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We understand that choosing LASIK is a significant decision, and you may have questions about the process, safety, and results. Our FAQ section is here to provide clear answers to the most common inquiries about laser vision correction. From candidacy and recovery to financing and technology, we cover everything you need to know.
Explore our FAQs to gain a better understanding of the LASIK experience at the Liberty Laser Eye Center and feel confident in your vision correction journey.
LASIK is an FDA-approved laser refractive procedure to correct a wide range of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. In LASIK, a thin layer of your cornea is lifted to create a flap. The laser sculpts the cornea, then the flap is returned for a quick, natural recovery. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses very quickly.
All-Laser LASIK is an evolutionary FDA approved procedure that eliminates the most common source of complications associated with traditional LASIK surgery. During traditional LASIK, the creation of the corneal flap is performed with a hand-held mechanical razor blade. The new All-Laser LASIK technology uses the precision of a femtosecond laser to perform this crucial part of the procedure. By eliminating the cutting and the blades, this all-laser approach brings a level of safety and precision to laser vision correction that was never attainable with traditional LASIK.
We have been performing All-Laser LASIK at Liberty Laser Eye Center for over 15 years – longer than anyone else in the region – with excellent visual results and have seen absolutely no flap complications. In fact, millions flaps have been created with femtosecond lasers with no vision threatening complications – no other technology can achieve that level of safety in laser vision correction. At Liberty Laser Eye Center, we started with Intralase technology over 10 years ago. We’ve now upgraded to the next generation Femto LDV laser and now provide the most advanced Z-LASIK.
For best results, we ask you to keep your contact lenses out according to the following schedule: (Keep in mind you must keep your contact lenses out permanently. No slipping them back in prior to surgery date.)
Soft lenses need to be out for 5 -7 days.
Toric lenses (special lenses with astigmatism correction) need to be out for two (2) weeks.
Gas permeable or hard lenses must be discontinued for 4 – 6 weeks or more in some cases; under certain circumstances, soft lenses can be worn for part of this extended period by some patients. If this is a concern, it can be addressed during your cost-free consultation at Liberty Laser Eye Center.
Your vision will be better immediately after the procedure than it was without glasses before, but it will be a little hazy. You will require a friend or family member to drive you home the day of your procedure. We also recommend having a driver to bring you to your one-day follow-up appointment. Although most patients see well enough to drive the next day, we strongly encourage all patients to consider being accompanied.
A lid speculum is used to hold open the eyelids and may be a little uncomfortable but certainly not painful. The laser surgery itself is painless due to the anesthetic eye drops.
Most people do not have pain after the procedure, but they sometimes have dry eye symptoms for a few days or weeks. We recommend use of artificial tear eye drops to reduce the dry eye symptoms and help speed the healing process.
Most people return to work and normal activities within 24- 48 hours after their procedure. Keep in mind you must be seen for a post-op appointment the next day. NO rubbing the eye! NO swimming or contact sports for at least one week and avoid excessive use of alcoholic beverages for a few days following surgery as it causes dehydration, which can increase dry eye symptoms.
You will be provided with specific post-operative instructions from our patient counselor prior to your treatment. Dr. Tanchel may offer specific advice depending on your lifestyle, interests, and clinical exam.
Many patients wish they had known that LASIK recovery requires strict adherence to post-operative care. You must avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, and strenuous exercise for at least two weeks. Dry eyes are a common temporary side effect, requiring frequent use of preservative-free artificial tears. At Liberty Laser Eye Center, we emphasize that your vision may fluctuate for a few months before fully stabilizing. The procedure itself takes only minutes, but the final result is not instant. It is also crucial to have realistic expectations; while most people achieve 20/20 vision or better, some may still need glasses for specific tasks like reading at night. A thorough consultation will address all these points to ensure you are fully prepared.
After LASIK surgery, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure proper healing. Do rest your eyes and avoid any strenuous activity for at least a week. Use prescribed lubricating eye drops regularly to prevent dryness. Wear the provided eye shields while sleeping to protect against accidental rubbing. Do not get water or soap in your eyes during showers or baths for the first week. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and dusty environments. Refrain from rubbing your eyes, as this can dislodge the corneal flap. Do not wear eye makeup or use lotions near the eyes for two weeks. At Liberty Laser Eye Center, we emphasize that following these steps will significantly reduce complications and speed up recovery.
The 20 20 20 rule is a standard eye care guideline recommended after LASIK to reduce digital eye strain. It suggests that every 20 minutes, you should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice helps relax the eye muscles that can become fatigued from prolonged screen use, which is especially important during the healing process. At Liberty Laser Eye Center, we often advise patients to pair this rule with prescribed lubricating drops to maintain moisture. For a deeper understanding of long-term eye health investments, please review our internal article titled The Cost-Benefit Analysis Of LASIK Over 20 Years. Following this routine can significantly improve comfort and support stable visual recovery.
Ten years after LASIK, most patients continue to enjoy stable vision, but natural age-related changes can occur. It is common for individuals to experience presbyopia, which typically begins around age 40, requiring reading glasses for close-up tasks. Additionally, some patients may notice a slight regression in their vision due to long-term corneal healing or changes in the eye's lens. For those who had LASIK a decade ago and are considering contact lenses again, it is critical to understand the risks. At Liberty Laser Eye Center, we emphasize that the cornea's shape can change over time, making contact lens fitting more complex. For detailed guidance, we recommend reading our internal article titled 'Wearing Contacts After LASIK: What You Need to Know 10 Years Later' at Wearing Contacts After LASIK: What You Need to Know 10 Years Later. Regular eye exams remain essential to monitor your long-term eye health.
While LASIK is a highly safe procedure, it is important to understand the potential warnings before proceeding. Common side effects can include temporary dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, and fluctuating vision during the healing process. More serious complications, though rare, can involve overcorrection, undercorrection, or flap-related issues. To help you make an informed choice, we highly recommend reviewing Understanding The True Percentage Of LASIK Complications And Side Effects for a detailed breakdown of risks and realistic outcomes. At Liberty Laser Eye Center, our comprehensive consultation is designed to screen for any pre-existing conditions that might increase these risks, ensuring you are a suitable candidate.
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