How Soon after LASIK can I Wear Eye Makeup?

Each person recovers from LASIK a little bit differently, but in most instances, you can begin to wear eye makeup within a week following your procedure. Nonetheless, it is important that you discuss what’s best for you with your eye surgeon before you resume wearing mascara and eyeliner.

Once you are able to wear makeup again, be careful to not rub your eyes too hard when removing it. Rubbing your eyes can interfere with proper LASIK recovery and result in unnecessary and avoidable complications.

Skincare after LASIK

Unlike makeup, you can generally resume your normal skincare routine the day of your surgery. This may include things such as washing your face and applying moisturizers, but it is important that you avoid contact with the eyes while following your skincare regimen. Some eye surgeons may recommend a specific type of nonirritating facial cleanser or lotion, but under most circumstances what you regularly use should be just fine. However, this should be discussed with your eye doctor before your procedure.

To learn more about caring for your eyes and reducing your risk of complications following LASIK surgery, please contact an experienced eye surgeon in your area today to schedule an initial consultation.

Blended Vision LASIK for Presbyopia

Blended vision LASIK, also known as monovision LASIK, is currently the most popular presbyopia laser surgery treatment. Blended vision LASIK shapes the corneas of both eyes differently, making one better suited for distance vision and the other intentionally left mildly nearsighted, thereby reducing a patient’s dependence on reading glasses.

Most people who adapt well to monovision contact lenses handle blended vision LASIK very well, making it ideal to try contact lenses before committing to this irreversible procedure. Some patients have reported difficulties with blurred vision, night vision, and reading small print following blended vision LASIK and these things should be discussed with your eye surgeon before you decide to undergo the procedure.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an unavoidable part of the aging process. Presbyopia makes reading and other close up work more difficult and has traditionally been remedied with reading glasses. In recent years, advancements in LASIK technology have allowed for presbyopia to be corrected through laser surgery. To learn if laser treatment is the best solution for your presbyopia, talk to your ophthalmologist today.

To learn if laser surgery can reduce your dependence on reading glasses, please contact an experienced LASIK surgeon in your area today to schedule your initial consultation.

Flex Plans to Finance LASIK

Many health insurance companies and employers offer flexible spending accounts (FSA), a pre-tax deduction of wages held in a special account that can be accessed to pay for medical expenses. The kicker with FSAs is that you lose the money you have accrued if you do not use it within a plans designated fiscal year, making it important that you remain aware of when a plan will expire.

FSAs can be used to finance a number of medical procedures including LASIK. In fact, since LASIK is not covered by most insurance plans, it is one of the most popular FSA financed procedures. Your eye surgeon will be able to discuss all of your LASIK financing options with you during your initial consultation.

Big Savings

Using your FSA for LASIK can pay off in many ways including clear, prescription-free vision, but the savings will certainly be evident as well. By using your FSA for laser eye surgery, you make sure the money you have saved is not lost. What’s more, after your LASIK surgery, the need for expensive prescription eyewear and frequent visits to the optometrist will be eliminated, allowing you to spend your money on more rewarding things while enjoying your crystal-clear vision.

If you would like to learn more about financing your LASIK procedure, please contact an experienced eye surgeon in your area today to schedule an initial consultation.

Can I Have LASIK After Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye which, left untreated, can lead to a complete loss of vision. Once discovered, cataract surgery is the only way to prevent vision loss. During cataract surgery, your natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Your new lens will be immune to future clouding and, in many cases, can greatly improve vision.

The purpose behind cataract surgery is to prevent blindness by removing the cataract. Optimal vision correction achieved through various intraocular lenses is possible, but certainly not guaranteed. Your eye surgeon will discuss what you can realistically expect following your cataract surgery in more detail.

LASIK after Cataract Surgery

If you are not happy with your vision improvement following cataract surgery, you can discuss your refractive surgery options with your ophthalmologist. A more common approach is to undergo LASIK while a cataract is still small, waiting until necessary to remove the clouded lens. However, there is no single approach that is right for everyone and what is best for you should be determined by a trusted ophthalmologist.

If you are considering LASIK or have questions about your candidacy for refractive surgery following the removal of a cataract, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area today to schedule an initial consultation.

Corneal Issues and LASIK Candidacy

If you have glasses or contact lenses and dream of a life free of prescription eyewear, LASIK may be exactly what you have been looking for. LASIK is capable of correcting every type of refractive error and can produce lifelong results, often after just one treatment.

However, despite its general safety and high success rate, LASIK is not ideal for everyone. Your ophthalmologist will be able to examine your eyes, discuss your needs, and help you determine if LASIK is right for you. 

Corneal Issues

LASIK is used to reshape your inner corneal tissue, allowing for better refraction of light onto your retina. Due to this, corneal issues, more than anything else, can interfere with your LASIK candidacy.

Corneal issues that your eye doctor will check for include:

• Corneal thickness
• Corneal scarring
• Chronic dry eyes
• Severe myopia

LASIK technology advances every year and some issues, such as corneal thickness, are no longer automatic disqualifiers. The best way to learn if LASIK is right for you is through a one-on-one consultation and examination from an experienced eye surgeon. If LASIK is not ideal for you due to corneal issues, other refractive procedures that can permanently improve vision may be an option.

To learn if LASIK or another refractive surgery can help you achieve the clear vision you desire, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area to schedule an appointment today.

What is a Microkeratome?

A microkeratome is a surgical instrument that has been specifically designed to create the corneal flap in LASIK surgery. This hand-held instrument has an oscillating metal blade that creates a hinged flap, allowing an excimer laser to access and reshape inner corneal tissue. 

LASIK performed with a microkeratome may be faster than all laser options and comes with very few risks and complications. However, a certain corneal thickness is required for flap creation with a microkeratome, which may interfere with some peoples’ LASIK candidacy.

Alternatives to Microkeratome Flap Creation

If you have been told you are not a good candidate for LASIK due to the thickness of your cornea, what your doctor may have meant was that you are not a good candidate for traditional LASIK with a microkeratome flap. Alternatives such as Epi-LASIK or IntraLase® are capable of creating flaps even in thin corneas, allowing people who have not traditionally been good candidates to undergo vision correction surgery. The technique that is right for you is best determined by your ophthalmologist and should be tailored to meet your specific vision needs.

If you are interested in learning more about LASIK surgery and the method of flap creation best suited to meet your needs, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area to schedule an appointment today.