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LASIK FAQs

Every patient is unique, and so are their eyes—each eye requires a careful examination with the most advanced technology. Our eye surgery specialists evaluate each patient who visits our Oklahoma City (OKC) LASIK vision center from the OKC metro area, including Edmond, Norman, Moore, and surrounding areas to ensure they receive the most appropriate treatment. Review our LASIK eye surgery FAQs for the answers to questions we are commonly asked.

General LASIK FAQs

Is LASIK safe?

The FDA first approved the technology for LASIK eye surgery in 1998, and it is safer now than ever. Thanks to the leading-edge laser eye surgery technology and the latest techniques we use here at nJoy Vision in OKC, LASIK is safer and more effective than ever before. There are risks associated with LASIK that we discuss with each patient. Still, recent research indicates that LASIK has a 99% success rate in achieving 20/40 vision or better and a 90% success rate in achieving 20/20 vision or better.

Is LASIK worth it?

Because LASIK is an elective procedure that requires you to pay out-of-pocket, many prospective patients wonder if the procedure is really worth it. While you must pay an up-front surgical cost, it’s helpful to consider the long-term savings you will reap by no longer having to purchase prescription glasses, contact lenses, and related supplies. According to LASIK patients on the popular medical review site RealSelf, the life-changing effects of this 15-minute procedure are considered well worth the expense—they give the procedure an impressive 91% “Worth It” rating.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes per eye, with the laser treatment lasting less than one minute per eye. Patients are usually in the surgery suite for no more than 15 minutes and at our facility for 1.5 to 2 hours. Patients need to have someone drive them home following their procedure.

Is the choice of a LASIK doctor really that important?

LASIK is a serious medical procedure. It’s important to choose a

LASIK specialist in OKC

who has extensive training and experience. Our LASIK surgeons are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and exceptionally skilled in microsurgery for the eye.

Candidacy FAQs

How do I know if I am a candidate?

The decision to have laser vision correction treatment depends on the results of a thorough preoperative evaluation. Most patients qualify if they are mildly to moderately nearsighted or mildly farsighted with or without astigmatism. We offer other vision treatment options for patients who aren’t good candidates for LASIK. A free consultation is available to determine whether or not you are a candidate for laser vision correction.

What disqualifies you from LASIK surgery?

Several factors can disqualify someone from LASIK, including thin or irregular corneas, unstable vision, severe dry eye, or certain medical conditions like autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes. Eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disorders may also make LASIK unsuitable. Additionally, if you’re pregnant or nursing, your surgeon may recommend waiting until your vision stabilizes after hormonal changes.

The good news is that even if LASIK isn’t the right fit for you, many patients still qualify for other advanced vision correction options. A personalized consultation is the best way to determine the safest and most effective treatment for your eyes.

How old do you have to be to get LASIK?

Patients must be at least 18 years old to undergo this treatment. Your vision must remain stable for one year before getting LASIK surgery. Your doctor can help you know if your prescription is stable.

Can I get LASIK if I have astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK effectively treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It can treat more than 95% of all refractive conditions.

 

Can I have LASIK if I’ve had previous eye surgery?

Previous eye surgeries may impact your LASIK candidacy. A comprehensive eye examination will help determine if you’re a suitable candidate, depending on the type and outcome of your prior procedure.

Can I have LASIK if I am pregnant?

You should not have laser eye surgery if you are pregnant or nursing because these conditions may cause temporary and unpredictable changes in your cornea.

Can I have LASIK if I have dry eyes?

Dry eyes can affect the accuracy of pre-operative measurements that are crucial to achieving good vision after the LASIK procedure. Also, dry eyes can affect how well and how quickly your eyes heal.
For these reasons, if you have dry eyes you need to have the condition successfully treated before proceeding with LASIK. We will discuss this with you during your free consultation.

Can I have LASIK if I have thin corneas?

It depends on how thin your corneas are, how much refractive error you have, and other factors. The procedure corrects your vision by reshaping the cornea. In this process, a very small amount of tissue is removed from the central cornea.

During your free consultation, we will take detailed measurements of the thickness and shape of your cornea and calculate how much laser treatment is required to fully and safely correct your vision.

Efficacy FAQs

How much astigmatism can LASIK correct?

• For nearsightedness, the iLASIK™ procedure can correct up to -3.00 diopters of astigmatism
• For farsightedness, it can correct up to +2.00 diopters of astigmatism
• For mixed astigmatism, 1.00 to 5.00 diopters

How much nearsightedness can LASIK correct?

The iLASIK™ wavefront-guided laser is FDA-approved for the correction of up to -11.00 diopters of nearsightedness (myopia) with astigmatism (up to -5.00 diopters) and without astigmatism. The actual amount of myopia that can be corrected depends on factors including the thickness and shape of your corneas and how much astigmatism you have. We will discuss these factors with you at your free consultation.

How much farsightedness can LASIK correct?

The iLASIK™ wavefront-guided laser is FDA-approved for the correction of up to +4.00 diopters of farsightedness (hyperopia) with up to +2.00 diopters (D) of astigmatism. But factors such as the shape of your cornea and how much astigmatism you have may influence the amount of hyperopia that can be corrected in your eyes. We can advise you of your specific needs at your free consultation.

