LASIK eye surgery is a transformative medical procedure and laser refractive surgery designed to reshape the cornea, thereby improving vision and minimizing the need for corrective eyewear. During LASIK surgery, a state-of-the-art laser is utilized to safely adjust the curvature of the cornea—a dome-shaped clear tissue responsible for refracting light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea is misshaped, as in cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, light rays are refracted incorrectly, resulting in blurry vision. While glasses or contact lenses offer temporary solutions, laser eye surgery is a refractive surgery that provides a permanent fix for vision problems by permanently reshaping the cornea.
What Happens During LASIK Eye Surgery?
Step 1: Personalizing The Procedure
The initial stage of LASIK laser surgery involves assessing the unique characteristics of your eyes using WaveScan technology. This advanced system generates a precise 3-D map of your eye, identifying any irregularities or imperfections. Utilizing this comprehensive data, our doctors tailor a customized treatment specifically for your eyes, ensuring optimal results.
Step 2: Creating the LASIK Flap
Following the customization of your treatment, anesthetic eye drops are applied to your eyes. Using the Intralase femtosecond Laser, a blade-free corneal method, a flap is meticulously created. This advanced LASIK technique not only ensures safety but also yields exceptional visual outcomes. Studies have shown that more patients achieve 20/20 vision or better when Intralase is utilized.
Steps 3 & 4: Correcting Your Vision
With your customized LASIK procedure treatment plan and corneal flap in place, our doctors are prepared to transform your vision and improve your quality of life. The flap is delicately lifted, exposing the inner corneal tissue, which is then reshaped to match your desired vision correction, akin to your contact lenses or corrective lenses. This quick procedure typically lasts less than 10 minutes, offering a swift and effective solution for vision enhancement.
Step 5: Completing the Surgery
After reshaping the corneal tissue, the flap is carefully closed and repositioned to its original placement. This process does not require stitches from your LASIK eye surgeon, as the natural suction of the eye seals the flap securely and permanently.
Step 6: Your Vision Has Been Corrected
With the corneal flap closed, your LASIK refractive eye surgery treatment is finished. You may experience mild blurred vision during the healing process after the surgical procedure, which will shortly subside. Experience the clarity of vision you’ve always desired, free of refractive errors!
The LASIK Surgeons of Nielsen Eye Center, consisting of Dr. Steven A. Nielsen, Dr. Helen R. Moreira, Dr. Maria Lopez, and Dr. Nitasha Khanna, have expertly mastered the latest laser technology with skills that are second to none. The surgery is performed at the Quincy Laser Eye Center, which is conveniently located directly across the hall from The Nielsen Eye Center. This state-of-the-art facility provides both the comfort and quality of care you deserve.
RECOVERY AND HEALING TIME
Some patients may feel slight irritation (a sandy feeling in the eye) for a few hours, but most are quite comfortable after a nap and rest. Most patients are free to resume their normal activities the next day. Although healing time varies from person to person, most patients are seeing better than 20/40 the next day, and the vision continues to improve as the cornea heals.
After the flap is created, your Nielsen Eye Center surgeon will remove tissue from the cornea with an excimer laser. Once the cornea is reshaped, the flap is gently placed back down and left to heal on its own. There are no stitches required. LASIK vision surgery takes about 10 minutes total to complete and involves no needles, shots, or blades.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for LASIK, you’ll need to schedule a LASIK consultation. Here are some of the factors that go into whether you’re a good candidate:
You are in good health
You must be at least 18 years old to undergo LASIK
You cannot be pregnant or nursing when getting LASIK
Your corneas are thick enough that LASIK is safe to perform on you
You must have a stable prescription that hasn’t changed in the last year or more
You don’t have any conditions that make it harder to heal after a procedure like LASIK
If you have dry eye, it is already being managed and is not causing injury to your eyes
You don’t have any conditions like dry eye that aren’t under control before your procedure
Contact Us
These are only a few of the factors taken into consideration, which is why anyone interested in LASIK must schedule a LASIK consultation. During your LASIK consultation, it is important to disclose your entire medical history. Book your appointment now to explore vision improvement options, or fill out our online contact form if you have any questions or would like more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work the day after Lasik?
Yes! Most patients can comfortably return to work one day after LASIK. However, its important to refrain from any heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
Can Lasik give you 20 20 Vision?
LASIK can give you 20/20 vision! Most patients see 20/20 at their one day post-operative visit.
Can you get Lasik If you have astigmatism?
Yes, thankfully due to advancements in technology, many patients with astigmatism are great candidates for LASIK or PRK.
Can you get Lasik in just one eye?
Yes, the best way to know what your needs are, is to come in for a free LASIK consult at our LASIK eye center!
Can you get Lasik surgery if you wear bifocals?
For people who wear bifocals, a procedure called monovision LASIK can be especially helpful. It corrects one eye for distance and the other for up-close. Your brain will adjust and blend the two images, creating clear vision.
Do your eyes look different after Lasik?
The only difference in your appearance after LASIK will be your lack of glasses. LASIK produces no noticeable changes in your eyes’ appearance.
How long do you wear glasses after Lasik?
The purpose for LASIK is to eliminate your dependency on glasses or contacts! Youll be given sunglasses to wear immediately following the procedure since you may experience light sensitive as your eyes heal.
How long does eye surgery take?
LASIK only takes 2-3 minutes per eye!
How long is the recovery for Lasik surgery?
LASIK recovery is very short, with most patients able to return to work, school, and daily activities the day after surgery. You may have some restrictions on your activity level for a few days to weeks – make sure to discuss your lifestyle with your eye doctor for specific recommendations.
What are the requirements for Lasik eye surgery?
Two of the most important requirements for LASIK are corneal thickness and a stable prescription. We recommend taking our LASIK self-test to determine if you’re a good candidate.
