LASIK Eye Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
Austin, Texas

• Faster visual recovery
• Less discomfort after surgery
• Less risk of corneal haze or scarring
• Less need for prolonged use of anti-inflammatory eye drops
• More appropriate for high myopic, high astigmatic, and high hyperopic corrections

In addition, LASIK eye surgery can be used to treat a much wider range of vision. Because with LASIK eye surgery the surface of the cornea (epithelium) is preserved, LASIK patients see better the day following their procedure. PRK patients may require several days or even weeks to achieve clear vision.

Q. Am I a good candidate?
Yes, if you're at least 18 years old, in good general health, and have good eye health, meaning a stable prescription for the past year, with no diseases or cataracts. Laser surgery is used to treat a broad range of nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. In most cases, even patients with severe degrees of nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness can be treated. Good candidates have realistic expectations.

Q. What kind of results can I expect?
While laser eye surgery has proven overwhelmingly successful, how well and how quickly your vision improves depends on how well you heal and the degree of correction required.

Although we can't promise patients 20/20 vision, most LASIK patients with mild to moderate prescriptions do achieve 20/20 vision or are within one line of their best-corrected vision. This means they no longer need glasses or contacts to drive, play sports, watch movies and TV, or participate in careers requiring excellent vision such as pilots, or law enforcement officers, or firefighters.

Q. Will my vision be corrected forever?
Many clinical studies have examined the long-term effects of laser eye surgery on the cornea. While the long-term effects beyond ten years have not been studied, every study performed so far has shown without exception that there are no long-term negative effects of the laser on the eye's integrity or strength.

Q. Will the procedure hurt?
The LASIK procedure causes little or no discomfort. There are no needles. Instead, Dr. Howerton uses anesthetic drops to numb your eye just before surgery begins. After your LASIK procedure, you may feel a slight "sandy" sensation for a few hours, but you should be quite comfortable after taking a short nap.

Q. How well will I see after the LASIK procedure?
Results vary with each individual. In a recent study, 98% of patients treated for nearsightedness and/or astigmatism with the NIDEK EC 5000 Excimer Laser System and the VISX Star 4 System saw well enough to pass a driver's test without glasses almost immediately. Your vision should be improved immediately after treatment. Some patients may experience small vision changes during the first several months, which is a normal occurrence as the cornea reaches its stable state.

After your eyes have stabilized, Dr. Howerton will evaluate the results. If they are less than optimal, you may be eligible for an enhancement at no additional charge within three to six months after your initial procedure.

Q. How soon can I return to work?
Some people go back the day after treatment. Most of our surgeries are performed on Thursday so patients can return to work on Friday.

Q. What are the risks of LASIK?
Results of clinical studies indicate that the chances of having a vision-reducing complication are less than 1%. There have been no reported cases of blindness resulting from LASIK eye surgery in the United States.

Q. Is it expensive?
Compared to the cost of glasses, contact lenses and lens care over the course of ten years, LASIK eye surgery is a cost-effective alternative. And, you'll have clear, natural vision with reduced (or eliminated) dependence on glasses and contacts.

While some medical plans may cover the cost, most consider this an elective treatment and therefore do not pay for the procedure. Ask your health insurance provider or contact our office for more information.

Learn about LASIK Eye Surgery Financing