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LASIK FAQ |
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Q: How long has LASIK been available? How safe is the procedure?
A: The first LASIK procedures were performed in the United States in 1996, but LASIK has
been available in Canada and Europe prior to introduction in the U.S.
Regarding safety, it must be remembered that LASIK is a medical procedure. The
possibility of complications always exists, but serious complications are exceedingly rare,
if they do happen.
Q: How long does the surgery last?
A: Approximately 15 minutes per eye, which equals to about 30 minutes for both
eyes.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Believe it or not, there is very little discomfort. Anesthetic eye drops are
applied, allowing patients to be awake and alert during the procedure. Most patients tell us
that they don't experience any pain whatsoever during the procedure and very little
discomfort afterward. You may feel the need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever afterward,
but most of our patients tell us that they don't find it necessary.
Q: What is the recuperation period?
A: Patients typically find that the haziness, following the procedure, dissipates
within a few hours. In most cases, good visual acuity is achieved the following day. In some
instances, it may take several additional days to approach your final result. This is
especially true for people who are being corrected for higher levels of either near
sightedness or far sightedness.
Q: Will insurance pay for the procedure?
A: At this time, most insurance companies do not cover laser vision correction
since it is considered to be an elective procedure.
Q: Are there any age limits?
A: In order to ensure that changes in vision associated with childhood and
adolescent development have been completed, refractive surgery is not performed on anyone
under the age of 18. There is no upper limit on age as it relates to refractive surgery. It
is not unusual for people in their sixties and even their seventies to undergo laser vision
correction. |
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