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 Search for a CK Doctor near you who performs NearVision CK, as well as serves all your vision needs, such as a complete vision evaluation.
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Is vision correction surgery permanent? Is it reversible?
The word "Permanent" can be used to describe the effects of vision correction surgery, but you should discuss with your doctor what he means by permanent. Since vision correction surgery has only been widely used for the past 10 years, it is difficult to assess how long the correction lasts. With most procedures, the correction effect will eventually start to fade. However, the time that it takes to fade and how much it fades is dependent on the type of procedure performed and the severity of correction. Our eyes inevitably change as we age, and this cannot be avoided regardless of what type of surgery is performed.
What is permanent is the impact of the procedure. Vision correction surgeries, with the exception of those that implant lenses into the eye, are not reversible. This is something that anyone thinking about surgery needs to consider. To make sure vision correction surgery is right for you, seek the advice of your surgeon.
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How long does it take for vision correction surgery to be performed?
Vision correction surgery is a fairly quick process compared to most other types of surgeries. Although some procedures involve cutting the eye, vision correction surgery is generally considered to be minimally invasive. Most vision correction procedures can be performed in a very short period of time. For example, it takes an average of 10-15 minutes to perform LASIK on both eyes, and it takes an average of just 3 minutes to perform NearVision CK.
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How quickly will my vision improve after surgery?
Improvement in vision and recovery is often very quick and many people will notice an immediate improvement in their vision. However, your vision may fluctuate for up to several weeks as your eyes adjust, and in some cases, your best vision may not occur until one or two months after surgery.
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How soon will I be able to return to work?
Although recovery is fairly quick, it is advisable to be careful with your eyes and to avoid any strain. With vision correction procedures such as LASIK and NearVision CK, the majority of patients are able to return to work and other normal activities the day after their procedure. Other procedures may require you to take a few days off from work to allow your eyes to heal and rest. Those whose jobs demand intense clarity of vision (such as dentistry, surgery, or computer work) may find their work difficult to perform for several days after having vision correction surgery.
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Does vision correction surgery hurt?
Perception of pain is different for everybody, but in general very few patients complain of pain during surgery. A topical anesthetic is instilled to numb the eye. You will be aware of a support (speculum), which helps to hold your eye open. In most procedures the only sensation is a feeling of pressure on the eye. After surgery, you may experience some mild discomfort and many patients complain of a foreign object sensation.
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What type of anesthesia is used when vision correction surgery is performed?
Typically the only medication that is used during vision correction surgery is a local anesthetic in the form of eye drops that numb the eye. However, some patients who are very nervous and have a high level of anxiety about the surgery will be given a mild sedative to help them relax.
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Will my vision fluctuate after surgery is performed?
Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their vision after surgery, but many will never notice it. Any fluctuation will usually subside within a few weeks. Patients who are treated for hyperopia usually require a longer stabilization period than those treated for myopia.
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What are the risks of vision correction surgery?
As with any procedure, vision correction surgery has some risks. However, serious complications are rare. Infection is the largest risk during the earliest healing phase after LASIK, and can usually be cleared effectively with medications. Other possible complications include:
- Overcorrection
- Undercorrection
- Development of astigmatism
- Hazy vision
- Glare
- Halos
- Dry eyes
- Night driving difficulty
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Loss or damage of the corneal cap
Most complications are treatable with medications or further surgery. In most cases, these effects decrease and disappear as the eye heals.
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Will I see starbursts, halos, or ghosts after vision correction surgery?
Visual abnormalities such as starbursts, halos, or ghosts can occur after some types of vision correction surgery — especially during the first few days. Usually, these abnormalities will be most noticeable when driving at night. However, the phenomenon usually disappears or diminishes over time.
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What are the short-term side effects of vision correction surgery?
There are effects that occur immediately after surgery that typically subside. Studies and experience in practice have shown that the short-term side effects of most vision correction procedures include discomfort for one to two days, corneal swelling, double vision and light sensitivity. Some patients experience these effects for several weeks.
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What are the long-term side effects of vision correction surgery?
Long-term side effects are less common than short-term side effects, but they should be taken into consideration. Be sure to discuss potential long-term side effects with your doctor to find out if you may be more likely to experience them. Studies have shown that six months after vision correction surgery, side effects can include undercorrection, overcorrection, halos and glare. Glare and halos are typically worse in people with larger pupils.
