Blogs
Q) Vision Correction Options for High Hyperopia and Some Astigmatism?
I'm a 23 year old female with a glasses prescription of +600 / -025 x 15 and +750 / -175 x 168. My vision is something that has affected me my whole life, socially and work-wise. I have been told I not a candidate for PIOL because my anterior chamber depth is too small (around 2.5mm). This has led me to consider a partial correction with lasik/lasek/wavefront or multifocal IOL. I want to do what I can to improve my situation now, but wouldn't want to make things worse. Thanks for you feedback.
A) Vision Correction Options for Highly Farsighted Individuals
LASIK is not a great option for you given your prescription. You could undergo correction with IOL surgery and then if needed, have an enhancement with LASIK or PRK if you are really bothered by your vision. I would recommend that you seek the care of a specialist in both areas, be fully educated about the results following the procedure. Achieving wonderful, life changing results is definitely probable but risks do exist and you must understand them as well.
Q) Trauma Post Lasik From Pressure From Sleep Mask?
I had Lasik (the non-surgical, laser) eye surgery overseas 5 weeks ago. I sleep with a dark sleep mask at night to avoid rubbing and provide darkness. Last night I used a sleep mask that was tighter than usual and woke up two hours later. I felt lots of pressure on my eyes and noticed that the sleep mask was digging into my lower eyelid on my left eye. I have no pain but my left eye is slightly blurry. I worry because my surgeon is so far away and I'm living in Europe but don't know what to do!
A) Trauma Post LASIK from a Sleep Mask
If the goggles were displaced and your eye is dry, blurriness can ensure. When in doubt or if your symptoms persist, seek the care of an eye care professional to examine your eyes. Many doctors close to you would still be willing to help you!
Q) Lasik vs PRK for Thinner Cornea and Higher Prescription?
My corneal thickness is 520+/- in each eye. Left eye is -6 and right -5. No astigmatism in either eye. Which would you recommend and why? I’m 26 and very active. My thinner cornea, plus the creation of a flap worry me for Lasik. My higher prescription worries me for PRK. Customvue laser will be correcting my vision in either procedure.
A) LASIK or PRK in thin corneas and higher prescriptions
It is important that you feel comfortable with the procedure and the surgeon who performs the procedure. Either procedure can yield excellent results for your prescription, and with modern technology, including the iLASIK or CustomVue PRK, 98% of patients achieving 20/20 or better vision one year after surgery. In iLASIK, a thin flap is created with a laser using gas bubbles and the strength is less altered than in older LASIK procedures. While you think you prescription is high, it actually falls in the moderate category and your cornea, is normal, not that thin.
One cannot really determine what is best for you and your eyes without a thorough examination of the shape of your eyes. Side effects are possible with either procedure but speak with your doctor to determine the best procedure for you!
Q) Will my vision revert back to my same old prescription after LASIK?
A) Typically, once the eye heals, the prescription is still maintained. What cannot be determined, is how much each individual’s eye will change over time with normal aging. Small changes over many years may result in the need for night driving glasses. Another procedure may usually be performed if needed.
Q) If I move, will I mess up my LASIK?
A) This is concern of many patients; however, in reality, our laser utilitizes an advanced tracking devices which follows the eye even if the patients move. An automatic shut-off will occur if movement is great.
Q) Can I wear contact lenses after LASIK?
A) Most patients do not need to wear visual correcting lenses after LASIK; however, that does not mean you cannot wear colored lenses if you so desire.
Q) How long do I need to miss work after LASIK?
A) Usually, most patients have LASIK and one day later, may return to work. With PRK, the return to work is usually delayed to the fourth day. Since procedures are scheduled near the weekend, most patients to not to take vacation to have their vision correcting procedure.
Q) Is technology going to improve?
A) Technology always improves with time. Results today are such that most patients with mild to moderate amounts of nearsightedness achieve 20/20 or better vision.
Q) Will LASIK Hurt?
A) We use an oral sedative and numbing eyedrops during the procedure. Most patients do not report discomfort although pressure may be felt.
Q) Is insurance more likely to cover LASIK or ICL?
A) Generally, insurance does not cover LASIK or ICL. You will need to find out from your particular carrier if there are any plans which cover refractive surgery.