What does Lasik eye surgery do?
LASIK changes the shape of the cornea, the clear tissue covering your eye that helps focus light. Changing its shape can help your eyes focus better on light and thus achieve clearer vision.
Can I drive immediately after LASIK surgery?
No, you should not drive immediately after LASIK surgery. You will want to have a friend or family member drive you home from surgery at Nielsen Eye Center. Once your vision is entirely clear, you can start driving again.
Are there any risks or complications associated with LASIK?
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications with LASIK surgery at Nielsen Eye Center as well. Some of the risks associated with LASIK surgery include dry eyes, blurred vision, light sensitivity, glares, and infection.
Can I have LASIK if I have dry eyes?
Yes, you can have LASIK surgery at Nielsen Eye Center if you have dry eyes. That said, we typically recommend ensuring your dry eyes are managed, as LASIK can make dry eyes worse. Nielsen Eye Center will pre-treat your dry eyes prior to LASIK surgery. To determine if LASIK is right for you, schedule a consultation with one of our providers today.
Can LASIK surgery be reversed?
No, LASIK surgery at Nielsen Eye Center cannot be reversed. It’s considered a permanent procedure that reshapes the cornea.
How long do LASIK results last?
How long the results of LASIK last can differ from patient to patient, but most patients at Nielsen Eye Center see results for 10-15 years. If your vision changes significantly after LASIK, touch-up procedures are available.
Is LASIK covered by insurance?
LASIK is typically considered a vision correction procedure and is not covered by most insurance plans. However, some plans offer discounts or partial coverage, and many patients use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to offset costs. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your benefits. Our team at Nielsen Eye Center is happy to assist with insurance questions or discuss affordable financing options to make LASIK accessible for you. Contact us to learn more!
What is the minimum age requirement for LASIK?
The FDA approves LASIK for patients 18 and older, as eyes are generally fully developed by this age. However, we also ensure your vision prescription has been stable for at least one year to achieve the best results. During your complimentary consultation at Nielsen Eye Center, our experienced team will thoroughly evaluate your eligibility to ensure LASIK is right for you.
What are the most common side effects after LASIK?
Some patients experience temporary side effects such as dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights, especially at night. These typically resolve within a few weeks to months as the eyes heal. For instance, dry eye symptoms affect many initially but improve over time, while visual disturbances like halos and starbursts often fade within weeks to a few months. Other minor issues, such as blurry vision or light sensitivity, are common right after surgery but usually subside during the recovery period.
Can LASIK correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness?
Yes, LASIK can effectively correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by precisely reshaping the cornea to improve how light focuses in your eye. At Nielsen Eye Center, we use state-of-the-art technology to customize your LASIK procedure for optimal results. Schedule a free consultation to find out how LASIK can help you achieve clearer vision!
How do I know if I am a good candidate for LASIK?
You may be a great candidate for LASIK if you’re 18 or older, in good overall health, and have a stable prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Ideal candidates are often frustrated with glasses or contact lenses and seeking a long-term solution. Certain conditions, like active eye infections or severe dry eyes, may affect eligibility. At Nielsen Eye Center, we conduct a thorough, complimentary consultation to assess your eyes and ensure LASIK is safe and effective for you. Book yours today!
How safe is LASIK eye surgery?
LASIK is considered a very safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon using advanced technology. At Nielsen Eye Center, we utilize state-of-the-art equipment and tailor each treatment plan to your individual vision needs, ensuring optimal safety and results. According to recent studies and FDA data, modern LASIK has a complication rate of less than 1%, with 99.5% of eyes achieving 20/40 vision or better. Patient satisfaction rates exceed 95-98%, making it one of the safest elective surgeries available.
How do I choose the best LASIK surgeon?
Look for a board-certified ophthalmologist with extensive experience in LASIK and access to the latest laser technology. At Nielsen Eye Center, our surgeons are dedicated to providing personalized care and achieving exceptional outcomes. Key tips include checking credentials, such as education and training; evaluating hands-on experience; reading patient reviews; and ensuring the clinic uses advanced equipment. Ask for referrals from trusted eye care professionals or friends, and consider factors like specialization in vision correction and membership in professional organizations.
Can LASIK improve night vision?
LASIK can reduce or eliminate visual issues that affect night vision, including nearsightedness and astigmatism. Many patients report improved clarity in low-light conditions after healing is complete. Studies, including FDA research, show that the majority of patients experience a reduction in night vision problems like halos and glare, with modern wavefront-guided LASIK often enhancing overall night vision quality. While some may notice temporary disturbances, these typically resolve, leading to better performance in activities like night driving.
What should I expect during my LASIK consultation?
Your LASIK consultation at Nielsen Eye Center will include a comprehensive eye exam, detailed vision measurements, and a discussion about your goals and candidacy. Our team will walk you through every step and answer all your questions so you feel confident moving forward. Typically, the process involves a thorough eye health evaluation, reviewing your medical history, and specialized tests like corneal mapping, which can take 1-3 hours. Youll also discuss lifestyle needs, potential risks, and whether youre a good candidate—prepare by stopping contact lens use in advance if advised.
Our team of eye doctors includes some of the foremost experts in laser vision correction and eye surgery in the greater Boston area. We look forward to helping you maintain healthy and clear vision for years to come. Learn more about our leading providers and the high level of service you can expect at the Nielsen Eye Center.
Schedule your appointment today at one of our four convenient offices situated on the South Shore. Serving the greater Boston area, our locations in Quincy, Weymouth, Norwell, and Norwood are here to provide exceptional eye care tailored to your needs.
Discover the life-changing benefits of LASIK at Nielsen Eye Center. Our experienced surgeons are ready to guide you through your journey to clearer vision.