What You Need To Know: LASIK FAQ’s
When considering options for LASIK surgery in Houston, people often have a lot of questions. At Whitsett Vision Group, we want to help give you the answers to those questions so you can make the most informed decisions about your vision care and surgical options.
The most frequently asked LASIK question we get is, “Am I a good candidate for LASIK?”
To determine if you are a good candidate, we recommend you come in to one of our offices for a free LASIK consultation with our counselors. During your free consultation, our refractive counselor and staff will perform diagnostic testing, and discuss your particular situation to determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK. If you are not a LASIK candidate, you may still be a candidate for another refractive procedure, such as ASA, PTK, ICL, or Refractive Lens Exchange. Our counselors will discuss your options with you at your consultation.
When people hear that not everyone is a candidate, often, their next question is “What kind of things would exclude me from being a good LASIK candidate?”
The best way to determine if you are a LASIK candidate is to have a free consultation, so our counselors and staff can assess your specific situation. In general, the following things might cause you not to be a good LASIK candidate:
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Eye Injuries, or certain medical eye diseases
- Fluctuating Prescription
- Pregnancy and nursing
- Thin corneas
Often, patients want to know what laser technology we use.
At Whitsett Vision Group, our commitment to investing in the best, safest technology is one of the greatest benefits we can offer our patients. Our surgeons do extensive research to determine the technology they feel is best for their patients. That’s why we use the WaveLight EX 500 Excimer Laser and Custom Wavefront Refractive Suite. Whitsett Vision Group also provides an all-laser LASIK experience by using the combination of the excimer laser and the Blade-free IFS Intralase laser. To learn more about the LASIK technology we use, please visit our LASIK Technology page.
Another common question from people considering “How long does the LASIK procedure take?”
We tell our patients to expect to be at Whitsett Vision Group for approximately two hours on the day of their procedure. This allows time for pre-operative preparation, and time for patients to ask any questions prior to the procedure. The actual time in the surgical suite with the surgeon is about 15-20 minutes, and the laser treatment time is typically one minute per eye.
One question that people often ask but are usually concerned about is “Does LASIK hurt/is it painful?”
At Whitsett Vision Group, we provide both oral and topical anesthetic to help make you more comfortable, so the procedure is not painful. Most patients experience little to no discomfort post-operatively. It is typical to experience some mild irritation after the procedure. This is temporary, and we will provide you with eye drops to help relieve any discomfort you may feel.
Another question we get often is “When will I notice improvements in my vision?”
Most patients notice an improvement in their vision immediately following the procedure. Most patients report that they are able to function without glasses or contacts the day after their procedure. Patients generally continue to notice improvements in their vision during the first week after they have their LASIK procedure.
“Does insurance cover LASIK?” is one thing people often wonder before committing to LASIK surgery in Houston.
Most insurance companies consider LASIK and other refractive procedures to be an elective surgery, meaning they do not cover the cost. We do recommend checking with your insurance provider to make sure this is not a covered benefit. If you have a Flex Spending Account or Health Savings Account through your insurance, you can use those to help cover the cost of your LASIK or refractive procedure. At Whitsett Vision Group, we want to make high quality LASIK attainable for all of our patients, so we offer financing plans through CareCredit. You can learn more on our Cost & Financing page.
We are also often asked “Is LASIK permanent?”
LASIK and other refractive procedures are considered to be permanent. LASIK and refractive surgery will not prevent you from experiencing presbyopia (farsightedness occurring in patients beginning at age 40+) or cataracts.
Lastly, something people often want to know is “Are there risks involved with LASIK?”
Like any surgical procedure, there are both benefits and risks to surgery. Our refractive counselors with discuss the benefits, risks, and potential side-effects of LASIK or your chosen refractive procedure. For additional information about the risks of LASIK, please visit the FDA website.
What Is The Next Step?
At Whitsett Vision Group, our goal is to help patients achieve the best possible vision for their lifestyle. With expertise in cataract surgery procedures and advanced technology IOL’s, the cataract surgeons of Whitsett Vision Group will work with you every step of the way. For more information about the Tecnis Synergy IOL, or to schedule a consultation with Houston’s Trusted LASIK Surgeons, contact us today at 713-365-9099, or click here to schedule your appointment online.