Frequently Asked Questions - Contoura Vision & Lasik Laser Surgery

What are the possible risks?

It is quite obvious to get concerned about the “complications”. Well, because of experienced ophthalmologists performing LASIK, no case of vision loss has been reported because of refractive surgery. The Excimer laser used is completely controlled by computer and is preprogrammed according to your treatment specifications. Statistically, there is a secluded possibility of vision loss due to corneal inflammation or infection which is taken care of immediately by keeping up sterile conditions in the laser setup and by prescribing you to use medicinal drops for the first week post surgery. Besides, we will also counsel you informing about the possible risks on the completion of your eye evaluation. Potential risks include: problems in healing of corneal flap, dry eye, discomfort or pain, hazy vision, too much sensitivity to light, or infection.

How soon will I be able to see after the surgery?

Recovery of vision varies from a day to a week. Maximum number of patients gets back into their routine normally after one or two days post surgery however, it takes 1 or 2 months for your vision to gain complete stability. Although everyone varies, majority of LASIK patients even attain legal driving vision or even better the following day. In fact, this is the advantage of LASIK; clear vision comes quickly. Your vision improves day by day gradually.

Which Lasik procedure should I choose? What is the difference in normal Lasik & Thin flap Lasik?

Over a period of 20 years, lots of advancements have taken place in Lasik Technology, from standard Lasik to Customized Lasik to Advanced Aspheric Lasik. In recent few years, better technology has been launched for making finest quality flap that is SBK Lasik & iFSTM (Femtosecond Laser) for Blade Free Lasik which surely offers better outcome eliminating any complications. Thin flap Lasik offers better corneal strength after Lasik procedure because it create very thin flaps and leaving better ground for doing Lasik correction. Based on affordability factor one who cannot pay for thin flap Lasik, conventional flap Lasik is recommended as treatment is same and only difference is thickness of flap. However, in some case where corneal thickness is not adequate then only thin flap Lasik is recommended.

What precautions must I take before Lasik Surgery?

All contact lens wear must be stopped well before the day of surgery. RGP, semi-hard or hard contact lens users should stop wearing them at least two weeks before the procedure. Soft contacts users should stop one week before. This is because contact lenses are worn on the cornea and will temporarily change the shape of the cornea slightly, but significantly enough to affect the results of the surgery. Make-up, perfume or hair-care products must not be worn or used on the day of surgery. The vapors emitted by these may interfere with the sensitive laser. Also, have someone follow you on the day of surgery. You should not drive immediately after the procedure as vision will be slightly blurry.

What is the accuracy for LASIK?

LASIK has been approved as an accurate procedure but accuracy can be achieved only after thorough preoperative examination of your eye. With the evolution in Lasik technologies various categories are formed as newer & better Lasik Technologies are introduced for precise, accurate & predictable outcomes

How much time does it take to complete LASIK?

Lasik is a simple painless cosmetic procedure. The overall Lasik procedure takes maximum 10 minutes for both eyes. To correct the vision, the laser itself will only take 20-50 seconds depending upon your prescription and the amount of correction required. However, you should schedule for being in the office for an hour and a half nearly on your surgery day. Immediate after Lasik Surgery one can see without glasses

How long does LASIK last? Is LASIK permanent?

This is the most common question asked by most of Lasik Surgery seekers - the eye power removed by Lasik should last for the rest of your life. As per medical documentation & research, it shows that once the cornea layer modified or resphaped by Lasik Laser, it tends to stay modified permanently. Therefore, LASIK lasts a very long time. In few rare instances there are cases of regression, which may be corrected with further surgery, but the vast majority of corrected eyes continue to stay in their state of improved focus. The FDA recognizes LASIK as proven, safe & effective surgery for Glasses removal. LASIK has been approved for use by pilots in the Navy, Air Force and NASA. Current Lasik Technology available at Delhi is one of the finest, safe & most reliable FDA approved technology for glasses removal

How painful is LASIK?

LASIK does not hurt at all, it is quite painless. To numb the eye entirely, plenty of anesthetic drops are put in the eye. A light pressure sensation is felt around the eye and when the procedure is completed, you will sense what patients report as gritty or a binding in your eyes for some hours but most of the people do not experience much pain. The ophthalmologist will give you a prescription to relieve your pain along with lots of rest.

How far is LASIK safe?

LASIK has been approved as an effective and safe procedure although not everyone is suitable for LASIK. Some people might not be appropriate for LASIK and even if treated, the results will be optimally less. Thus, to determine your suitability for LASIK, a preoperative examination should be conducted.

Am I too aged to undergo LASIK?

The minimal age for Lasik is 18 years defined by FDA. Although onward there is no defined maximum age for vision correction through LASIK, ophthalmologist will first determine the overall condition and health of your eyes and also that your vision difficulty is not by virtue of cataract or any other eye disease. The consistency of vision needs to be stable before proceeding with LASIK. After treatment, you might need to wear reading glasses depending upon your age.

Am I eligible for LASIK?

The eligibility of having LASIK for vision correction is decided based upon the results obtained by a thorough evaluation pre-operation. Each and every eye varies and requires careful but unique examination with the help of best technology. The ophthalmologist conducts and 2-3 hours 27 point evaluation in order to determine whether you are eligible for laser vision correction or not. Please note that not every individual is suitable for LASIK but some basic conditions include:

A consistent eyeglasses prescription for a minimum of two years

Best corrected vision of specifications of minimum of 20/40

A healthy cornea

No existing eye diseases

Minimum age of 18 years

How exactly does LASIK work?

LASIK (Laser in situ Keratomleusis) is a vision correction method that is performed with the help of an Excimer laser. This laser reshapes the cornea and also heals farsightedness, nearsightedness and even astigmatism. The doctor conducting LASIK first uses a femtosecond laser for precision for few seconds in order to create a thin flap of cornea. The Excimer laser comes into picture wherein it is already pre-programmed according to your exact correction. This laser applies cool UV light rapidly that removes minute tissues from the inner part of cornea. The short laser modulations correct the cornea curvature so that images get focused clearly on the retina. The created flap is than preened back into its original place where it quickly fastens back in four to five minutes, rebuilding a smooth intact surface