LASIK Frequently Asked Questions

LASIK is a 2-step laser vision correction procedure that uses excimer lasers to reshape the corneal surface, in order to improve refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and even astigmatism. IT can reduce dependence on corrective lenses like contact lenses and glasses. Talk to your eye doctor to find out if LASIK is right for you.

YES! We use Blade-Free LASIK to treat patients with nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and even astigmatism for consistent, excellent results.

Since a person’s eyes do not fully stabilize until their late teens or early 20s, it is required that patients be at least 18 years of age and have a steady eye prescription that hasn’t changed for over a year. Of course, there are some medical conditions that can possibly interfere with the procedure so it is recommended to find out from your doctor if you are an ideal candidate. As a medical ophthalmology practice, Swagel Wootton offers several vision correction options. Our team will help you understand your options and put a customized care plan together to meet your needs.

Absolutely! Although there is no extra charge for choosing to have separate LASIK procedures, most patients like the convenience of getting both eyes done at the same time and it is safe and effective to do so.

With any surgical procedure certain risks do exist, however rare. During your free consultation, our team will explain the risks associated with laser eye surgery, so you can make an informed decision.

Most patients describe the sensation during LASIK as a slight pressure. At the start of the procedure, our doctors will apply numbing drops, so there are no injections involved. Depending on the patient, the doctor may have them take medication beforehand to help them relax. Most LASIK patients are back to normal activity the next day.

Yes, you will be able to see, however, you will experience varying degrees of blurred vision during the actual procedure itself.

Blinking is actually stopped by the placement of an instrument called a lid speculum, which gently holds back your upper and lower eyelids. This is put into place after anesthetic drops.

It depends on your individual eye prescription. Although many wake up the following day with near 20/20 vision and are able to drive themselves to their post-op appointments, some patients with stronger prescriptions take a little more time for their eyes to adjust. Your doctor can give you a better time line during your free consultation.

Experiencing dry eyes after LASIK is not uncommon. In most cases, symptoms of dryness go away after a couple days with the use of your postoperative drops.

LASIK is a permanent change to the cornea, so it will not fade. However as the eye ages, vision problems that are unrelated to the corneal surface can still occur, namely presbyopia (over-40 vision) and cataracts. When we assess your vision, we will determine if Blade-Free LASIK is best for your unique vision, or if you may benefit from one of our other advanced procedures.

You cannot get cataracts from LASIK, and LASIK will not get in the way if you have to have cataract surgery in the future.

The cost of LASIK is based on several factors, including your specific prescription and the topography of your eye (both of which cannot be determined without an exam). This is something we can most accurately determine during your free LASIK consultation.

Because LASIK is considered by most insurance companies to be an elective surgery, they most likely will not cover the procedure. Our staff, however, is more than happy to review your employer’s insurance policy to determine if any discounts may be available. We also offer financing options.

LASIK was approved for use by the FDA in October of 1995.