Q. What conditions can be corrected with laser vision correction?
A. Laser vision correction is used to treat refractive errors that affect vision. Refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (a difference in curvature on the corneal surface), and presbyopia (age related weakening of near focusing). Presbyopia can not be controlled with refractive surgery, but other options do exist.

Q. Will the procedure be painful?
A. The actual procedure itself is painless! Local anesthetic eye drops are instilled several times during the half hour before the surgeon begins. After the anesthetic wears off, you may feel some discomfort. The level of discomfort varies due to individual patient sensitivity and tolerance. Most patients experience only mild discomfort and light sensitivity for the first 12 to 24 hours. Most patients are comfortable and resume regular activities within two or three days.

Q. How soon after the procedure will my eyes reach their level of correction?
A. Most patients, 96%, achieve normal vision with a single laser treatment, return to work in a couple of days, and have 20/40 or better vision within a week. After the first few weeks, you should notice less fluctuation in vision. With an eye examination, we can tell you what you can expect as the eyes heal and stabilize.

Q. Will I see "starbursts", night glare, or haloes?
A. You will usually not have the starburst effect commonly associated with radial keratotomy. You may, however, experience some night glare following laser vision treatment. Night glare appears as "haloes" around lights at dusk or in dimly lit areas as the pupil expands beyond the laser-treated central area of the cornea. Night glare usually subsides in the months following surgery. Advancement in laser techniques has decreased the likelihood of night glare.

Q. Will my vision be hazy or foggy?
A. Almost everyone experiences a mild “hazing” of the cornea immediately after surgery. Most patients are not aware of it. It is usually only visible to the doctor under microscopic examination and permanently clears in almost all patients by their one-year checkup.

Q. Will my nearsightedness return?
A. Regression, or a shift back towards myopia, after laser vision treatment occurs to a small degree in all individuals, and therefore the computerized laser is programmed to adjust for this. This process generally stabilizes within three months. Small variations of under-correction or over-correction may be expected. Part-time or full-time corrective lenses or subsequent laser procedure may be needed to further enhance vision.