Comprehensive Guide to LASIK Eye Surgery at Liberty Laser Eye Center

LASIK surgery is not typically painful. The procedure itself is quick, and patients are given anesthetic eye drops to numb the surface of the eye, eliminating pain. You may feel a sensation of pressure during the creation of the corneal flap, but it is not sharp pain. After the surgery, as the numbing drops wear off, it is common to experience some discomfort, such as a gritty feeling, burning, tearing, or light sensitivity for a few hours. This is manageable and temporary. Most patients report that any post-operative discomfort is mild and subsides quickly, often after a nap. For detailed insights into patient experiences over time, we encourage you to read our internal article, The 10-Year LASIK Satisfaction Survey Results.

Laser surgery can be a highly effective treatment for certain types of glaucoma, primarily by improving the eye's fluid drainage or reducing fluid production. Procedures like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) are often a first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma, offering a minimally invasive option with a good safety profile. It can reduce intraocular pressure and potentially decrease dependence on eye drops. However, its suitability depends on the specific glaucoma type, stage, and individual patient factors. It is not a cure, and monitoring is still essential. Consulting with a qualified ophthalmologist is crucial to determine if laser surgery is the appropriate intervention for a particular case.

No, LASIK cannot treat cataracts. LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure designed to reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. A cataract, however, is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which sits behind the iris. The only effective treatment for a cataract is surgical removal of the cloudy lens and its replacement with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is important to address cataracts first, as they can change a person's refractive prescription. For information on the sequence of procedures, you can refer to our internal article Can I Get LASIK After Cataract Surgery?.

A common concern is blinking during LASIK. The procedure uses a specialized eyelid holder called a speculum to gently keep your eyelids open throughout the entire treatment. This makes it physically impossible to blink. Your eye is also numbed with anesthetic drops, so you won't feel the urge to blink from discomfort. The laser system itself has advanced tracking technology that follows your eye's microscopic movements thousands of times per second, ensuring precision even if there is a slight, involuntary motion. For more information on comfort and safety during vision correction, see our detailed article Is LASIK Painful? Debunking Common Fears. The entire process is designed with these natural reflexes in mind for a smooth and successful outcome.

While LASIK is highly successful, it's crucial to understand potential permanent side effects. A small percentage of patients may experience chronic dry eye syndrome, which can require ongoing management with lubricating drops. Some individuals report persistent visual disturbances like glare, halos, or starbursts around lights, especially at night. These are often more noticeable in low-light conditions. In rare cases, a patient might have an under-correction or over-correction that cannot be fully addressed with an enhancement. It is vital to have a thorough pre-operative evaluation with a qualified surgeon to assess your individual risk factors. For a deeper understanding of one common concern, we recommend reading our detailed resource, Glare And Halos: Managing Expectations Post-LASIK. Managing expectations through proper screening and advanced technology minimizes these risks significantly.

Individuals with certain health conditions or lifestyle factors should avoid laser eye surgery. Those under 18, as their eyes are still developing, are not candidates. People with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, uncontrolled diabetes, or conditions that impair healing (e.g., lupus) face higher risks. Individuals with severe dry eye syndrome, unstable vision prescriptions, or corneal diseases like keratoconus are also unsuitable. Pregnant or nursing women should postpone surgery due to hormonal fluctuations affecting vision. Those with very high prescriptions or thin corneas may not have sufficient tissue for the procedure. A comprehensive pre-operative evaluation by a qualified ophthalmologist is essential to determine candidacy based on individual eye health and medical history.