LASIK FAQs
LASIK questions and answers
LASIK questions and answers
LASIK and Femto-LASIK FAQs
Here are some the most frequently asked questions by patients on Lasik. Find Dr Ahmad Khalil's answers below.
Yes! When properly done for the suitable person. Following an initial healing period of two to three months, the effect of surgery is lifelong.
LASIK candidates are generally active people who are unhappy with their current system of vision correction: glasses and/or contact lenses. Candidates must have healthy eyes, and be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit! Also, your vision must be stable for at least one year before the procedure. For example, you need to have worn the same prescription for that whole year.
NASA approved the use of advanced Lasik surgery for U.S. astronauts. LASIK is also already approved by the Navy and more recently the Air Force for use on fighter pilots. Naval aviator clinical trial data however, made a compelling case that the procedure could withstand even the most extreme rigors of warfare and flight. The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes LASIK as proven, safe and effective. According to guidelines recently released by the Eye Surgery Education Council (ESEC), fewer than 1% of patients who have received LASIK to date have experienced serious, vision-threatening problems. Most LASIK complications can b e treated and usually resolve within several months of surgery. There are no known cases of blindness resulting from LASIK
the minimum age for regular laser treatment is when the power of the eye (glasses prescription) stabilizes, and that usually is between 18 and 21 years. Dr Khalil recommendation is to wait till the age of 20 with most cases. There is no maximum age, provided that there is no other abnormality in the eye. Dr Khalil has treated patients between 18 and 66 years
A minimum of 3 days is required to hav the full consultation with Dr Khalil in one day, the operation, if decided on the following day, and an important first follow up visit a day later. You will be encouraged to come for another follow up visit within a week or so if available, and you will always be welcome to drop later for an eyes check
Overall, 80% of patients will have perfect (6/6) vision without glasses, and 98% of the patients will see well enough without glasses to pass the driver’s license eye test (6/12). The results are better than this for patients with low amounts of nearsightedness. Unsatisfactory results often can be improved by retreatment when indicated.
Although no one knows the exact number of complications, studies suggest that the incidence of minor difficulties such as dry eyes and nighttime glare is around 3% to 5% from combined LASIK and PRK procedures.
These minor complications include:
Halos – Some patients will notice glare halos or starburst around objects in low-light conditions. For the vast majority, these symptoms are temporary. However, others will continue to experience them for several months or longer. During pre-operative evaluation, Dr Khalil can determine whether or not a person is at high risk for seeing long-term halos.
Dry eyes – There is increased dryness of the eyes typically for several months following LASIK, though some patients may experience dryness for a longer period of time. It is important to use lubricating drops frequently. If the eyes remain dry for prolonged period, there are other drops or techniques that can help. Pre-operative evaluation will help determine whether or not a person is a likely candidate for experiencing dry eyes.
Dr Khalil uses nesthetic eye drops. No needles or intravenous drugs are used. You will feel no pain during the surgery. You will feel pressure on and around the eye, but you will never, at any time, experience any pain.. With modern techniques, there is very rarely more than a mild discomfort for 12 hours.
Dr Khalil performs LASIK operation on both eyes at the same time, and in fact, this is prefered because it takes away the troublesome effects of being nearsighted/farsighted in only one eye. However, you may elect to have one eye done at a time.
Yes. During the procedure Dr Khalil will ask you to look at a blinking light. This will help to maintain proper alignment of the eye during the procedure.
Patients worry about this a great deal, and their fear is largely unnecessary. Modern equipment and machines use ultrafast tracking systems, faster than any motion the human eye can make. So if your eye move during the procedure, the laserr machine and the laser beam can folow your eye in its movement. If your movement is extreme to the extent that it does not allow for proper laser delivery, then the mahine stops laser delivery altogether. The main disadvantage of eye movement during laser vision correction is not compromising the result, but lenghthening the time of the procedure as the laser machine waits your eye to be back in proper position, extending the time you spend in the laser room extra-minutes.
You can begin using your computer gradually starting the following day after your procedure. Dr. Khalil strongly recommends that you take this process slowly and be mindful of your body, stopping immediately if you experience any discomfort in the first few days after undergoing LASIK. It is important to pay attention to how your eyes feel during this adjustment period. By the second week, most patients find that they can comfortably use their screens in their regular manner without any issues, allowing you to return to your normal activities with ease.
The success rates are astoundingly high. Patients are encouraged to have a detailed consultation with Dr Khalil prior to the day of surgery.
