When it comes to vision correction procedures, it’s normal to have questions. We’re here to ensure you are comfortable and have all the information you need during your corrected vision journey, to make the most informed decisions about your vision care and surgical options.
Check out these LASIK FAQs to get answers before you schedule your free LASIK screening.
What would exclude me from being a LASIK candidate?
Are all patients that wear glasses or contacts good LASIK candidates?
How long does the LASIK procedure take?
Is LASIK painful?
When will I notice improvements in my vision?
Does insurance cover LASIK?
Do you offer financing options for LASIK?
Is LASIK permanent?
Will I have to miss work?
Are there risks involved with LASIK?
The best way to determine if you are a LASIK candidate is to have a free consultation. During this time our surgical counselors and team can assess your specific situation and ocular heath.
In general, the following things might cause you not to be a good LASIK candidate:
Autoimmune Conditions
Eye Injuries, or certain medical eye diseases
Fluctuating Prescription
Pregnancy and nursing
Thin corneas
If you experience one of these conditions, we still recommend you reach out to our surgical counselors to determine your options.
Most patients wearing glasses and soft contact lenses are good candidates for LASIK. We are able to treat a large range of prescriptions in patients who are myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), and patients with astigmatism.
We tell our patients to expect to be at Whitsett Vision Group for approximately two hours on the day of their procedure. This allows time for pre-operative preparation. The actual time in the surgical suite is about 15-20 minutes and the laser treatment time is typically one minute per eye.
At Whitsett Vision Group, we provide both oral and topical anesthetic to help make you more comfortable, so the procedure is not painful. Most patients experience little to no discomfort post-operatively. It is typical to experience some mild irritation after the procedure. This is temporary, and we will provide you with eye drops to help relieve any discomfort you may feel.
Most patients notice an improvement in their vision immediately following the procedure. Most patients report that they are able to function without glasses or contacts the day after their procedure. Patients generally continue to notice improvements in their vision during the first week after they have their LASIK procedure.
Most insurance companies consider LASIK and other refractive procedures to be an elective surgery, meaning they do not cover the cost. We do recommend checking with your insurance provider to make sure this is not a covered benefit. If you have a Flex Spending Account or Health Savings Account through your insurance, you can use those to help cover the cost of your LASIK or refractive procedure.
At Whitsett Vision Group, we want to make LASIK attainable for all of our patients, so we offer financing plans through CareCredit. You can learn more on our Insurance & Financing page.
LASIK and other refractive procedures are considered to be permanent. LASIK and refractive surgery will not prevent you from experiencing presbyopia (farsightedness) occurring in patients beginning at age 40+) or cataracts.
Typically perform LASIK and refractive procedures on Friday, and most patients resume their normal work schedule the following week.
Like any surgical procedure, there are both benefits and risks to surgery. In addition to answering your LASIK FAQS here, our surgical counselors will discuss the benefits, risks, and potential side-effects of LASIK or your chosen refractive procedure with you prior to your LASIK surgery.
At Whitsett Vision Group, our goal is to help patients achieve the best possible vision for their lifestyle. If you’ve read through our LASIK FAQs, and you’re ready to schedule your FREE LASIK consultation, call us today at (713) 365-9099