Laser Eye Surgeon in Beverly Hills, Michigan and Greater Detroit
LASIK Risks & Benefits
A well-educated patient is the best patient
Before, during and after your LASIK examination, in Detroit, Michigan, our staff will take the time to make sure you have a complete understanding of LASIK or the best vision correction procedure for you. We’ve listed many of the common questions that we hear when people are weighing the benefits and risks of vision correction, trying to decide if laser eye surgery is right for them.
What are the benefits of laser eye surgery?
Is laser eye surgery safe?
Does laser eye surgery hurt?
Are there any risks or side effects?
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for laser eye surgery?
What kind of results can I expect from my laser eye surgery?
How much discomfort is there after surgery?
What are the visual side effects of laser eye surgery?
Is my correction permanent ?
Will I ever have to wear glasses again?
What are the benefits of laser eye surgery?
- You can have clear, natural vision
- Laser eye surgery is fast and virtually pain free
- Most patients are able to see again without glasses or contact lenses
- Financing makes laser eye surgery affordable to most patients
- Quality of life is improved
Is laser eye surgery safe?
Today’s state-of-the-art lasers are approved by the FDA for treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. More than three million procedures have been performed in the United States. Less than one percent of patients have experienced any kind of serious vision-threatening complications.
Does laser eye surgery hurt?
Because the eye is numbed using special anesthetic drops, there is virtually no pain during the procedure itself and there is very little discomfort afterward. During laser eye surgery in our Detroit, Michigan offices, you will be awake and comfortable throughout the procedure and may feel pressure but not pain. The suction ring of the microkeratome squeezes the eye and you will feel pressure or a squeeze during this part of the procedure for about 30-60 seconds. Most patients describe the procedure as being less uncomfortable than having their teeth cleaned. Some discomfort after the procedure may occur, although it usually disappears within 12 to 24 hours. Discomfort can include itchy, watery eyes.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with every surgical procedure, there are risks involved with laser eye surgery. During your lasik consultation, Detroit Michigan area LASIK surgeon, Dr. Stephen Tait will give you a thorough explanation of all the risks and benefits involved with these procedures. A very small percentage of our LASIK patients have experienced mild side effects. Some patients report seeing halos around lights at night or having fluctuations in vision throughout the day, though most side effects are temporary. Since the advent of Wavefront-guided LASIK, results have improved and our patients have reported even fewer complications.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for laser eye surgery?
The ideal candidate for laser eye surgery is over 18 years old and has healthy corneas. Candidates must have had stable eye refraction over the last year. People with certain medical conditions and women who are pregnant are not candidates for laser eye surgery.
The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to schedule a free LASIK consultation with Detroit Michigan LASIK surgeon, Dr. Stephen Tait, MD, PhD. We will give you a comprehensive exam to make sure you can benefit from laser eye surgery. Then we will advise you about the risks and benefits of the procedure and answer your questions so you can decide if you are ready to have laser eye surgery.
What kind of results can I expect from my laser eye surgery?
It's important that patients have realistic expectations for their laser eye surgery. While not all patients undergoing laser eye surgery achieve 20/20 vision, 98 percent of LASIK patients see 20/40 or better after the procedure. That qualifies an individual to pass a driver's license exam without wearing glasses or contact lenses. Less than one percent of patients experience any kind of serious vision-threatening complications from the procedure. Now, with Wavefront-guided LASIK, the results are even better with fewer complications.
How much discomfort is there after the surgery?
The numbing medication wears off in about 15-20 minutes after which most patients experience some mild burning and irritation, like having a piece of sand in their eye. Watering and light sensitivity is normal. All patients should go home and take a nap or close their eyes for two hours, which helps to minimize any discomfort. Most patients do not need to take any pain medication after the procedure.
What are the visual side effects?
Side effects of LASIK vary according to the patient. The majority of patients experience none, but the most common ones described are a ghost image on figures or objects, a doubling of the image, mild glare, mild fluctuation of vision and a possible decrease in contrasts. These effects usually last only a few days. In some patients, especially with high corrections, this effect can last several weeks and in rare cases, a few months.
Is my correction permanent?
The correction achieved with LASIK and other vision correction procedures is long lasting and little change is seen after years of follow-up studies. The vision you achieve with LASIK is generally the vision you will keep for the rest of your life, but vision correction procedures do not prevent the onset of presbyopia that results from aging.
Will I ever have to wear glasses again?
Since close to 98 percent of LASIK patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, very few choose to wear glasses. Those who do generally use them on a part time basis. As mentioned above, reading glasses may be necessary with patients over 40 years of age. Patients forty and older may choose to have a full distance correction in both eyes and in that case would most likely need to wear reading glasses. Or they can choose a monovision correction with the goal being to eliminate or reduce dependency on reading glasses.
If you have additional questions about the risks and benefits associated with laser eye surgery, talk to an experienced Detroit Michigan eye surgeon like Dr. Stephen Tait.
For more information on the risks and benefits of LASIK Surgery and other vision correction procedures, Contact us today.