Can LASIK fix myopia?

Absolutely. LASIK can safely and effectively treat myopia (nearsightedness), as well as farsightedness. However, it may be best for patients with low to moderate myopia. During your consultation with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists, we’ll determine your candidacy for LASIK or guide you toward one of our other innovative myopia treatments.

Preparation and Surgery FAQs

How long do I have to keep my contact lenses out before surgery?

You should stop wearing soft contact lenses two weeks before your consultation and leading up to surgery. Rigid gas permeable lenses and soft contact lenses that correct for astigmatism need to be out longer. An initial screening can be performed before discontinuing contact lens wear. Your doctor will determine the length of time required to remove them.

Can I blink during surgery?

Often, people wonder what will happen if they blink during LASIK. During your procedure, a small medical device is used to keep the eyelids open, ensuring that blinking is prevented. Additionally, we use numbing eye drops and lubricating eye drops to keep your eye moist, eliminating any discomfort or urge to blink.

What are the complications associated with LASIK surgery?

Complications usually can be successfully managed medically or with follow-up care. The expected frequency and severity of complications vary, depending on how much nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism you have prior to the procedure and other factors.

Recovery FAQs

How much time do I need to take off from work?

Our LASIK doctors recommend taking off the day after your surgery. Occasionally, our doctors recommend taking additional time off—but this is usually only when you work in a high-risk environment. It is important that there is not a significant risk of exposure to infection or injury in the days following LASIK. Some patients are comfortable and released to return to work the next day.

How long will my vision be blurry after surgery?

Blurry vision immediately after laser eye surgery is expected. Even though you should notice improved vision within 48 hours after the procedure, some patients experience blurry vision for up to 2 weeks. Eye drops can help clear up your vision.

When can I drive after LASIK surgery?

In many cases, your doctor will give you permission to drive the day after your procedure. Every patient is different, however, so your case may vary.

How long do I have to wait to shower after laser eye surgery?

We recommend waiting 24 hours before showering or washing your face. You should postpone swimming in a pool for at least a week.

How soon after LASIK can I exercise or play sports?

Most patients can resume light exercise within a few days but should avoid contact sports or activities with a high risk of eye injury for at least one month after the procedure. Your eye surgeon will share detailed postoperative instructions, including any restrictions. It’s essential to follow them closely for optimal recovery and results.

How long does it take to recover?

The immediate recovery time following LASIK surgery is usually about 48 hours, but it varies from patient to patient. Blurred vision and some discomfort are normal during this time. Most patients are able to return to work after 1-2 days unless the environment is dirty or dusty. Recovery after LASIK is a gradual process, and it’s important to maintain your post-operative care with your eye doctor. It can take up to 6 months for your vision to fully stabilize.

Results and Long-Term Effects FAQs

How long do results last?

LASIK surgery permanently changes the vision of patients with issues such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. That doesn’t mean vision won’t change over time. Everyone develops presbyopia — age-related vision changes — in their 40s. This condition makes it difficult to read or do other tasks that require near vision without the use of reading glasses. Lens Replacement at nJoy Vision is a treatment option for presbyopia and ensures that cataracts won’t develop later in life.

How long does it take to see 20/20 after laser eye surgery?

While every recovery varies, some patients start enjoying clearer vision within 24 to 48 hours. However, full recovery and vision stabilization may take up to 6 months. Our team monitors your progress to ensure your vision is improving as expected.

Does LASIK cause dry eyes?

Dry eye can be a side effect of LASIK. During the first few weeks to months following the procedure is when most patients experience some degree of dry eye symptoms. For many patients, LASIK isn’t the trigger for dry eye as they have reported having dry eye symptoms before surgery. Some patients may experience dry eyes for only a month, yet others may experience dry eyes for longer, depending on the causative agent. Previous dry eye prior to LASIK may require longer treatment.

Occasionally, reactions to the antibiotic or steroid drops following surgery may cause the ocular surface to be dry and extend the treatment time for dry eye. Occasionally, it may require additional prescription medications for dry eye or punctal plugs to treat the dry eye. Advancements in LASIK technology and pre- and post-operative care have significantly reduced the occurrence and severity of dry eyes.

Will laser eye surgery eliminate my need for reading glasses?

No, the procedure may not eliminate the need for reading glasses even if you have never worn them before. LASIK surgery will not prevent the normal aging change in the lens of the eye that causes blurry reading vision sometime after age 40 (presbyopia).

When most people start experiencing presbyopia, they simply purchase reading glasses and use them when needed to see small print. But there are procedure options available if you have presbyopia and want to reduce or eliminate your need for reading glasses. We will discuss this with you during your free consultation.

Financial FAQs

Does insurance cover LASIK?

LASIK is considered an elective procedure, so most insurance companies do not provide coverage, although some insurance plans do offer a LASIK benefit. If you have an HSA or FSA, you may be able to pay for LASIK with pre-tax dollars. We accept all major credit cards and offer financing options.

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation in OKC Today

Are you looking for a LASIK eye surgery specialist in OKC? You can

schedule a free consultation

at nJoy Vision or call our office at (405) 842-6060 to discuss your options with one of our specialists. You can also submit a

LASIK self-evaluation test

to learn if you’re a good LASIK candidate.

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