What to Expect From LASIK Vision Correction

San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose, California

LASIK providers advertise amazing results following the LASIK vision correction procedure - and the reality is that LASIK has helped countless men and women exchange their glasses and contacts for 20/20 or better vision. LASIK is an advanced procedure and can provide amazing results through the hands of experienced, well-trained surgeons who practice customized LASIK. And while LASIK does achieve incredible results for most, patient results can vary based on factors such as degree of correction, eye health, LASIK technology, and surgeon skill.

Here's what you can expect after your LASIK procedure:

• Immediately following LASIK, you may or may not be able to see clearly right away. While some patients experience temporary fluctuations in vision, sensitivity to light, glare and halos, others will have completely clear vision. You can expect stinging, foreign body sensations, mild soreness and discomfort, and possibly dry eyes.
• You will be asked to rest your eyes and maybe nap for a few hours after the procedure.
• You will come in for post-operative exams the day after LASIK vision correction, at the 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year marks.
• Many patients will have functional, clear vision the very next day. For others, especially nearsighted patients in their late 30s or older and those with presbyopia, it is common to experience trouble reading for a few days (easily addressed with reading glasses).
• Farsighted patients may have trouble viewing distant objects for a short period of time.
• Dr. Kawesch will prescribe soothing eye drops to help with discomfort and encourage healing.
• You will be asked to avoid rubbing the eye during healing, to keep eyes protected in sunlight, and to refrain from activities that might cause injury to the eye.
• Dr. Kawesch will go over all of the potential LASIK complications and side effects and ask that you report any unusual vision changes.

LASIK surgeons can't promise or guarantee results. Vision correction is not an exact science, and there are too many variables that prohibit doctors from accurately predicting your LASIK outcome. Although many LASIK patients have achieved perfect vision following the procedure, not every patient will be able to achieve 20/20 vision.

There is a wide range of vision improvements that may not qualify as perfect vision but that allow patients the luxury of functional vision without glasses and contacts. Many surgeons will offer enhancements (additional laser treatments) if patients do not achieve satisfactory vision. Before you choose a LASIK center, ask for statistical information on past procedures - specifically, what percentage of patients has achieved 20/20 or better vision, what percentage has achieved 20/40 or better, and what percentage of patients has experienced complications.

Most importantly, choose a LASIK doctor with years of experience performing LASIK at a center committed to using only state-of-the-art laser technology. Experience and technology not only give patients a better chance of getting optimal vision results but can also significantly reduce the risks of adverse side effects and complications during the procedure.

To learn more about LASIK vision correction, find out if you are a good candidate, and discover how technology can reduce your risk, contact the San Francisco LASIK team at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley.

1.800.725.0740