|
|
|
|
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LASIK______________________________________ Questions About the ProcedureIs LASIK investigational? LASIK is not investigational. The procedure has been performed outside of the United States for about ten years and in U.S. clinical trials with excellent results since 1991. It is now the most commonly performed refractive procedure in the United States. Long-term studies indicate that LASIK is safe and effective. LASIK is "outside the scope of current approved labeling" in the United States, and the FDA considers the decision to conduct LASIK as the "practice-of-medicine." This means that physicians can perform LASIK should the physician and the patient make the joint decision to do so. Click here to read more regarding Laser Eye Surgery and the FDA Why is LASIK performed as a practice-of-medicine in the United States? The FDA approves drugs and devices. The FDA has approved the use of the microkeratome. It has also approved the excimer laser for surface treatment of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism in the United States. PRK underwent the FDA clinical trials. However, the FDA has not approved the use of these two instruments in the same procedure. Here is why: Laser manufacturers would have to repeat the expensive and time-consuming approval process with LASIK that was already completed and approved for PRK. Since the approved lasers and microkeratomes have proven safe and effective, surgeons are allowed to perform LASIK if both the surgeon and patient believe that this procedure best serves the patient. Therefore, most manufacturers have opted not to undergo the process. Nevertheless, some manufacturers are going through the effort of working with the FDA to put LASIK in the specific labeling for excimer laser so that it would not be considered an off label procedure Click here to read more regarding Laser Eye Surgery and the FDA. Is LASIK an off-label use of the excimer laser?
If LASIK is an off-label use, why do ophthalmologists opt to do this procedure?
Can I have both eyes done with LASIK at the same time?
Some surgeons will do both eyes on the same day in order not to inconvenience the patient; however, others maintain that there may be additional risks associated with bilateral surgery. Patients should discuss their options with their ophthalmologist. What
type of anesthetic is used for LASIK? The
procedure is done with topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye.
Patients may be given a small amount of oral sedative to help them relax. Does
the LASIK procedure hurt? Patients are given a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain. When the surgeon applies the vacuum ring, the patient experiences a sensation of pressure just before his or her vision fades for a few seconds. The microkeratome - the instrument the surgeon uses to create the flap - and the laser do not cause any pain or discomfort. For
several hours after the procedure, many patients describe a mild burning
sensation, such as after opening the eyes while swimming in chlorinated
water. After the first few hours, this uncomfortable feeling usually subsides.
How
long will the LASIK procedure take? The
whole procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes for two eyes, including creating
the flap and performing the laser under the flap. Can
I drive immediately after having LASIK? Patients may experience some discomfort and/or blurred vision for a few hours after surgery. And most patients receive a sedative prior to surgery. Therefore, you cannot drive home after undergoing the procedure, and you should plan not to drive for at least twenty-four hours. ______________________________ Questions About Your RecoveryWhat
results can I expect from LASIK? LASIK
improves the uncorrected vision - one's visual capacity while not wearing
corrective lenses - in most patients who have the procedure. Almost all
patients can expect to achieve 20/40 vision, which most states and provinces
consider good enough to drive without having to wear contacts or glasses,
and many can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. There are no guarantees
that you will have perfect vision. People who are most satisfied with
the results of laser correction clearly understand the potential risks
and complications and possess realistic expectations of what their vision
will be like after surgery. Are
the results achieved from LASIK permanent? The effects of LASIK are permanent. The effects of LASIK do not wear off. But it is important to realize that a person's eye can still change internally. That is why many surgeons recommend having the procedure done after the major eye changes have occurred in one's life. For instance, LASIK is not recommended on children because their eyes change a great deal. They would need the vision fine-tuned in a few years. If the procedure is performed after the age of 18, the chance of long-term stable correction is more likely. Even the eyes of patients over the age of 18 can still be changing. Therefore, we recommend a good conversation with your surgeon so they can review the changes you have had and help you make a decision whether or not you should wait until the changes have slowed down. Patients
should also note that while results are usually stable, they can be modified
by enhancement procedures - procedures performed after the initial one
- if necessary. How
long will it take before I can see well, and how long will it take before
I have my best vision? Discomfort is rare and minimal. Usually vision is immediately improved but may fluctuate for several weeks. For a week a shield is worn over the eye at night until complete healing occurs. The eyes and lids cannot be rubbed to protect the flap. Drops are used for several weeks. Glasses, if necessary, for reading and distance are prescribed in two weeks. Re-treatment occasionally is necessary and is performed as soon as the eye is stable but usually no sooner than two months. I
wear bifocals now will I still need to wear reading glasses even if I
have LASIK? Most people in their 40s or older will need reading glasses if their eyes are corrected for distance because the eye's lens loses flexibility as we age. This condition, called presbyopia, cannot currently be treated by surgical methods. Some patients in this age group select monovision, such as is done with contact lenses. This option allows patients to use one of their eyes for distance and the other to see up close.
Although monovision proves to be satisfactory for some patients, many
are not comfortable with this arrangement. Patients need to discuss the
options with their physicians. If
I am corrected for distance, will I lose the ability to see well up close? If
you have LASIK done to correct your distance vision, you can expect to
have very clear overall vision. However, images close to you may not appear
as clear after having LASIK if you are over 40. Will
my eyes look different after LASIK? No.
Your eyes will look exactly the same. Can
I play sports after LASIK surgery? You
can resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. However,
for at least two weeks you will need to avoid activities that would cause
perspiration to run into the eyes. You should wear safety glasses while
playing contact sports whether or not you have had surgery. But if you
do not routinely wear safety glasses, your surgeon may recommend wearing
them for at least one month after LASIK. You will also need to avoid such activities as contact sports and swimming for several weeks. It is important to talk specifically with your doctor about limitations on activities after LASIK How
long will I be out of work after having LASIK? It depends on your occupation. Certain jobs that require intense clarity of vision (dentistry and surgery, for example) may be difficult to perform for one or two days. Most patients can return to work the next day, assuming their vision is adequate for their job. However, some people may feel fatigued for a day or so following surgery.
Fast visual recovery characterizes this operation. Most patients achieve
good vision the day of surgery and find that their eyes feel fairly normal
within a day. However, vision can continue to improve, and best vision
can still take two to three months to occur. If necessary, adjustments
to the surgery called enhancements can be done. Will I need to wear glasses once my eyes have healed? Most
patients who have LASIK do not wear glasses for their daily activities.
However, patients may need to wear reading glasses if they are over the
age of 40. The normal aging of the eye known as presbyopia causes this.
This condition occurs with or without LASIK. Some patients may need a
minimal prescription for some activities such as night driving.
If I have LASIK and my vision changes later in life, can it be redone? Re-treatment
may be a viable solution to vision changes later in life and other treatment
options may exist, such as Intacs. You would need to see your ophthalmologist
to determine the cause of the change and which option may be best for
you.
For a Q & A with Charles B. Slonim, M.D., F.A.C.S., visit AllAboutVision.com. ________________________________________________
Copyright © 2000 LaserSurgeryForEyes.com |