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Are their restrictions after having vision correction surgery?
Restrictions will vary depending on which specific procedure you have. But in general, patients should avoid getting contaminated water in their eyes for at least one week after surgery. This includes water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, and the ocean. When showering or taking baths, patients should keep their eyes closed in order to avoid getting soap and dirty water into their eyes. When exercising, keep sweat from entering your eyes for at least a week after surgery. Also, do not rub your eyes vigorously for two weeks following your procedure. Females should also avoid applying eye make-up for one week after surgery.
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Can any vision correction procedure guarantee 20/20 vision?
No. And no honest surgeon can absolutely guarantee a certain result from any procedure. However, the probability of achieving 20/20 vision can be determined based on studies using the different technologies. At this time, approximately 95% of patients with low to moderate ranges of myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism achieve normal or near normal natural vision from one procedure. For those who do not achieve this quality of vision from one surgery, enhancement surgery can usually achieve the desired correction. People with high ranges of myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism also have a good chance of achieving good natural vision, but in these cases, an enhancement surgery is more likely to be necessary to achieve full correction.
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Will I ever need glasses or contact lenses again?
The majority of patients do not need corrective lenses after vision correction surgery. However, even if you see perfectly after vision correction surgery, you may need reading glasses or bifocals once you reach your 40s. This is because your eyes continue to change as you age, no matter what vision procedure you elect to have performed. No one can avoid presbyopia, which occurs when the lens in your eye loses flexibility. Your distance vision will probably remain crisp, but seeing up close will be more difficult. However, an FDA-approved technology for improving near vision in patients with presbyopia is now available.
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How should I choose a surgeon?
Choosing the right surgeon to talk to you about surgery and to perform the surgery is very important. Start by asking for a referral from your regular eye care practitioner. Tell him or her that you want the surgeon in your area with the best reputation in the profession. Another option is to visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology or the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons Web sites, where you can use the their search features to find an ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon near you. You may also want to obtain recommendations from friends or family who have had vision correction surgery.
Once you have a list of names, make appointments with at least two surgeons. The initial consultation is an important meeting, so prepare by making a list of questions beforehand. The Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance has a long list of questions on its Web site. Here are a few, with some answers the CRSQA says you should expect:
- How long have you been performing refractive surgery procedures? (Not less than three years.)
- How many total procedures have you done? (Not less than 500.)
- How many procedures in patients with my particular refractive error or eyeglass prescription have you done? (Not less than 100.)
- What percentage of your patients has achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better? (The CRSQA says you should be suspicious of any number that is greater than 90%.)
- What percentage achieved 20/20 or better? (Not less than 50%, but be suspicious of a higher number.)
- May I have a list of previous patients I can contact?
- Have you ever had malpractice insurance coverage denied?
- Have you had your license to perform refractive surgery revoked, suspended, or restricted?
Choose the surgeon who is not only experienced and honest, but is also someone with whom you feel comfortable.
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Does health insurance cover vision correction surgery?
Because vision correction surgery is elective surgery (cosmetic), most health insurance plans do not cover it. However, depending on your filing status, your procedure may be tax deductible. Financing options are also available to make vision correction surgery more affordable. For more information about financing, ask your eye surgeon.
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I've seen a wide range of prices for vision correction surgery. What accounts for this cost discrepancy?
There is no universal standard for the cost of most vision correction procedures. Price can vary greatly from doctor-to-doctor, but prices have dropped significantly from when vision correction surgery first became available. For example, some surgeons offer LASIK for as low as $499 per eye, while others charge up to $3,000 per eye.
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Should I wait for newer, potentially better technologies before I decide on vision correction surgery?
It can be difficult to decide whether to have vision correction surgery now or wait for a potentially better procedure. The type of surgery you need and the severity of your condition may affect your decision. The best way to decide when and how to have vision correction surgery is to discuss your needs and concerns with your eye care professional.
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You have more choices for vision improvement than ever before. Learn which vision procedure may be right for you by taking our survey.
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Presbyopia affects reading vision for most people by the age of 40. NearVision CK is performed using the ViewPoint® CK System, the only FDA-approved technology for presbyopic patients who want to improve their near vision. Click here to learn more about presbyopia.
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