LASIK Surgery

LASIK Surgery Myrtle Beach Questions

Your LASIK consultation is meant for answering your questions. Here are a few questions and answers from the Refractive Surgery Council:

Q: What is LASIK post-operative recovery like?

A: For most patients, LASIK recovery is fast, and you will be able to resume most of your normal activities within a day or two. You will be instructed to take it easy, rest and be diligent about sticking to your schedule of eye drop medications. Typically, the first few hours, up to a day or two, after the topical anesthesia wears off your eyes may feel slightly irritated, sensitive, or dry. Other potential symptoms you may experience after surgery include halos around your eyes at night, tearing eyes, puffy eyelids, and sensitivity to light. These should all diminish within a week. While these initial symptoms resolve quickly, the total healing period takes a little longer, typically from 3-6 months, during which time your vision will gradually improve.

Q: There are many surgeons who perform LASIK. How do I decide which one is the best for me?

A: One of the most important decisions you will make is the eye doctor you choose to perform your LASIK surgery. It is essential to find a LASIK surgeon you feel comfortable with and who you trust to do a great job – in this case – to improve your eyesight. Look for a qualified surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has lots of experience with the procedure. He or she should be eager to answer all your questions and help educate you so you can make an informed decision, this should include making you fully aware of the risks and benefits to make the choice that is right for you.

Q: Will I ever need to wear glasses again in the future?

A: LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct the vision you had at the time of surgery. However, like most people, once you hit your 40s, you may find it harder to focus on objects close-up. You will have what is known as presbyopia, which occurs when the lens inside the eye becomes less elastic and can no longer change shape to bring things into focus clearly. Presbyopia affects everyone and is part of the natural aging process. You may eventually find you need eyeglasses for reading and close work. If you have LASIK, it will not prevent presbyopia or make it worse.

Q: If my vision should change in the future, can I have another treatment?

With modern LASIK, the number of patients requiring an enhancement treatment – which is a follow-up LASIK procedure – is less than 2 percent within the first 12 months. The potential for needing an enhancement increases about 1 percent a year; so over the course of a decade, the chance of vision changes requiring an enhancement is about 10 percent. While it is likely you can have an enhancement procedure, you will need to be carefully evaluated to determine if it is recommended for your eyes and vision.

Leading LASIK Ophthalmologist, Neil B. Griffin, M.D, uses the most advanced vision diagnostics and latest lasers for LASIK. Dr. Griffin received his highly specialized fellowship in cornea and external disease from the University of Texas in Houston. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

LASIK screenings are free at Griffin Eye Center, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Appointments can be made at GriffinEyeCenter.com or by calling (843) 449-6414 ext.123.