There is so much marketing and noise about the Lasik procedure that it leaves many patients unsettled about the procedure. At our office, we are about clarity, transparency, and honesty. After all, Lasik is just a procedure and no advertising gimmicks should minimize the risks or exaggerate the rewards. Here are some answers to basic questions. If you have more questions, feel free to email us (info@laservuedc.com), or come in for a free consultation.

What Is Lasik? If you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism then Lasik can potentially help you see without glasses. Lasik is an outpatient procedure that reshapes your cornea using the combination of Femto and excimer laser.

How Much does it Cost? The Lasik Center that Dr. Johnson refers you to will advise you of the cost which could reflect any insurance discounts.

Is Lasik Safe? No procedure is 100% safe. There are risks to everything in medicine, and generally in life. Studies have shown the risk of the procedure is less than wearing contact lenses. The procedure is very straightforward and, based on my experience performing Lasik over the past 20 years, it does not take special skill or talent. The technology has improved significantly over the past 10 years. We used to make the flap (the first part of Lasik) with a blade, which resulted in many of the complications. But these days, the Femto laser makes the flap which eliminates the risk-prone part of Lasik. There is still risk with Femto laser, but it is rare in my hands.

If Lasik is a low-skill procedure, why should I see an experienced surgeon? In the early days of Lasik (more than 20 years ago), the complication rate was high, the procedure (deservedly) got bad press,  and it made many physicians and patients wary of the procedure. Two developments have made the procedure safer:

1. The introduction of Femto lasers to create the flap. It eliminates the surgeon factor and makes the procedure significantly safer.

2. Proper evaluation and screening of the patients. This is where a surgeon's experience and skill become very valuable. The procedure is great if it’s performed on a good candidate.

A surgeon's judgment to screen patients well and decline patients who are poor or borderline candidates is invaluable. Many surgeons can properly perform Lasik, but in rare instances when encountering issues during the procedure, you want an experienced surgeon to manage it. In those rare situations, an experienced surgeon can make all the difference. Additionally, correction of the vision is not a one-procedure solution. You need to see a surgeon who can do all the corrective procedures. Certain patients are good candidates for Lasik, others Refractive Lens Exchange, ICL, or PRK. Dr. Nazari has performed all these procedures and he can recommend what’s best for the patient regardless of the modality of the treatment. It is crucial to see a surgeon who is skilled at all corrective surgery procedures, not just one. Dr. Nazari has performed corrective surgery on our family members, coworkers, nurses, fellow physicians and surgeons, generals, and judges.

How is the Evaluation Process? At your initial consultation, a complete dilated exam with imaging studies must be performed which usually takes about 45 minutes. After the exam, your options are explained, and a recommended treatment plan is discussed. The next step is a decision made by you to proceed with surgery or wait. If you decide to proceed with surgery, an appointment for the procedure is made. You have to take the day off work on the day of the procedure. You’ll be seen the next day in the office and most people resume work on that day.

How many visits after the surgery are necessary?  You are seen the day after surgery, (which you can drive yourself), you are then seen by our office or your referring doctor a week or two later and then again for a one-month visit and again at the 3-month postop period. These visits are typically quick and are to ensure health and accuracy.  

Can I do _________ the next day?  You can do just about everything the day after surgery,  but no swimming for a week. Take your drops and wash your hands more than usual and all will go well.  

Will "monovision" work with LASIK?  If you are under 40, skip this answer. We often use a laser to achieve a monovision correction. This is so your dominant eye sees well in the distance and your non-dominant eye is focused for near. I know, it sounds crazy, but this type of blended vision works well. It’s easy for people that have done it with contact lenses and if you have never tried it and have only worn bifocals we often simulate it with contacts to see if a permanent LASIK correction is desirable. We like to call it “blended Vision” and it is the best way to solve presbyopic (for 40-year-old folks) issues.