Glenn Kawesch: According to the Summary of FDA Nearsighted LASIK Results (source: www.fda.gov), the Bausch & Lomb laser has an 87.3% success rate for 20/20 vision without glasses after six months. That same study showed the autonomous laser at 56.9%, VISX at 54.1%, and the Nidek at 47.4%. The minimum vision standard for playing sports without protective eyewear or driving an automobile is 20/40. The 20/40 results for the FDA tests are as follows: Bausch & Lomb, 99.7, autonomous, 93.7, VISX, 95.4, and Nidek, 84.4.

Safety data for this test is measured by loss of >=2 lines of best possible vision with glasses. The lower the number, the better the results. Those tests produced these results: Bausch & Lomb, 0.3%, autonomous, 1.2%, VISX, 0.4% Nidek, 0.9%

What Are The Goals Of Lasik Surgery?

Glenn Kawesch: The goal of LASIK is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on corrective lenses. By improving the uncorrected vision in patients, LASIK allows patients to go about their daily routine and enjoy life without the need for corrective lenses.

How Does Lasik Treat Nearsightedness and Farsightedness?

Glenn Kawesch: Your eye is anesthetized with eye drops (injections are not necessary). We then use a precise motorized instrument called a microkeratome to create a hinged flap of tissue on the center of the cornea. This flap of tissue is lifted back and the excimer laser is used to sculpt a new flatter surface under this flap. For farsightedness, the laser sculpts a new steeper surface. The flap is then replaced and adheres without requiring any stitches. People sit up from their procedure and can see better immediately.

What is No-Cut Lasik?

Glenn Kawesch: At Custom Laser Center, we're happy to also offer Epi-LASIK, the no-cut LASIK eye surgery procedure. The difference between LASIK and Epi-LASIK is that Epi-LASIK involves no blades or alcohol in the procedure. Epi-LASIK is a less abrasive procedure that many find preferable to traditional LASIK eye surgery.

With Epi-LASIK eye surgery, available at our Los Angeles and San Diego offices, a doctor can significantly reduce recovery time. Epi-LASIK is especially recommended for those who have extremely sensitive eyes and are concerned with the effects of putting alcohol on their eyes, or having an incision made.

Another benefit of Epi-LASIK is that it's an outpatient procedure. Since we numb your eyes with anesthetic drops, there will be no pain, no needles, and no injections. Epi-LASIK takes only seconds, and you'll be able to see right away.

What is Wavefront, or Custom Lasik?

Glenn Kawesch: Corneas are like fingerprints, just as unique and intricate. They have lumps, bumps, ridges and grooves. These shapes create distortions that can't be treated with glasses or contacts. Even some standard LASIK treatments can only correct so much. That's why Custom Laser Center employs a device called a Wavefront Analyzer, which sends multiple parallel beams of light into the eye. These beams get distorted as they bounce through the cornea, off the retina, and back again. These distortions are registered by the analyzer and used to direct the laser specifically to those areas causing them. These distortions are then targeted and corrected, frequently resulting in better than 20/20 vision.

What About Astigmatism?

Glenn Kawesch: The excimer laser can be programmed to treat astigmatism in addition to nearsightedness and farsightedness. These are treated simultaneously.

Is There Any Pain?

Glenn Kawesch: The surgery is generally painless. Most patients report a pressure sensation during the procedure. After the surgery, there may be some discomfort for 12 to 24 hours, which may be relieved by oral medications for pain and sleep.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

Glenn Kawesch: The actual procedure time is between five and fifteen minutes. You will be with us for about one hour.

How Long Is The Eye Patched?

Glenn Kawesch: Generally, a protective plastic shield is placed over it for 24 hours. You will be seen the next day; you will wear the shields at night for one week.

Are Both Eyes Done At The Same Time?

Glenn Kawesch: Since most patients notice improved vision almost immediately after LASIK we are able to operate on both eyes at the same time. While some patients elect to have one eye treated at a time, most of our patients choose to have them both done at the same time.

How Does The Doctor Know How Much Surgery To Do?

Glenn Kawesch: The doctor will program the amount of correction needed in your eyes into a computer which will control the pattern that the laser sculpts. The laser is accurate to the level of .25 microns!

Do I Need To Take Time Off From Work?

Glenn Kawesch: Usually not. Most of our patients return to work the following day. The visual results of LASIK surgery are nearly instantaneous, with clear vision usually present within hours. In some cases, it may be necessary to skip one day of work. In rare instances, more time off may be required.

Can My Vision Return To Its Original Level After Surgery?

Glenn Kawesch: There have been no reports on regression of effect following LASIK surgery.

What Are The Side Effects of Lasik?

Glenn Kawesch: The most common side effects are light sensitivity, and halos, which are usually short lived. Under correction or over correction may occur, and glasses may be needed after surgery to restore perfect vision. Some patients may benefit from a "touch-up" procedure several months after the LASIK to achieve best results. In rare instances, irregular corneal curvatures might be created and glasses may not restore perfect vision. A more detailed discussion of these issues will take place during your Comprehensive Eye Examination.

Will I Ever Need Glasses Again?

Glenn Kawesch: Usually not for distance vision, although some patients may still require thinner glasses for fine tuning. When you are in the age range where bifocals or "readers" are normally required for close vision (usually ages 40-45 and beyond), you will probably need reading glasses. This is a natural process known as presbyopia.

Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects?

Glenn Kawesch: The surgery has been performed in this country for approximately five years, and no long-term effects have yet been discovered. Remember that the technique is based on keratomileusis which has been around over thirty years.

Top How Old Do I Have To Be For Lasik Surgery?

Glenn Kawesch: The doctor would prefer patients to be at least 18 years old, with a stable prescription. There is no upper age limit.

What If I Am Currently Wearing Contact Lenses?

Glenn Kawesch: When you schedule a Comprehensive Eye Examination, it is important to note the following: if you are wearing hard or gas permeable contact lenses, they must be out of your eyes at least two weeks prior to your surgery. Soft lenses must be out for at least 24 hours. Also, bring in your glasses if available.