How successful is laser vision correction ?
Our goal and our commitment to you is to get you to a level of 6/12 (20/40) or better, enough to function without glasses, to watch TV, play sport and take up occupations where good vision is essential. In fact, after treatment over 95% of people can drive without glasses. We will discuss with you at the time of your consultation what can be achieved in your individual case. Very, very occasionally some eyes do not respond fully to laser treatment, and we may recommend that you go through the procedure again. This time, though, the treatment is simpler, as it just involves lifting the flap and re-applying the laser.

Does it hurt?
No. LASIK is virtually painless. One may experience some mild to moderate discomfort and watering of the eyes for a few hours after treatment. This varies from person to person and has been likened to the sensation of having worn contact lenses too long.

Do the results last?
The effects of LASIK are permanent and they do not wear off. But it is important to realize that a person's eye can still change internally. That is why many surgeons recommend having the procedure done after the major eye changes have occurred in one's life. Your surgeon can review the changes you have had and help you make a decision whether or not LASIK is appropriate for you.

What happens when I get older?
Natural changes occur in every eye. As we reach our mid 40's, the fine focusing mechanism of the lens within our eyes does not function as well as when we were younger. Therefore, it is most likely that you will require glasses for reading fine print when you reach your mid 40's. It is because this age-related change affects the lens in our eye and not the cornea that LASIK cannot treat this change.

If I get LASIK done and my vision changes later in life can it be redone?
In most cases, an enhancement may be a solution to vision changes later in life. Your eye care specialist will examine your eyes and determine whether an enhancement can be performed.

What are the long-term side effects?
Laser eye surgery has been performed for more than 20 years and no major complications have been documented that have not been encountered in the first year of follow-up. Minor complications such as haziness, delayed healing and night time glare have been reported although these are very few and far between, and in almost all cases, can be treated.

Is the procedure covered by health insurance?
Most health insurance companies do not cover LASIK.

How long before I can see well?
Visual rehabilitation after LASIK is rapid. Most people achieve good vision the day after surgery and find that their eyes feel fairly normal 24 hours later. However, your sight may improve even further, and the very best vision can still take two to three weeks.