LASIK

How do I know I am elgible for LASIK?

At Wells Vision and Laser Eye Center, we conduct a thorough examination to determine candidacy for LASIK. During your consultation, you will receive detailed information that will describe the procedure and the risks in detail. Our staff will review the form with you and answer your questions or concerns you may have before your procedure.

LASIK patients must be at least 18 years of age and must not be pregnant or nursing. The conditions listed below may present additional risks or complications and should be discussed with the optometrist, or the surgeon, prior to the day of the procedure. All are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

•     Unstable refractive error
•     Keratitis sicca (advanced dry eyes)
•     Severe or poorly controlled glaucoma
•     Severe or poorly controlled diabetes
•     Recurring ocular herpes simplex
•     Cataracts
•     Active ocular inflammatory disease
•     Vascular disease
•     Heart condition requiring pacemaker regulation
•     Severe amblyopia
•     History of keloid formation
•     Keratoconus (progressive thinning/steepening of the cornea)

What should I expect after LASIK?

One of the best reasons not to have the LASIK procedure has nothing to do with the condition of your eyes. Unrealistic expectations can make you unhappy with the result. These expectations tend to fall into the following categories:

•  “Perfect” Vision – Thanks to lots of publicity, many people will assume that LASIK is going to give them “perfect vision.” The reality, of course, is somewhat different.
• LASIK is extremely precise but not as precise as etching a prescription into a piece of glass or plastic for eyeglasses. This is because some factors, such as your healing response, may affect the outcome.
• Many people will come into the office thinking that, after LASIK, they’ll never have to wear glasses again. Our goal is to make you less dependent on glasses, but not necessarily eliminate your need for them. In our experience, you may reasonably expect to perform the vast majority of functions (80% or more) without the need for corrective lenses after surgery. However, a thin pair of glasses for night driving may be desired.

What are the risks of having LASIK?

As with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks. Although rare, they can occur, and that is why it is important to meet with your doctor before you schedule your Emerald Coast LASIK procedure. During this meeting, you will not only learn if you are a candidate, but Dr. Well’s staff will explain the benefits and risks of laser vision correction to you. Then, before having LASIK, you can weigh the pluses and minuses, as they pertain to your individual situation. Some risks are:

•  Depending on your prescription (refraction), results may vary. If you have very high or very low refraction, you may have difficulty seeing 20/20 without glasses or contact lenses.
   
•  There is a chance that you may be either under or over-corrected. Only a certain percentage of patients achieve 20/20 after surgery. Depending on your results, additional treatment may be necessary and will be evaluated by Dr. Wells.
   
•  LASIK does not eliminate the need for reading glasses, either now, or in the future. LASIK corrects for nearsightedness (Myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia) and astigmatism. Presbyopia, or the need for reading glasses, is not correctable with LASIK.
   
•  Further complications, including infection and retinal detachment, although rare, may occur. This will be fully explained by Dr. Wells and his staff during your evaluation.

Contact Wells Vision Center for more information about LASIK eye surgery in Destin or to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.