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LASIK FAQs

Every patient is unique, and so are their eyes—each eye requires a careful examination with the most advanced technology. Our eye surgery specialists evaluate each patient who visits our Oklahoma City (OKC) LASIK vision center from the OKC region, including Edmond, Norman, Moore, and surrounding areas to ensure they receive the most appropriate treatment. Review our LASIK eye surgery FAQs for the answers to questions we are commonly asked.

How much does LASIK eye surgery cost in OKC?

The average cost of LASIK in the United States ranges between $2,000 and $3,000 per eye. The cost of LASIK at nJoy Vision falls within this range, and nJoy Vision runs several LASIK savings promotions throughout the year to further reduce the cost of LASIK for our patients. That means that LASIK at nJoy Vision will pay for itself in as little as five years when compared to the ongoing cost of eye care over that same timeframe.

Is LASIK safe?

The FDA first approved the technology for LASIK eye surgery in 1998, and it is safer now than ever. Thanks to the leading-edge laser eye surgery technology and the latest techniques we use here at nJoy Vision in OKC, LASIK is safer and more effective than ever before. There are risks associated with LASIK that we discuss with each patient. Still, recent research indicates that LASIK has a 99% success rate in achieving 20/40 vision or better and a 90% success rate in achieving 20/20 vision or better.

Is LASIK worth it?

Because LASIK is an elective procedure that requires you to pay out-of-pocket, many prospective LASIK patients wonder if LASIK is really worth it. While you must pay an up-front surgical cost, it’s helpful to consider the long-term savings you will reap by no longer having to purchase prescription glasses, contact lenses, and related supplies. According to LASIK patients on the popular medical review site RealSelf, the life-changing effects of this 15-minute procedure are considered well worth the expense—they give the procedure an impressive 91% “Worth It” rating.

How long does the LASIK eye surgery procedure take?

The procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes per eye, with the laser treatment lasting less than one minute per eye. Patients are usually in the surgery suite for no more than 15 minutes and at our facility for 1.5 to 2 hours. Patients need to have someone drive them home following their procedure.

Does LASIK hurt?

No, LASIK is not painful. We use anesthetic drops to numb the eyes prior to treatment to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Patients feel a sensation of mild pressure but should not experience pain during surgery. Your doctor will also prescribe post-operative medications and lubricating drops to prevent infection and keep you as comfortable as possible as you heal.

How do I know if I a candidate for LASIK eye surgery?

The decision to have laser vision correction treatment depends on the results of a thorough preoperative evaluation. Most patients qualify if they are mildly to moderately nearsighted or mildly farsighted with or without astigmatism. We offer other vision treatment options for patients who aren’t good candidates for LASIK. A free consultation is available to determine whether or not you are a candidate for laser vision correction.

Who should not have LASIK eye surgery?

Patients who are in poor health or who have dry eye, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, or glaucoma ae usually not good candidates for LASIK surgery. It is important to have a consultation with one of our eye doctors to assess the condition of your eyes to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery.

Can I get LASIK if I have astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK eye surgery effectively treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK is able to treat more than 95% of all refractive conditions.

How much astigmatism can LASIK correct?

• For nearsightedness, the iLASIK™ procedure can correct up to -3.00 diopters of astigmatism
• For farsightedness, the iLASIK™ procedure can correct up to +2.00 diopters of astigmatism
• For mixed astigmatism, 1.00 to 5.00 diopters

How much nearsightedness can LASIK correct?

The iLASIK™ wavefront-guided laser is FDA-approved for the correction of up to -11.00 diopters of nearsightedness (myopia) with astigmatism (up to -5.00 diopters) and without astigmatism. The actual amount of myopia that can be corrected depends on factors including the thickness and shape of your corneas and how much astigmatism you have. We will discuss these factors with you at your free consultation.

How much farsightedness can LASIK correct?

The iLASIK™ wavefront-guided laser is FDA-approved for the correction of up to +4.00 diopters of farsightedness (hyperopia) with up to +2.00 diopters (D) of astigmatism. But factors such as the shape of your cornea and how much astigmatism you have may influence the amount of hyperopia that can be corrected in your eyes. We can advise you of your specific needs at your free consultation.

Can LASIK fix myopia?

Absolutely. LASIK can safely and effectively treat myopia (nearsightedness), as well as farsightedness. However, it may be best for patients with low to moderate myopia. During your consultation with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists, we’ll determine your candidacy for LASIK or guide you toward one of our other innovative myopia treatments.

How old do you have to be to get LASIK?

Patients must be at least 18 years old to get LASIK eye surgery. Your vision must remain stable for one year before getting LASIK surgery. Your doctor can help you know if your prescription is stable.

Can I have LASIK if I’ve had previous eye surgery?

Previous eye surgeries may impact your LASIK candidacy. A comprehensive eye examination will help determine if you’re a suitable candidate, depending on the type and outcome of your prior procedure.

Can I have LASIK if I am pregnant?

You should not have LASIK if you are pregnant or nursing because these conditions may cause temporary and unpredictable changes in your cornea.

Can I have LASIK if I have dry eyes?

Dry eyes can affect the accuracy of pre-operative measurements that are crucial to achieving good vision after the LASIK procedure. Also, dry eyes can affect how well and how quickly your eyes heal.
For these reasons, if you have dry eyes you need to have the condition successfully treated before proceeding with LASIK. We will discuss this with you during your free consultation.

Can I have LASIK if I have thin corneas?

It depends on how thin your corneas are, how much refractive error you have, and other factors.

LASIK surgery corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. In this process, a very small amount of tissue is removed from the central cornea.

