Frequently Asked Questions —
LASIK & Laser Vision Correction
1. Is LASIK surgery painful?
LASIK is generally not painful. Numbing eye drops are used before the procedure, so most patients feel little or no pain during surgery. Mild burning, watering, or a gritty sensation may occur for a few hours afterward.
2. How long does LASIK surgery take?
The actual laser treatment usually takes only a few minutes for both eyes. The complete procedure, including preparation, generally takes around 15–30 minutes.
3. How quickly can I see after LASIK?
Many patients experience a significant improvement in vision within a few hours or by the next day. Vision may fluctuate during the first few days or weeks as the eyes heal.
4. Is LASIK safe?
LASIK is considered a safe and effective procedure for appropriately selected patients. However, like any surgery, it carries potential risks and side effects. A detailed eye examination is necessary to determine whether LASIK is suitable for you.
5. Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
Generally, suitable candidates are adults with stable glasses or contact-lens prescriptions and healthy eyes. Corneal thickness, corneal shape, eye health, prescription, age, and other factors must be evaluated before surgery.
6. Can LASIK permanently remove my glasses?
LASIK can significantly reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, but it does not guarantee that you will never need glasses again. Some patients may require glasses for specific activities or later in life.
7. What is the recovery time after LASIK?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a day or two. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding exercise, swimming, eye makeup, screen use, and other activities.
8. Can I use my phone or computer after LASIK?
Screen use can usually be resumed relatively soon, but your eyes may initially feel dry or tired. Taking regular breaks and using prescribed lubricating drops can help during recovery.
9. Is LASIK suitable for high eye power?
LASIK may be suitable for some patients with higher prescriptions, but suitability depends on factors such as corneal thickness, corneal shape, and overall eye health. Other procedures may sometimes be recommended.
10. What happens if I am not suitable for LASIK?
If LASIK is not appropriate, your surgeon may discuss alternatives such as PRK, SMILE, or phakic intraocular lenses, depending on your eye condition and prescription.
Cataract Surgery
11. What is a cataract?
A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision, glare, difficulty seeing at night, or faded colours. Cataracts commonly develop with age but can also occur for other reasons.
12. When should cataract surgery be done?
Cataract surgery is generally recommended when the cataract begins to interfere with your daily activities, such as reading, driving, working, or watching television.
13. Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery is usually performed using local or topical anaesthesia, so patients generally do not experience significant pain during the procedure. Mild irritation or discomfort can occur afterward.
14. How long does cataract surgery take?
Modern cataract surgery is usually a short procedure, often taking approximately 15–30 minutes, although the total time at the surgical centre will be longer because of preparation and recovery.
15. Can cataract surgery remove glasses permanently?
Depending on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) selected, cataract surgery can reduce dependence on glasses. However, the result varies from patient to patient, and some people may still need glasses for certain activities.
16. What are the different types of lenses used in cataract surgery?
Options can include monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended-depth-of-focus, and other premium IOLs. The appropriate lens depends on your eye measurements, lifestyle, visual requirements, and medical history.
17. How soon can I see after cataract surgery?
Many patients notice improved vision soon after surgery, although vision can remain slightly blurred while the eye heals. Final visual results may take longer to stabilize.
18. Can cataracts come back after surgery?
A cataract itself does not grow back because the cloudy natural lens has been removed. However, some patients develop posterior capsule opacification (PCO), sometimes called a “secondary cataract,” which can usually be treated with a YAG laser procedure.
General Eye Care
19. How often should I have an eye examination?
The recommended frequency depends on your age, eye health, medical conditions, family history, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. Your eye surgeon can recommend an appropriate examination schedule.
20. What are the symptoms of a serious eye problem?
Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, a curtain-like shadow, severe eye pain, or sudden redness can require urgent assessment. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.
21. Can diabetes affect my eyes?
Yes. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina and cause diabetic retinopathy. Regular comprehensive eye examinations are important for people with diabetes.
22. Can high blood pressure affect eyesight?
High blood pressure can affect the blood vessels in the retina and may contribute to various eye problems. Regular medical and eye examinations are important for people with hypertension.
23. Is dry eye treatable?
Yes. Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may include lubricating eye drops, lifestyle changes, warm compresses, lid hygiene, prescription medications, or other treatments recommended by an eye specialist.
24. Can excessive screen time damage my eyes?
Prolonged screen use can contribute to digital eye strain, dryness, headaches, and temporary blurred vision. The 20-20-20 rule, regular blinking, appropriate lighting, and proper screen positioning can help reduce symptoms.
25. Can children need eye examinations even if they see normally?
Yes. Some vision problems may not be obvious to parents or children. Age-appropriate eye examinations can help detect refractive errors, lazy eye, squint, and other conditions early.
Eye Surgery & Consultation
26. How do I know which eye surgery is right for me?
The right procedure depends on your eye condition, prescription, corneal health, age, lifestyle, and visual requirements. A comprehensive examination with an eye surgeon is essential before deciding on surgery.
27. What tests are done before eye surgery?
Depending on the procedure, testing may include refraction, corneal mapping, corneal thickness measurement, eye pressure measurement, retinal examination, tear-film assessment, and detailed measurements of the eye.
28. Are there risks associated with eye surgery?
Every surgical procedure has potential risks. Your surgeon should explain the expected benefits, possible complications, alternatives, and recovery process before you make a decision.
29. How should I prepare for an eye surgery consultation?
Bring your previous eye reports, current glasses or contact-lens prescription, details of medications, and information about previous eye surgeries or medical conditions. Contact-lens users may need to stop wearing lenses for a specified period before certain tests.
30. How do I choose the right eye surgeon?
Consider the surgeon’s qualifications, experience with the specific procedure, technology available, quality of pre-operative evaluation, patient reviews, and whether the surgeon clearly explains both benefits and risks.