LASIK Eye Surgery Questions and Answers

Question:

I am considering Lasik surgery...what is the absolute worst thing that could happen? Is there any possibility that i could leave the office with worse vision than when i went in?

Answer:

Fortunately, LASIK is a very safe procedure and complications are rare. This has to do with the fact that the laser only works on the very surface of the eye. Because of the excellence of our clinic, we have not had a serious complication in the many years we have performed LASIK. One or two reports of infection or poor healing have been reported in the country, but with careful screening and careful pre-operative evaluation we can identify any potential risk factors. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a free consultation please call Pam at 1-800-824-1073. Thank you for your interest. Sincerely, Dr. John Zdral

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

What can I do, in addition to LASIK surgery, to avoid reading glasses?

Answer:

Monovision Contact lenses (one for distance, one for reading) are also an alternative. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil M.D.

Question:

my son is 7, is nearsighted with a stigmatism in his left eye. hes been wearing glasses for 3 years now... would you recommend Laser Eye Surgery (Lasik)for such a young child? If not, at what age would you suggest is safe?

Answer:

No. In rare circumstances someone younger than 18 might be considered.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I had Lasik in Sept 98 and was corrected to -.5 and -1.25 with some residual astigmatism in one eye. My dim light vision is not as good as before which is a problem driving into underground parking garages. Is there a cure for bad low light vision?

Answer:

The problem may be your residual myopia. Is it improved when you wear glasses to correct the residual myopia?

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

I have been using contact lenses for about 7 years. The problem is that I still need to change my prescription frequently, annually, (now -6.25) I'm 26 years old. Also, weekly contact lense stayed for a day or two then move from my eye!! Is LASIK a right way for such sharp myopia and if not what other possible ways to get rid of glasses and contact lenses.

Answer:

Thank you for your question. If your prescription has not stabilized, it is preferable to wait before having Lasik done. (I suggest one year of stable presription). Other procedures are not recommended for high myopia (corneal rings). You may wish to consider daily disposible contacts until your prescription is stable. Thank you Dr. A. Chebil (800) 841-3717

Question:

What is the difference between lasik and PRK? It seems that they both treat the same ailment. why would a person want one over the other? ...

Answer:

Dear Domecata, Thank you for your letter. Although PRK and Lasik both correct for the optical problem of the eye, Lasik gives the same result much faster (12 hours and not 7 days for 20/20 vision as with PRK) Therefore, people are requesting the faster healing time. Also, any complications with Lasik usually occur only during the first 24 hours, but with PRK can occur up to six months after a successful treatment. If you are in the LA area we would be pleased to see you for a free evaluation. Thank you Dr. A. Chebil M.D. (800) 841-3717 The Lasik Center

Question:

Is there a DOCTOR out there who can tell me why I get these toungue ulcers from time to time.They are little white spots on the side of the tongue that feel like someone is poking a needle in my tongue. Is there a remedy. The ulcer will go away and come back a few weeks later. My son is 27 years old and considering Lasik surgery. Is this right age? Should he be price shopping or shopping for an experienced Doctor? What is a reasonable fee range? Thanks

Answer:

LASIK is a reasonable option for anyone with healthy stable eyes. Age helps you determine the relative likelihood of stability. Many 27 year olds have a stable refraction. Experience is the key factor in choosing a surgeon. Ask around and see where the doctors have their surgery. A reasonable price for surgery is $2250.00 per eye.

Byron Stratas, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Wilmington, NC

Question:

What are the pros and cons of biliniar lasik surgery opposed to doing one eye at a time?

Answer:

Most patients we treat elect to have both eyes treated at once, in order to avoid having to return to the laser center one week later to repeat the procedure, which would include additional post op visits and time away from work. The drawback to treating both eyes is that you may have blurry vision for the first one to three days following the procedure, depending upon your rate of healing. Some patients that are low myopes may treat only one eye leaving the other eye near sighted for reading; this is known as monovision. We would encourage you to schedule a complimentary consultation if possible to find out more about what laser vision can achieve for you.

John D. Zdral, M.D.
Fullerton, CA

Question:

I am a lawyer. Consequently, I do lots of reading. I am nearsighted but have no problem with close range reading. How soon after PRK or LASIK will I be able to read from books, etc., normally again?

Answer:

If you can read now with your distance glasses, you should have no problem reading after laser eye surgery. However, if you must remove your glasses to read you probably should try "monovision" with one eye used as a reading eye- otherwise, you will need reading glasses after your treatment. Sincerely, Dr. Alexandra Chebil (800) 841-3717

Question:

Having been done a Lasik operation -I am 68 years old,I have developed a Central and secretorial Coroidopathy(pigmentation cells).I am taking Predsone - 40 mg for ten days, 30 mg for ten days and now 20 mg for ten days. What is the prognosis?

Answer:

I'm sorry to say that my expertise is mainly in laser vision correction.I am not able to give you an informed answer to your question. This requires more detailed knowledge of the retina than I possess. Sincerely, Dr. A. Chebil

Question:

My ophthalmologist recommended LASIK surgery, and I am trying to find a qualified doctor to perform the surgery. What are the key criteria? Number of LASIK surgeries? Experience with my type of eyes (severe myopia with astigmatism, and over age 40 need for reading glasses)? Academic affiliation? Costs? Guarantees? References? Also, what is your view on monovision? When is it approprite, and when not?

Answer:

Dear Chris, The most important criteria is the doctor's experience with lasik. The usual "learning curve" is 100 treatments. The technique does not vary with your prescription (severe or low etc.). You should also be comfortable with your doctor's ability-happy patients who refer is more important than affiliations and cost. Like any medical treatment it is not possible to give guarantees, however ask what the "success rate" is.Monovision works 90% of the time. The office exam can show you how you would see. Dr. Chebil (800) 841-3717

Question:

Is the surgery permanent? Since LASIK uses UV light and exposure to UV light over time can cause macular degeneration and cataracts, are refractive patients at higher risk for these later in life? Should I be concerned about a clinic where the surgeon is not present at the consultation?

Answer:

Dear Levar, Thank you for your question. Laser Surgery is permanent, although retreatments are sometimes necessary (usually within the first three months). There does not appear to be increased risk of macular degeneration and cataracts because the laser beam is focused on the cornea only. Every center "screens" patients differently. I prefer to see patients myself prior to surgery, but other good centers may not. I think the doctor doing the treatment should see you at least once prior to your treament. Sincerely, Dr. Chebil (The Laser Center Irvine CA)

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