LASIK FAQ

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a procedure that corrects your vision by changing the shape of your cornea, making it possible for your eye to properly focus light on the retina. During LASIK, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to gently lift and fold back a thin flap of tissue across the outer layer of the eye, to expose the cornea. The Bausch & Lomb Technolas laser is then used to reshape the cornea. This laser is extremely accurate and can remove a quarter of a micron of tissue at a time. (A human hair is approximately 50 microns thick). After the laser is used, the flap is folded back into position and reseals itself; no sutures are needed. The procedure itself takes about 3 minutes per eye.

What is PRK?

In a LASIK procedure, a flap is created in the cornea’s surface and moved back to allow a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting the eye’s focusing power. The flap is then replaced, where it adheres naturally. For some individuals, particularly those with thin corneas, creating a flap may not be possible. A PRK procedure eliminates the flap, instead removing a thin layer of epithelial tissue from the surface of the cornea to perform the treatment. The layer then grows back over the weeks following the procedure. PRK patients should understand that recovery times after PRK are longer than recovery times after LASIK.

Is laser vision correction covered by my insurance?

Most insurance companies consider laser vision correction elective and do not cover the procedure, but we would be happy to help you check with your individual insurance company. In comparison, consider the repeated costs of purchasing new eyeglass frames and lenses and disposable contacts year after year! Moyes Eye Center offers financing to help make LASIK more affordable. Click here for more information.

Am I eligible for laser vision correction?

This depends on your age, your prescription and the general health of your eyes. Your prescription must have been stable for at least the past 12 months. You must be 18 years of age or older. Although most laser vision correction patients are under 60, even seniors may be eligible. Some nearsighted patients whose prescriptions are too strong to be eligible for LASIK, may benefit from phakic lenses.

Do I need an examination first?

Prior to treatment, you will have a laser vision consultation and a refractive surgery evaluation. A detailed computer scan is taken of your eye that will detail the curvature, shape, overall smoothness and regularity of the cornea.

What is a Free LASIK Screening vs a Full LASIK Evaluation?

A Free LASIK Screening is a short screening examination that includes a basic prescription reading, corneal Orbscan topography and a short discussion with the doctor. At the end of this Screening we will be able determine whether you are likely a candidate for LASIK or not. This Screening is offered free of charge.

A Full LASIK Evaluation is a full examination with dilation, corneal Orbscan topography, zywave aberrometer measurements and a discussion with the doctor. At the end of this exam we will be able to determine if a patient is or isn’t a candidate. This full evaluation costs $150, which will be deducted from the full LASIK price if you choose to have surgery.

A Full LASIK Evaluation must be completed before you can have LASIK—if you are uncertain whether you are a candidate, you may want to have a Free LASIK Screening before committing to the Full LASIK Evaluation.

What are the side effects of LASIK?

As with any treatment or surgery there are risks, even though they are rare. Pain is uncommon. You may experience halos, glare, light sensitivity, blurred vision, double vision, difficulty with night vision and/or a foreign body sensation. Other risks include infection, over responding, under responding, irregular astigmatism, epithelial ingrowth, corneal abrasion, reduction of best corrected vision, dry eyes or induced astigmatism.

What is a retreatment?

A retreatment is a repeat of the surgical procedure, which is occasionally done when the eye has under- or over-responded. The need for a retreatment is determined when the patient's post-operative vision has stabilized. The length of time necessary for vision to stabilize depends upon the procedure and the patient's individual healing time. This is usually at least three months.

Does laser vision correction really work?

Yes. Laser vision correction is being done all around the world. Over 98% of people who have had one of these procedures obtain normal vision, and most others are happy to reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses.

Are there any restrictions after the procedure?

For the first four hours after surgery we encourage you to keep both eyes closed as much as possible. Swimming, hot tubs, sauna or Jacuzzi are prohibited for two weeks. Do not wear eye makeup for 24 hours. When your vision clears, you may drive and return to work (typically one or two days).

Will laser vision correction prohibit me from having future eye surgery?

Refractive surgery will not interfere with any future eye surgery you may need, such as cataract or glaucoma surgery.

Does the surgery hurt?

No, the actual procedure does not hurt. Anesthetic drops are administered before the surgery begins. Some patients may experience discomfort during the first 12 to 36 hours after the procedure. Some patients describe the feeling as a lash in the eye or something under a contact lens. An oral sedative is available 30 minutes prior to the procedure to help you relax.

What do I do next?

Your next step is to learn whether you are a laser vision correction candidate. Call 816.746.9800 today to schedule your free LASIK consultation. We are committed to helping you make an informed decision.