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If your glasses or contacts interfere with your active lifestyle, or you find them uncomfortable, LASIK eye surgery may be an option. It reshapes your corneas using a laser to correct vision problems, allowing many patients to give up their glasses or contacts altogether. If you’re considering the procedure, talk with your eye doctor, and learn more about what’s involved. 

Common Questions About LASIK Eye Surgery

Who can get LASIK?

LASIK can correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea, the retina sees images more sharply. However, some people, such as those with eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, or anything else that could affect healing aren’t good candidates. Before scheduling the procedure, your eye doctor will conduct a thorough exam to determine whether you're a suitable candidate and discuss alternatives if not. 

What happens during surgery? 

LASIK surgery is an outpatient procedure, and most people only spend about an hour at the surgeon’s office. The doctor will apply an anesthetic to the eye, then hold your eye open with an eyelid speculum while they create a small flap in the cornea.

The laser is then used to remove corneal tissue, which only takes a few seconds, and the flap is put back in place. You’ll relax while the doctor applies eye drops or ointment to help healing, and then you can go home.

What’s LASIK recovery like?

eye doctorMost people begin to see more clearly immediately after the procedure, although they may have some blurred vision for a day or two. In fact, many people can drive and return to normal activity the day after LASIK.

You’ll have at least one follow up appointment to ensure your eyes are healing properly. Your regular eye doctor will also want to see you post-LASIK to evaluate your vision and eye health. 

Will I have perfect vision?

Although most people with low to moderate vision problems see significant improvement in their vision – in many cases, 20/20 or better – those who are severely near or farsighted may still need to wear glasses; however, they will not be as strong.

Many people over 40 also continue to use reading glasses after LASIK. As we age, eye lenses lose flexibility, causing blurred vision up close even when distance vision is corrected. Your eye doctor can help explore your options and find the right corrective lenses post-LASIK if necessary. 

 

If you are thinking about LASIK surgery, your first stop should be a visit to your eye doctor. With two convenient locations in Honolulu and Manoa,  Kato & Shoji Optometrists makes it easy to get comprehensive eye care when you need it. They also offer prescription glasses and contact lenses to patients of all ages. Call them at (808) 735-8080 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their clinic and services.

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