling of burning or scratchiness. Discomfort generally lasts from one to three hours following surgery. Most people feel fine if they can take a nap soon after surgery.
Should I restrict my activities right after LASIK surgery?
In almost all cases, LASIK will have a minimal affect on your normal activities. Your eyes will not be patched, but you may need to wear protective shields over your eyes immediately following the surgery and at bedtime for several days following the surgery. Many patients are back at work the next day, but you probably should avoid driving for at least 24 hours following surgery. You can shower and bathe as normal the same day as surgery.
How soon after surgery will I see well?
Each patient is different. The eyedrop medications cause some blurriness, but most LASIK patients notice dramatic improvement even as they leave the office. Most patients can drive and read normally the next day following surgery.
Will I need reading glasses after surgery?
The goal of surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts, but refractive surgery patients still benefit from reading glasses or distance glasses when they desire perfect near or distance vision. Generally, patients under 40 years of age read well without glasses following surgery. Patients over 40 may need magnification for reading fine print. Presbyopia is the term for the natural weakening of the focusing muscles that occurs in our early to mid 40s, causing us to reach for the magnification that reading glasses provide. Refractive surgery does not correct for presbyopia.
How successful is the LASIK procedure?
The surgery is very successful in patients with realistic expectations. Virtually all patients can expect to pass a drivers license test without glasses, which requires at least 20/40 vision.
What are the chances of complications during LASIK?
The likelihood of a severe vision threatening complication is extremely rare and treatable.
Who do I call if I have any problems?
At least one of the physicians at Northwestern Vision Correction Associates is available at all times.
Can I afford LASIK surgery?
At Northwestern Vision Correction Associates, we've developed user-friendly financing plans that can make LASIK possible for any patient.
Are the results of LASIK permanent?
Yes. The same vision errors you experienced will not return. However, LASIK cannot prevent vision impairment as a result of eye disease or presbyopia, cataracts and other aging effects.
Why should I choose Northwestern Vision Correction Associates to perform my LASIK procedure?
The doctors at Northwestern Vision Correction Associates have spent much of their lives studying the eye and learning how to treat refractive errors. Our caring approach and commitment to personalized care is enhanced only by our dedication to providing the latest LASIK technology.
Discover LASIK and the world beyond glasses and contacts. Call or email Northwestern Vision Correction Associates in Chicago, Illinois for your free vision consultation.