Common Questions

1) What is IntraLasik?
IntraLasik is a surgical procedure that corrects nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Lasik is the acronym for "laser assisted in situ keratomileusis." The name refers the use of a laser to reshape the cornea without invading the adjacent cell layers.

2) How long has laser vision correction been performed?
Internationally for more than 20 years. It was performed in clinical trials in the U.S. in 1995.

3) Who can't have IntraLasik?
While the doctors must evaluate before they can determine who is an eligible candidate for LASIK, you may not be a candidate if you are pregnant, nursing, have very thin corneas, have herpes of the eye, take certain medications, or have an unstable prescription.

4) Are the results permanent?
The effects are permanent and do not wear off. But it is important to realize that a person's eye can still change internally. The muscles will continue to relax with age, requiring you to wear reading glasses for close-up activities (presbyopia). If you are not satisfied with the amount of correction you receive, you can have an enhancement procedure to fine tune your vision. As with other surgeries, the rate that your eyes heal affects the speed of your final outcome.

5) How long will the procedure take?
The actual procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes for two eyes, including creating the flap and administering the laser under the flap. The entire process on surgery day will take approximately 1 hour and you will have a follow-up exam later that day.

6) Can I drive immediately after having IntraLasik?
Patients will experience some discomfort and/or blurred vision for a few hours after surgery and most patients receive a sedative prior to surgery. Therefore, you cannot drive home after undergoing the procedure, and you should plan not to drive for at least twenty-four hours.

7) What type of anesthetic is used for IntraLasik?
The procedure is done with topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye. Patients are offered a small amount of oral sedative to help them relax during and after the procedure.

8) Does the procedure hurt?
Patients are given a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain during the procedure. Some patients report mild discomfort from the eyelid retainer. For several hours after the procedure, many patients describe a mild irritation. After the first few hours, this uncomfortable feeling usually subsides. Resting with the eyes closed for several hours will expedite the healing process.

9) How long will I be out of work after having IntraLasik?
Most patients can return to work the next day, assuming their vision is adequate for their job. Certain jobs that require intense clarity of vision may be difficult to perform for one or two days.

10) Can I play sports after IntraLasik surgery?
You can resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. However, for at least two weeks you will need to avoid activities that would cause perspiration to run into the eyes. You should wear safety glasses while playing contact sports whether or not you have had surgery. But if you do not routinely wear safety glasses, your surgeon may recommend wearing them for at least one month. You will also need to avoid such activities as contact sports and swimming for several weeks. It is important to talk specifically with your doctor about limitations on activities after laser vision correction.

11) How long will it take before I can see well, and how long will it take before I have my best vision? Most patients achieve good vision the day of surgery. However, vision can continue to improve, and best vision can still take two to three months to occur. Patients who undergo hyperopic (farsighted) LASIK typically take longer to stabilize, with best vision coming several months post-operatively.

12) Will I need to wear glasses once my eyes have healed?
Our goal is to rid you of your distance vision glasses/lenses. However, patients may need to wear reading glasses if they are over the age of 40. This is caused by the normal aging of the eye known as presbyopia. This condition occurs with or without laser vision correction.

13) How safe is the IntraLasik procedure?
Most studies show a minimal risk of serious complications, but as with any surgery there are risks you should discuss with your doctor. In January 2004, Victoria Eye Center implemented the IntraLase FS laser as part of the laser vision correction process. This laser replaced the microkeratome blade previously used to create the flap. The introduction of the Intralase laser increases the safety of the laser vision procedure because most complications reported nationwide are linked to the microkeratome.

14) After IntraLasik, how will my vision be at night or in low light?
Some patients will see glare, halos or starbursts around objects in dim or low-light conditions temporarily as the flap heals. The initial lasers that were used created a higher incidence of glare and halos. Your doctor will evaluate your pupil size to determine if this may be a possibility for you.

15) Will my eyes be dry after IntraLasik?
All patients should be aware that dry eye is a potential complication of laser vision correction. Our doctors will carefully test patients who have suffered from dry eye before, are bothered by contact lenses, are going through menopause or taking birth control pills for the potential of developing this complication after surgery. In the initial stages of healing, your eyes may feel dry or scratchy, but this will subside and is relieved with artificial tears.

16) If I'm corrected for distance, will I lose my ability to see well up close?
If you have IntraLasik done to correct your distance vision, you can expect clear overall vision. However, images close to you may not appear as clear after having IntraLasik if you are over 40 and already have difficulty with up-close vision.

17) Does insurance cover this surgery?
IntraLasik is considered an elective surgery. Most United States, Canadian and Latin American insurance policies will not cover the procedure. If you reside in the U.S., you should check with your insurance company to see if your policy offers partial or full coverage. In many cases, the cost of the procedure can be covered by medical flex plans or medical cafeteria plans that allow pretax dollars to be set aside for medical expenses. You should check with your employer to see if your company offers this type of benefit. It is possible that the cost of IntraLasik may be deducted from your U.S. federal income taxes. You should check with your accountant to see if you can claim IntraLasik as a deductible health expense.