During your free consultation, we will take detailed measurements of the thickness and shape of your cornea and calculate how much laser treatment is required to fully and safely correct your vision.

How long do I have to keep my contact lenses out before LASIK surgery?

You should stop wearing soft contact lenses two weeks before your free consultation and leading up to surgery. Rigid gas permeable lenses and soft contact lenses that correct for astigmatism need to be out longer. An initial screening can be performed before discontinuing contact lens wear. Your doctor will determine the length of time required to remove them.

How long do LASIK results last?

LASIK surgery permanently changes the vision of patients with issues such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. That doesn’t mean vision won’t change over time. Everyone develops presbyopia—age-related vision changes—in their 40s. This condition makes it difficult to read or do other tasks that require near vision without the use of reading glasses. Lens Replacement at nJoy Vision is a treatment option for presbyopia and ensures that cataracts won’t develop later in life.

Does LASIK cause dry eyes?

Dry eye can be a side effect of LASIK. During the first few weeks to months following the LASIK procedure is when most patients experience some degree of dry eye symptoms. For many patients LASIK isn’t the trigger for dry eye as they have reported having dry eye symptoms before surgery. Some patients may experience dry eyes for only a month, yet others may experience dry eyes for longer depending on the causative agent. Previous dry eye prior to LASIK may require longer treatment. Occasionally, reactions to the antibiotic or steroid drops following surgery may cause the ocular surface to be dry and extend the treatment time for dry eye. Occasionally, it may require additional prescription medications for dry eye or punctal plugs to treat the dry eye. Advancements in LASIK technology and pre- and post-operative care have significantly reduced the occurrence and severity of dry eyes.

Can I blink during LASIK surgery?

Often, people wonder what will happen if they blink during their LASIK procedure. During your LASIK procedure, a small medical device is used to keep the eyelids open, ensuring that blinking is prevented. Additionally, we use numbing eye drops and lubricating eye drops to keep your eye moist, eliminating any discomfort or urge to blink.

How long does it take to recover from LASIK?

The immediate recovery time following LASIK surgery is usually about 48 hours, but it varies from patient to patient. Blurred vision and some discomfort are normal during this time. Most patients are able to return to work after 1-2 days unless the environment is dirty or dusty. Recovery after LASIK is a gradual process, and it’s important to maintain your post-operative care with your eye doctor. It can take up to 6 months for a LASIK patient’s vision to fully stabilize.

How long does it take to see 20/20 after LASIK?

While every recovery varies, some patients start enjoying clearer vision within 24 to 48 hours. However, full recovery and vision stabilization may take up to 6 months. Our team monitors your progress to ensure your vision is improving as expected.

Will LASIK eliminate my need for reading glasses?

No, the LASIK procedure may not eliminate the need for reading glasses even if you have never worn them before. LASIK surgery will not prevent the normal aging change in the lens of the eye that causes blurry reading vision sometime after age 40 (presbyopia).

When most people start experiencing presbyopia, they simply purchase reading glasses and use them when needed to see small print. But there are procedure options available if you have presbyopia and want to reduce or eliminate your need for reading glasses. We will discuss this with you during your free consultation.

How much time do I need to take off from work after LASIK?

Our LASIK doctors recommend taking off the day after your surgery. Occasionally, our doctors recommend taking more time off—but that is usually only when you work in a high-risk environment. It is important that there is not a significant risk of exposure to infection or injury in the days following LASIK. Some patients are comfortable and released to return to work the next day.

How long will my vision be blurry after LASIK?

Blurry vision immediately after LASIK surgery is expected. Even though you should notice improved vision within 48 hours after the procedure, some patients experience blurry vision for up to 2 weeks. Eye drops can help clear up your vision.

What are the complications associated with LASIK surgery?

Complications from the LASIK procedure usually can be successfully managed medically or with follow-up care. The expected frequency and severity of complications vary, depending on how much nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism you have prior to the procedure and other factors.

What happens if I don’t see well after the LASIK procedure?

If patients are dissatisfied with their vision after the procedure, follow-up care may improve visual acuity and patient satisfaction. Occasionally, an enhancement procedure is needed to improve vision by correcting residual nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. The risk for an enhancement procedure varies depending on the original prescription treated. It is usually known within 3-9 months if an enhancement will be recommended.

When can I drive after LASIK surgery?

In many cases, your LASIK doctor will give you permission to drive the day after your procedure. Every patient is different, however, so your case may vary.

How long do I have to wait to shower after LASIK surgery?

We recommend waiting 24 hours before showering or washing your face. You should postpone swimming in a pool for at least a week.

How soon after LASIK can I exercise or play sports?

Most patients can resume light exercise within a few days but should avoid contact sports or activities with a high risk of eye injury for at least one month after the procedure. Your eye surgeon will share detailed postoperative instructions, including any restrictions. It’s essential to follow them closely for optimal recovery and results.

Does insurance cover LASIK?

LASIK is considered an elective procedure, so most insurance companies do not provide coverage, although some insurance plans do offer a LASIK benefit. If you have an HSA or FSA, you may be able to pay for LASIK with pre-tax dollars. We accept all major credit cards and offer financing options.

Is the choice of a LASIK doctor really that important?

LASIK is a serious medical procedure. It’s important to choose a LASIK specialist in OKC who has extensive training and experience. Our LASIK surgeons are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and exceptionally skilled in microsurgery for the eye.

Schedule Your LASIK Consultation in OKC Today

Are you looking for a LASIK eye surgery specialist in OKC? You can schedule a free consultation at nJoy Vision or call our office at (405) 842-6060to discuss your options with one of our specialists. You can also submit a LASIK self-evaluation test to learn if you’re a good LASIK candidate.

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