How Long Will the Correction Last?
Once your eye has stabilized, usually in two to three months, your correction is permanent. If you eventually need eyeglasses for reading after that, it would be the result of the normal aging process.
What about Risks and Complications?
It is not unusual for people considering LASIK to experience fear, nervousness, and uncertainty at first. Most patients feel a lot better about the procedure once they become fully informed. Knowing the statistical improbability of a serious complication goes a long way toward relieving your fears.
Your doctor should inform you about the risk and potential complications associated with LASIK, ranging from very minor, short-term discomfort to serious complications, which are rare. He or she should also explain what you can do to avoid some of these risks. Fortunately, the incidence of serious complications is low in the hands of a competent surgeon.
Will I Be Able to Drive Immediately after LASIK?
State departments of motor vehicles typically grant unrestricted driving privileges to people with 20/40 or better vision. More than 90% of all patients who undergo LASIK have this level of vision or better the day after surgery.
When Can I Go Back to Work?
Most patients can return to work the day after their LASIK procedure. If you work in a very dusty environment, such as a constructions site, wait a couple of days before going back to work.
Although most patients can function normally at work the day after surgery, your vision may still be somewhat blurry and your eyes may be occasionally irritated, so we recommend that you not schedule any critical appointments or meetings for the day.
Will I Need Enhancement Surgery?
About 10% of LASIK patients require enhancement procedures. For example, if an eye is undercorrected or overcorrected with LASIK, you can undergo an enhancement procedure. Even in the hands of the most skilled surgeon, each person’s tissue responds differently to the excimer laser, both during the surgery and while healing. If you do need an enhancement procedure, you must wait for your eye to stabilize, which usually takes 3-6 months after the original surgery.
When an enhancement procedure is performed, the corneal flap will not need to be re-created. Instead, Dr. Kornmehl, using a specialized instrument, gently lifts the preexisting flap and performs the additional laser treatment. Recovery time is similar to that of the original procedure. You may or may not be charged an additional fee for such enhancement surgery. Keep in mind that enhancement procedures can also be performed years later if your eyesight changes over time.