LASIK FAQs

LASIK provides a safe and highly effective way to correct refractive errors, producing clear vision at all distances. At Cape Fear Eye Associates, we provide state-of-the-art refractive surgery at our practice serving Fayetteville, Sanford, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

While LASIK is a relatively simple procedure, there are some things you should know about LASIK in order to ask educated questions of your doctor and make an informed decision about undergoing this procedure. Below, our LASIK surgeons have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about LASIK. If you would like to learn more, we invite you to attend one of our live LASIK seminars, or simply contact our LASIK center to schedule a consultation.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is an acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It refers to a particular form of refractive surgery designed to correct nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic vision with the use of a microkeratome and an excimer laser. LASIK was first performed in clinical trials in 1995. Dr. S. Scott Stapleton was one of 13 primary investigators in the FDA study leading to the first approval of commercial LASIK in the United States.

What happens during LASIK surgery?

During the procedure, the LASIK surgeon uses a speculum to keep the patient's eyelids open while he or she works. The patient is then asked to stare at a blinking red light, while the surgeon stabilizes the eye with a suction ring so that it does not move during surgery. Using a microkeratome (a small oscillating blade), the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the top layer of the cornea to create a thin flap. The flap is then lifted, exposing the underlying corneal tissue. With an excimer laser, the surgeon carefully removes a predetermined amount of tissue to subtly reshape the cornea. This stage of the procedure takes about 15 seconds per eye. Finally, the surgeon returns the corneal flap to its original position, where it will heal on its own, without the need for stitches.

How long does the LASIK procedure take?

LASIK takes about 15 minutes to complete (for both eyes), although with check-in, prep time, and a short recovery period, patients are usually at our office for about an hour. We offer refractive surgery at our Fayetteville center, also serving Chapel Hill and Sanford, North Carolina. The LASIK procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Will I experience any pain during or after the LASIK procedure?

The topical anesthetic that we apply will numb your eye so that you will not experience any pain during LASIK surgery. You may feel some pressure, however, when the surgeon applies the suction ring to stabilize your eye. You may also notice a slight burning smell during the laser portion of the procedure. This is normal and is no cause for alarm. Following the procedure, there may be a mild burning sensation, which will generally subside within two or three hours.

What are the risks associated with LASIK?

LASIK is approved by the FDA as a safe and effective method of correcting nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic vision. As with any surgery, there are inherent risks. However, the potential of complications developing after refractive surgery is quite small.

Nearly everyone who has undergone LASIK reports some dryness of the eyes, hazy vision in low light, and night glare in the days following surgery. For most people, these symptoms disappear within a few days or weeks. There is only a 3 percent chance that they will develop into chronic conditions.

Corneal irregularities as a result of refractive surgery occur in less than 1 percent of LASIK cases. These include:

Central corneal islands (small surface irregularities in the cornea)
Epithelial ingrowths (a clear layer of skin growth beneath the corneal flap)
Wrinkled or dislocated corneal flaps
Haze or the appearance of sand-like specks in one’s field of vision

Many of the complications associated with LASIK surgery result from procedures performed on unqualified candidates.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for LASIK?

Our LASIK surgeons will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and assess your health history before determining if LASIK is right for you. You may be a good candidate for LASIK refractive surgery if you:

Have nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic vision, or any combination thereof, within a treatable range
Have had a stable lens prescription for two years or longer
Have sufficient thickness of your cornea
Do not have overly large pupils
Do not suffer from any diseases that could interfere with the healing process, such as HIV/AIDS or lupus
Do not take medications that suppress your immunity, such as steroids
Have no history of herpes infections in the eye
Do not have dry eye syndrome, cataracts, glaucoma, or corneal disorders
Are not nursing or pregnant
Are at least 18 years of age

If you do not qualify for LASIK, you may be a better candidate for CK or PRK. Only an experienced surgeon can determine if you qualify for refractive surgery. If you live in Fayetteville, Sanford, or Chapel Hill, North Carolina, contact our LASIK center today to schedule a consultation.

Is there anything I need to do before having LASIK?

In the weeks before you have LASIK surgery, we require that you refrain from wearing contact lenses. This is because contacts can actually change the shape of your cornea. It is important for the cornea to be in its natural shape prior to surgery so that we can measure its curvature and make the proper corrections during the procedure. If you wear soft contacts, stop wearing them one week prior to consultation. Wearers of gas permeable contacts should stop using them three weeks before consultation.

On the day before your LASIK surgery you should not use makeup, creams, powders, or lotions. These substances can make your eyes vulnerable to infection during surgery. Also, be sure to arrange transportation to and from our office, as you will be unable to drive following the procedure.

Eat a light meal and take any medications as usual on the day of your procedure. However, do not use makeup, powders, or lotions or wear any accessories in your hair that could affect the position of your head during the procedure. Once you arrive and check in at our office, be sure to ask your surgeon any remaining questions you might have.

What kind of results can I expect from LASIK?

Statistics show that most LASIK patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better as a result of surgery. And over 90 percent of patients with mild to moderate nearsightedness will achieve 20/40 vision, the legal minimum for driving without glasses or contact lenses in most states. Patients with severe refractive errors should discuss possible results with their eye surgeon. People who have realistic expectations about LASIK are most satisfied with their results. To schedule a refractive surgery consultation, contact our Fayetteville center, also serving Sanford and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Can I drive after having LASIK?

Your vision will be slightly blurry after refractive surgery. You should make arrangements to have a friend or relative take you home from our office. Avoid driving for the first 24 hours following surgery.

When can I return to work after having LASIK?

Most people can return to work the day after the procedure. If your job requires intense visual clarity, you may need to wait two or three days before returning to work. If you are experiencing fatigue, we recommend taking a day off after surgery.

How is wavefront LASIK different from standard LASIK?

Wavefront-guided LASIK is the most advanced laser eye surgery technology available. By capturing a three-dimensional image of your eye, our LASIK surgeons are able to make more accurate diagnostic assessments, enabling them to custom program the excimer laser to correct your specific irregularities. Unlike standard LASIK, wavefront-guided LASIK corrects higher-order aberrations (such as glare, halos, and poor contrast discrimination) in addition to refractive errors. This means that with wavefront-guided LASIK, your vision is improved in terms of how much and how well you see. Cape Fear Eye Associates offers wavefront-guided refractive surgery for patients who qualify.

Why do people choose to have LASIK?

Many people choose to have LASIK to simplify their lives. Contact lenses require maintenance, adding time to your daily routine. Eye glasses can be cumbersome and limit physical activities such as contact sports. People who wear glasses or contacts may even be limited in their careers, as some jobs require 20/20 vision without corrective lenses. LASIK refractive surgery offers a solution to these problems since it significantly reduces or eliminates the need for glasses and contact lenses. As a result, many people are able to live more active, more enjoyable lives.

Contact Cape Fear Eye Associates for a Refractive Surgery Consultation

To schedule a LASIK consultation or to ask questions about our refractive surgery services offered in the Fayetteville, Sanford, and Chapel Hill areas of North Carolina, contact our LASIK centers today.