LASIK Surgery FAQ

Over the past several decades, LASIK has become a popular choice for permanent vision correction, since it can provide excellent results with a very short treatment process. Undergoing LASIK surgery may eliminate or greatly reduce your need for contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses, which can provide incredible freedom in your day-to-day activities. To get to know the LASIK procedure before your consultation with Chicago’s Gerstein Eye Institute, read through the LASIK FAQs covered below.

What Is LASIK?

LASIK is a form of laser eye surgery in which the inner cornea is reshaped to correct refractive vision disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At Gerstein Eye Institute, we utilize IntraLase FS Laser technology, which makes the procedure a 100% laser-performed surgery to reduce surgical risks and ensure the most accurate result possible.

• Ideal candidates – LASIK can correct a wide range of refractive disorders, so nearly adult who relies on contacts or glasses may consider surgery to correct their vision. Ideal candidates for LASIK will have a stable vision, meaning that no changes have been needed in your contact lens or eyeglass prescription in the past year. You should also be in relatively good health and have no other eye conditions to undergo LASIK surgery.
• Expected results – More than 92% of patients who undergo LASIK achieve visual acuity of 20/40 or better, which is enough to legally operate a motor vehicle without corrective lenses. Results may take up to six months to fully develop, though most patients notice a dramatic improvement in vision almost immediately after surgery. Vision is permanently corrected with LASIK, though changes in vision-related to age or conditions like cataracts will not be prevented.

Will Surgery Hurt?

You will be completely awake during surgery, but numbing eye drops may be administered to minimize any possible discomfort. There is no pain associated with LASIK, though you might have some sensitivity after your procedure.

How Long Is Recovery?

The recovery process associated with LASIK is easy on patients. You may need to use eye drops and wear an eye shield at night immediately following your surgery to prevent infection, but you should be able to resume regular activities fairly quickly with a few exceptions. During the stabilization period for the first few months after surgery, you should avoid contact sports and heavy lifting while staying away from swimming pools and hot tubs.

Are you ready to explore how LASIK can improve your vision and your quality of life? Gerstein Eye Institute is a Chicago leader in laser eye surgery, and we can provide you with complete care using the most state-of-the-art FDA approved technologies available. Call us at (773) 973-3223 to schedule your LASIK consultation with Dr. Gerstein today.