IQ Laser Vision - Ask the Doctor

Questions Answered and FAQ's

Q: Is LASIK safe? I’m worried about the long-term effects.

A: LASIK is a relatively safe procedure. Millions of people have had LASIK, including myself. Refractive surgeons have been performing a similar procedure for over 50 years, a procedure known as automated lamellar keratoplasty (ALK). There have been a few reports of the cornea becoming unstable years after the procedure is performed. These cases are very rare, and occur mostly in cases where the stromal bed is below 250 microns (0.25mm). When I perform the LASIK procedure, I measure the corneal thickness during the surgery to ensure that we leave at least 280 microns in the stromal bed. With the MICRO-LASIK thin flap LASIK technique we often have more that 360 microns in the stromal bed. We can discuss this and any other concerns you may have at your consultation.

Q: What are the odds of no longer needing glasses for distance with the laser procedure?

A: Studies have shown that nearly every patient experiences a marked improvement in their vision as compared to their previously uncorrected vision with glasses or contacts. Over 99% of patients will attain corrected vision that will meet or exceed the DMV licensing requirements.

Q: Will I experience any pain with this procedure?

A: Every effort is made to ensure that our patients have a very comfortable experience during and after their procedure. Most patients experience no pain and are able to return to their routine activities the following day.

Q: I am over age forty. Will laser vision correction eliminate my need for distance and reading glasses?

A: Laser procedures are very effective in correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. These disorders are a result of a corneal curvature that is either too steep or too flat for the length of the eye. Vision is improved when the laser reshapes the curvature of the cornea.
After reaching the age of forty most people experience a decline in the quality of their reading vision. This problem is age related and is due to a weakness of the focusing mechanism of the lens of the eye. Although laser vision correction cannot directly correct this problem, it can give good distance and reading vision to many patients by readjusting the focus of their eyes

Q: If I have LASIK and my vision changes later in life, what can be done?

A: Once you eyes have stabilized after surgery, the correction is permanent. In the rare event that your vision does change, re-treatment is a possible option. We would perform a thorough examination and ensure adequate corneal thickness is present before any further correction.

Q: How long does the eye take to heal after surgery?

A: The cornea is about 90% healed in the first 24 hours after the LASIK procedure. You can resume full activity after two weeks. However, there will be continuous healing for a least twelve weeks.

Q: Will I have perfect 20/20 vision after having LASIK?

A: This depends on your best correctable visual acuity. Some of our patients achieve better than 20/20 vision! Most patients achieve their full desired visual acuity. If the desired visual acuity is not achieved, an enhancement procedure is usually performed three months after the initial procedure.

Q: What will I see during the procedure?

A: During the procedure, we will ask you to focus on a blurry, blinking red light. Immediately after the procedure the red light should become much clearer, and you should notice an improvement in your vision.

Q: I am very concerned about being able to remain still during the procedure?

A: This is a common fear many patients have. Since every patient moves during the procedure, the laser treatment is designed to stop in an instant if necessary. Our lasers, the Alcon LADARVision 4000 and Nidek EC-5000(the first and on o the only two specially upgraded with an eye tracker in California), have eye trackers that will follow your eye during the procedure. The laser delivers the pulses wherever they are supposed to go, despite any eye movements.

Q: What if I blink during the procedure?

A: To prevent blinking, the eye is held open by a device (speculum) that causes little to no discomfort.

Q: Will I need to wear anything over my eye(s) after the procedure?

A: Patients will wear a clear shield immediately after the procedure and then only during sleeping hours.

Q: Will I have any scars?

A: The minimal scarring that occurs will be out of the visual axis (will not affect vision) and can only be seen with the use of a microscope.

Q: In the event that I am not fully corrected, can I still wear contact lenses?

A: Yes, in almost all cases, you will be able to wear contacts after the procedure. However, it is rare for patients to need contact lenses, except cosmetic colored contact lenses.

Q: Who is a good candidate for LASIK?

A: In general, patients who see well with glasses or contact lenses, have healthy eyes and are in good health are good candidates for laser vision correction. Whether or not you should undergo the procedure is a decision that should make after a comprehensive exam by a skilled ophthalmologist who specializes in laser vision correction. Our exams are part of a no-cost consultation that will allow the patient and surgeon to discuss all options available such as LASIK, Micro-LASIK, LASEK, Intacs, LTK or LRI.

Q: Is the procedure safe?

A: This is another common and understandable fear experienced by many prospective patients. Laser vision correction is very safe, when performed by a skilled surgeon. Dr. Lin, himself, had LASIK over 5 years ago. He has performed over 15,000 refractive procedures, and has performed MICRO-LASIK® on his parents, and two brothers, one who is a doctor, and the other a lawyer. Dr. Robert Lin is a nationally known, and well-respected surgeon who operates with his patients’ safety as the top priority. Most complications can be treated with eye drops or a repeat procedure. More serious complications, are rare, but still can be managed with generally good results, when diagnosed and treated early by an experienced surgeon. Dr. Lin and our staff will thoroughly discuss all risks and benefits before the surgery

Q: What takes place during a complimentary consultation at IQ MEDICAL CENTER?

A: At the FREE consultation, we will gather data about your eyes including: visual acuity, refraction, measurement of current glasses, biomicroscopy, infrared pupillometry (measurement of nighttime pupil size), pachymetry (measurement of corneal thickness), corneal topography (using two different systems to measure both anterior and posterior surfaces), and if applicable, wavefront analysis.

Based on these findings, our surgeon, Dr. Robert Lin will select the best treatment for your eyes. He will take as much time as necessary to thoroughly understand your expectations and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.