How long do I have to take special precautions after surgery?
All normal activities are permitted except for heavy manual labor, swimming, and contact sports for at least 2 weeks. Avoid rubbing the eyes.
What is myopia?
Myopia is the technical name for nearsightedness. This condition usually means the eye is "too long".
What is hyperopia?
Hyperopia is the technical name for farsightedness. This condition usually means the eye is "too short".
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism means the cornea (the clear window in the front of the eye) is not perfectly spherical - like a basketball. It is shaped more like a football than a basketball, allowing different focal points.
If I have myopia and astigmatism, do I need separate procedures?
No, both myopia and astigmatism are treated simultaneously with LASIK.
Can severe myopia be corrected with LASIK?
100% of all LASIK patients attain some degree of reduction in their nearsightedness (myopia). LASIK corrects up to -9.00 diopters of myopia, and up to -3.50 diopters of astigmatism. Lasik is also currently approved for up to +4.00 diopters of hyperopia with no astigmatism present.
Can I be guaranteed 20/20 vision?
It is not possible to guarantee 20/20 vision. Although many patients have vision of 20/20 following LASIK, realistic goals for vision after LASIK would be achieving 20/40 or better vision. We stress that LASIK will decrease the dependency on glasses or contact lenses and most people require no corrective lens for distance vision following LASIK.
Do both eyes receive LASIK on the same day? Yes, unless the patient prefers otherwise. Is LASIK permanent?
Yes, however, LASIK will not change the natural aging process of the eye. The need for reading glasses in the late 30's or early 40's is usually inevitable.
If "TOTAL" correction is not achieved with LASIK, can contact lenses be worn after surgery?
Generally speaking, if the patient was able to wear contact lenses before surgery, they should be able to return to them after LASIK. Rarely, contact lenses are not able to be worn after refractive surgery.
What are some of the side effects after surgery?
Many patients do not experience any side effects after LASIK, however, the following conditions may occur to some degree and can be temporary or permanent :
¹ Glare
¹ Halos
¹ Blurred vision
¹ Decrease in best corrected visual acuity
¹ Induced regular/irregular astigmatism
¹ Night vision difficulties
¹ Dry Eyes
What are the long term effects of LASIK?
Since LASIK has been performed internationally only in the late 90's we do not know the long term effects.
Is LASIK painful?
For most patients LASIK has little or no discomfort. Topical eye drops are used for anesthesia and act as an anesthetic to numb the eye. (You'll be awake during LASIK - which takes less than 5 minutes to perform on each eye).
Can I scuba dive after LASIK?
LASIK has created a whole new world for water sports enthusiasts who previously couldn't wear glasses or contact lenses in the water. We ask that you postpone all water activities for 6 weeks after LASIK to avoid excessive pressure on the healing cornea.
Will I still need reading glasses as I get older?
Yes. LASIK does not affect the natural aging process of the eye. After age 40 you will very likely require glasses for reading and close work.
Will my insurance pay for LASIK?
While some companies reimburse for LASIK, the majority of insurance companies do not. This is considered an elective procedure. However, we will be happy to check on your insurance benefits prior to scheduling.
How long does LASIK take?
Approximately 5 minutes per eye, however, there are preparations for your eyes prior to the procedure. You will be at Lasersite at least 1 hour.
How long will I need to be off work?
Dr. Keehn performs LASIK on Thursday mornings at tha Dallas Lasik Center (near Lemmon and Central Expressway). You will need to be off work on Thursday morning - the day of your procedure. You will have a brief visit the following morning (Friday) to check your vision. Our office opens as early as 7:00am if you wish to come in before going back to the office.
How many follow up visits will I have?
We normally see you the day of surgery, one-day, one-week, and one-month after surgery, then at 3 months, 6 months and annually thereafter.
Can I have LASIK if I am diabetic?
If you have controlled blood sugar and no preexisting diabetic changes in the retina, diabetes should not preclude you from having LASIK.
If I have had RK (Radial Keratotomy) can I still have LASIK?
In certain circumstances, LASIK is possible after RK, however a thorough ophthalmic medical evaluation is needed prior to consideration of procedure.
Will I be put to sleep during LASIK?
No. LASIK takes less than 5 minutes per eye and we need your cooperation during the procedure. We do prescribe Valium to help you to relax prior to LASIK, and topical anesthetic drops are uses to "numb" the eyes.
Will I be hospitalized?
No. LASIK is performed in a state-of-the-art surgical suite at the Dallas Lasik Center near Lemmon and Central Expressway. No hospital stay is required.
Will I lose my pilot's license if I have LASIK?
The FAA has gone on record approving refractive surgery for all classes of pilots licenses and air traffic controllers. However, if you are considering a career in MILITARY aviation, - there are certain restrictions.
If you have any other questions e-mail us at Questions@keehnvision.com