LASIK FAQ

LASIK FAQ

 1. What is Lasik?

• First, a corneal flap is created by a microkeratome or intralase and is lifted up.
• Then, excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea.
• The flap is then repositioned.

2. Is Lasik covered by insurance?

• Lasik is usually not covered by insurance.
• If you want to know more you can consult your own insurance company.

3. What are the potential risks involved in Lasik?

Complications and risks during or after the surgery include but are not limited to the following points:

1. The surgical outcome is usually predictable and acceptable. However, there exists variability and thus the results of surgery cannot be guaranteed. The vision could become better or worse after treatment.
2. Enhancement surgery or corrective lenses might be required in case of over or under correction.
3. Irregular scarring due to improper healing of the corneal flap could result in astigmatism and consequently affect the final best-corrected vision.
4. Conditions such as increased sensitivity to light, glare, foggy and double vision may be permanent as a result of the surgery. After the surgery, depth perception may be slightly different, all of which may affect the ability to drive and judge distances.
5. The surgery might be terminated in case of unexpected incidence, and the operation has to be rescheduled.
6. Corneal inflammation, infection, distortion, scar may happen. In such circumstances, remedial work such as laser surgery or even corneal transplant may be required.
7. If epithelial ingrowth occurs, the corneal flap needs to be re-elevated to remove the epithelial cells underneath the flap.
8. If the corneal epithelium is loose, it may be detached during the operation, leading to more pain and longer recovery time.
9. This surgery may cause difference in refraction and retinal images between eyes, ptosis, double vision and visual fluctuation.
10. The above complications can affect temporal or permanent vision.
11. This surgery will only change the refractive power of the eye, corneal thickness and curvature, but it will not alter the anatomical state of the eye. So, eyes originally myopic will always be classified as myopic eyes which will still suffer from risks, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.
12. Lasik does not correct presbyopia (aging of the eye) and reading glasses may be needed after this treatment.

P.S. The complications and risks of the surgery do not occur commonly. Since it is impossible to state every complication that may occur, please feel free to consult your doctor.

4. Is it painful during operation?

• Anesthetic eye drops will be provided which prevent you from feeling any pain during the operation.
• Some may experience mild discomfort after the operation.
• Pain-killer will also be provided after the operation.

5. When will I be able to resume working after the operation?

Most people can go back to work after the post-operation checking with the confirmation from doctor.

6. How should I prepare for the whole procedure?

• Stop wearing soft contact lens for a week or hard contact lens for three weeks before the pre-operation examination and operation.
• Clean your hair before the operation.
• No cosmetic make-up and perfume on the operation day.
• It will be better to have a companion with you after the operation.
• Bring along a pair of sun-glasses with you.

7. How about the post-operation cares?

• Avoid swimming, vigorous exercises or sauna within a month after the operation.
• Stop eye make-up for two weeks.
• Wear eye shields when you sleep, for a week.
• Put some artificial tears when you feel dry or discomfort.
• Do not rub your eyes
• It is recommended that you rest at home right after the operation.

8. Can Lasik correct presbyopia?

Lasik can correct shortsightedness, longsightedness and astigmatism, but not presbyopia.

9. How long does the recovery take?

• You will have 80% of your normal vision after 24 hours of the operation in most cases. It will not disturb your daily activities much.
• It may take one month or more to have full recovery.

10. Does Lasik have age limitation?

It is recommended you must be 20 years old or above; and your prescription has been stable for the past 3 years.

11. Can I have Lasik if I have more than 10 dioptres of shortsightedness?

• Whether you can have Lasik is subjected to the thickness and the curvature of the cornea.
• And whether your eyes are healthy for the operation.
• So you may consider to have a pre-operation eye examination first; and then discuss your result with our doctors to see if you are suitable for the operation.

12. Will I have shortsightedness again after the operation?

You may have shortsightedness after Lasik operation. Lasik cannot stop shortsightedness progression.