LASIK FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together a LASIK FAQs list of questions our patients have regarding vision correction surgery. Information is critical for making an informed decision.

If you have other questions, you can Schedule a Consultation or submit questions thru our Ask the Surgeon Service or Call us at (888) 78-LASIK.

What are my options when it comes to vision correction surgery?
Dougherty Laser Vision offers an exceptionally wide range of vision correction options including LASIK, Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs) and Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) to treat most common vision problems. Our experience and breadth of service ensure that you receive the most appropriate, customized treatment for your unique vision correction needs.
Who can benefit from vision correction surgery?
People with most common vision disorders can be treated effectively by one or more of the above mentioned procedures. Common disorders include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presybopia (age-related trouble focusing) and astigmatism.
Am I a candidate for vision correction surgery?
Possibly. Most people who wear corrective glasses or contact lenses may be suitable candidates. A thorough evaluation by a vision care expert is necessary to determine your suitability. Careful assessment of your overall eye health must be performed before any decision can be made regarding your treatment.
Will insurance cover my procedure?
Insurance coverage depends on many factors, including which vision correction procedure you require. Typically, LASIK is not covered by most insurance plans. We recommend you bring your insurance card to our office so we can check. Sometimes we are pleasantly surprised. We may also be able to work with your human resources or benefits department to arrange flex pay plans or corporate contracts.
How does LASIK work?
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that employs a cool beam of laser light to reshape the cornea. Microscopic fragments of cornea tissue are removed to flatten, steepen or smooth the cornea, depending on the disorder being corrected. In recent years, LASIK has become one of the most popular elective surgical procedures in the U.S.
How does wavefront LASIK compare to conventional LASIK?
Wavefront adds an automatic measurement of more subtle distortions (called higher order aberrations) than just nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism corrected by conventional LASIK. However, these “higher order aberrations” account for only a small amount (probably no more than 10%) of the total refractive error of the average person’s eye.

Conventional LASIK increases higher order aberrations. Although wavefront-guided treatments attempt to eliminate higher order aberrations, results from the clinical studies have shown that the average aberrations still increase, but less than they do after conventional LASIK.

In a few studies comparing wavefront-guided LASIK to conventional LASIK, a slightly larger percentage of subjects treated with wavefront LASIK achieved 20/20 vision without glasses or contact lenses compared to subjects treated with conventional LASIK.

Patient selection and the experience and competence of the surgeon are still the most important considerations.
What sort of results can I expect?
The goal for surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Following LASIK, many patients achieve 20/20 vision. Nearly all are able to pass a driving testing in most states.
Does the procedure hurt?
Most patients feel little or no pain during LASIK. You will remain awake and alert during the procedure. Typically, anesthetic eye drops are all that is required to avoid discomfort. Some patients report a mild burning sensation, which usually goes away by the next morning.
Is LASIK safe?
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recognizes LASIK as a safe and effective treatment. The procedure is performed with a cool, highly accurate beam of laser light. There are many important safeguards in place to reduce the risk of surgical errors. As with any surgical procedure, adverse side effects are possible.
What are the possible side effects?
Studies suggest that three to five percent of LASIK patients experience dry eyes, nighttime glare or other unwanted side effects, which tend to diminish over time.
When can I go back to work and resume normal activity?
Patients can typically return to work and resume normal activity the day after surgery. Exposing eyes to water from swimming pools, hot tubs, the ocean or intense perspiration should be avoided for 10 days following surgery. Dusty environments and eye makeup should be avoided for the first three days following surgery.

Dr. Paul Dougherty is a Los Angeles Laser Eye Surgery specialist who also is an expert with the Crystalens and Staar Visian ICL Implantable Contact Lens.
When you think of Los Angeles LASIK Surgery, think of Dougherty Laser Vision Correction.

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