Health Chats
Eye Care: LASIK Surgery
Tuesday Nov 17, 2009, 05:00PM - 06:00PM (EST)
At Lasik<b><i>Plus</b></i> we know your vision changes throughout your life. But the importance of caring for your eyes and maintaining your sight never goes away. With constant advances in technology, more people can now be considered excellent candidates for laser vision correction than ever before. Whether it’s the hassle and expense of glasses or contacts, health issues, or the desire to focus on what’s most important to you, you have your own unique reasons for considering laser vision correction. <br><br>
Everyone’s eyes are different, and not every procedure is appropriate for everyone. Having helped a million people nationwide through this process, we at Lasik<b><i>Plus</b></i> have a lot of information to share with you. <br><br>
If you are considering LASIK surgery, or just want to learn more about the procedure, join Omar E. Awad, MD as he answers your questions regarding laser eye surgery. You can also call one of our Lasik<b><i>Plus</b></i> specialists anytime at 1-866-921-2179 or visit us on the web at <a href="http://clk.atdmt.com/CHI/go/147163270/direct/01/" target="_blank">www.LasikPlus.com</a>. We look forward to hearing from you!
Omar E. Awad, MD:
A lot of people as about possible side effects. One that people get concerned about is glare or haloes at night
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I think that glare and haloes are far less of an issue nowadays with the newest laser platforms that we utilize. With older lasers it was seen a little more commonly. Also, if you have a very high prescription or have very large pupils, this could increase the chance of glare.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Dry eyes is another possible side effect, which is usually temporary. We have all patients use lubrication drops after the surgery, and some are also treated with prescription drops to prevent the dry eye condition. It is usually a temporary condition however.
abhisekh:
Hi, can my father opt for lasik as he unable to see thru one eye...
Omar E. Awad, MD:
People with only one eye are still able to have LASIK, provided he is a candidate and fully understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Jessjazzi:
Even if the surgery is put off until a time there is not a outbreak, Why is it not recommended for people with MS to have Lasik?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
MS or multiple sclerosis, is an autoimmune condition, which can affect the way that the body heals. This is the reason that MS is considered a contraindication to LASIK. However, this does not necessarily mean a person with MS cannot have LASIK. If your MS is stable, well controlled, and inactive, I think LASIK can be done successfully.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
In fact there is one of my employees in my office who has MS and only one eye who really wanted LASIK. This was done successfully a few years ago, and she still loves it!
abhisekh:
Does Lasik helps in curing damaged optic nerve?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
No. Lasik cannot cure optic nerve problems.
Kathy0114:
I have been diagnosed with early cataracts in both eyes. When is surgery usually done?.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Scroll up to see a discussion about early cataracts and LASIK.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
If your vision is clear with glasses or contacts, then you should be able to have LASIK. If the cataract makes it so your vision is not clear, then cataract surgery should be done first.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Many people are diagnosed with an early cataract but may not need cataract surgery for several years or even decades.
sree4629:
Will the livings cells in the eye be damaged during the surgery?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
There are some living cells in the cornea called keratocytes which can be damaged by LASIK. This however does not affect the vision. The surface cells of the eye ("skin") could be affected as well, but the surface cells completely regenerate every 2 months.
smile1111:
I have minus in both eyes (I don't know exactly how much because my doctor didn't give me a diagnosis). I also have astigmatism. My doctor said that my vision is just 30%. I whant to know if Lasik surgery will help me? Is it safe?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
LASIK is probably the best way to treat myopia (minus) and astigmatism. I'd recommend a visit to your local LASIK center to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. It is very safe, and has been performed on millions of people.
SFmonsterdark:
How long will my improved sight last after I have had the surgery?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
LASIK surgery is a permanent change to the front part of the eye. Your improved sight should last a long time. Eventually, everyone gets a cataract which could affect your sight, but hopefully that won't be until you are 70, 80, or 90.
Sarah_Beautiful:
Hi what is the pros and cons of LASIK surgery?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Pros- You should see great, without needing your glasses or contacts any more.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Cons - depends on your perspective. There are risks with any surgery which should be understood before proceeding. There are monetary costs. I recommend a visit to your local LASIK center to see if you are a candidate, and get all your specific questions answered.
Bman1:
After receiving LASIK, should I expect to be prescribed many/any medications? How many follow up visits and follow up eye tests are expected?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
We usually have everyone use an antibiotic eye drop and an anti-inflammatory eye drop, which are prescription medications. Also, we recommend lubricant eye drops, which can be pruchased over-the-counter.
Omar E. Awad, MD:
We like to see our patients on the day after surgery, and again at 1-3 weeks, at 3 months, and 1 year. If there are any other concerns, we will see people more frequently if needed.
topher111:
Hi, do most of your patients have the procedure done on one eye at a time or both at once? what is most common?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
This is up to the patient. Most people choose to have both eyes treated at the same visit, for convenience sake.
Jack615:
I have been told that I need to get glaucoma testing once every 6 months, rather than once every year or so. Would I still be able to get Lasik surgery?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
I would think so. Even if you have actual glaucoma and are being treated for it, you cold have LASIK provided the glaucoma is stable and mild.
zaefod:
Hi Doctor, what is the difference between broad-beam, variable spot, and flying spot? Which one would you recommend?
Omar E. Awad, MD:
Hi. This has to do with the size or diameter of the actual laser pulse.
