Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are all patients who wear contacts and glasses candidates for LASIK eye surgery?

A. Patients with practically every amount of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are enjoying great results from the LASIK procedure. A complete examination is needed to determine how much laser vision correction can be achieved.

Q. Will my vision be perfect after the procedure so that I'll never need glasses?

A. LASIK laser vision correction has been overwhelmingly successful in reducing myopia and astigmatism and hyperopia. While vision improves following the procedure, the amount of improvement may vary from individual to individual. Nearly all patients can drive legally, play sports, and join the police or fire departments, all without their glasses. Most patients are within one or two lines on the eye chart of 20/20 vision. Patients may receive a second enhancement procedure to further improve their results, if their vision is below legal driving levels. In general, less than 10% will require an enhancement procedure. This chance is less in patients with mild myopia and greater in patients with extreme myopia.

Q. How long after the LASIK procedure will I be able to see clearly without glasses or contacts?

A. Most patients see clearly immediately after the operation, and drive themselves to the 1 day follow-up visit.

Q. What about the long term effects of the procedure?

A. For most patients the results are permanent and stable.  Later in life, other ocular issues such as cataract, glaucoma, or macular degeneration may effect vision.  If an enhancement is needed, it is usually within the first few months.

Q. What are the risks of the LASIK procedure?

A. It is essential that you understand as much as possible about the risks associated with the LASIK procedure. The risk of having a significant complication is less than 1%. The excimer laser procedure, however, like all surgical procedures, has limitations and risks. Dr. Zudans will discuss the benefits, risks, and side-effects of the surgery with you, and what you may expect from the procedure. One of the most common issues is dry eye, which may require management or sometimes an alternative procedure.  Relative to most surgical procedures, refractive surgeries are one of the safest, with an extremely low complication rate.

Q. Is LASIK painful?

A. Most patients report little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. Some describe it as feeling like a lash rubbing the eye the first evening. Patients are routinely comfortable the next morning.

Q. Can both eyes be done on the same day?

A. Most of our patients have both eyes done on the same day. This is more convenient for the patients, and allows them to experience the pre and postoperative period only once. Occasionally, patients request separate dates for surgery and we are always pleased to accommodate their requests.

Q. How much work will I miss?

A. In most cases, patients go home following surgery and rest. They usually feel fine the next morning.

Q. Will I still be able to see my own eye doctor after the procedure?

A. Yes. We will work with your regular eye doctor to ensure he or she is knowledgeable in performing the required post procedure care.

Q. Does insurance cover refractive surgery?

A. Most companies consider refractive surgery elective and it is not usually a covered benefit. However it certainly is worth checking with your insurance company and we suggest you contact them.  Flexible spending plans and health savings accounts may permit coverage.

Q. Do you have financing plans available?

A. We will work with you to develop a payment plan that meets your needs. We will explain the details with you when you come in for your consultation.

Q. How do I find out more information?

A. We believe it is important to be fully informed, to have realistic expectations and have all your questions about LASIK laser vision correction answered honestly and directly. We suggest that you come in for a free evaluation with Dr. Zudans . Please bring your glasses or prescription so that we can determine which corrective eye surgery procedure will offer you the greatest benefit. To schedule a consultation or to receive additional information, contact us or call us at (772) 569-9600.