As it has grown in popularity, Houston LASIK has begun to be treated as a cure-all surgery for eye issues—to the point that when patients come in, they often have to ask, “Exactly what can LASIK surgery correct?” 

LASIK is an incredible procedure that has restored the vision of millions of people in North America alone. However, it cannot correct all vision issues. Let’s review the vision problems and eye health issues that the LASIK procedure can and cannot help. 

What is LASIK? A quick overview. 

Already familiar with LASIK? Skip to the next section: What can LASIK surgery correct? 

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, otherwise known as LASIK or laser eye surgery, corrects refractive errors. Refractive errors occur when a misshapen cornea misdirects the angle of light as it enters the eye, causing the light to focus on the retina at an incorrect angle and resulting in blurred vision. 

LASIK reshapes the cornea using lasers, which are safer, less invasive, and more efficient than bladed LASIK procedures. The whole procedure often lasts less than 15 minutes, and LASIK recovery time is typically minimal, with many patients reporting improved vision clarity on the same day as the procedure. 

In some cases (around 70%) LASIK can improve vision beyond 20/20. Over 95% of patients report satisfaction with their LASIK results. 

What can LASIK surgery correct?

LASIK is a refractive surgery that works by reshaping the cornea. There are several main types of ways that your cornea can be misshapen, each resulting in its own kind of refractive error. 

Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, occurs when your cornea curves at too sharp an angle, or when your eye is too elongated. Because of these aberrations, the light enters your eye and focuses too far in front of your retina, negatively affecting your distance vision. During the LASIK procedure, your ophthalmologist corrects nearsightedness by using the laser to flatten the cornea. 

Farsightedness

As the name would suggest, farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is in many ways the “opposite” of nearsightedness. Farsightedness occurs when your cornea is too flat, or when your eye is “too short.” These issues cause light to focus too far behind your retina, negatively affecting your near vision. During the LASIK procedure, your ophthalmologist corrects farsightedness by creating a steeper angle on the surface of the cornea. 

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the surface of your cornea is uneven. Flat in some places, curved in others, the uneven cornea breaks up the light that enters your eye, causing it to focus on multiple places on and around your retina instead of one place. During the LASIK procedure, your ophthalmologist corrects astigmatism by smoothing the surface of the cornea. 

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition that occurs when your lens loses flexibility. This loss of flexibility keeps your lens from being able to make adjustments and focus light on the retina, negatively affecting your near vision.

Scientists are still researching surgical procedures for effectively treating presbyopia. While LASIK cannot fix presbyopia completely, patients do have the option to try Monovision LASIK. During this procedure, an ophthalmologist fully corrects the distance vision of one eye while making the other slightly more nearsighted. 

Some people have difficulty adjusting to monovision, so it is recommended that patients undergo a trial period using lenses or glasses that mimic the effects of monovision. Patients who can adjust to monovision enjoy the freedom from external eyewear that this procedure affords. Patients who can’t adjust to monovision might fare better with alternative treatments, including lens replacement for presbyopia. 

What can’t LASIK surgery correct? Eye diseases and some extreme refractive errors.

Now that we have addressed the question, “What can LASIK surgery correct?” Let’s tackle some of the eye issues that LASIK doesn’t affect. 

Keratoconus 

Keratoconus is when your corneas become thin and weak, resulting in blurred vision and eyes that are cone-shaped in appearance. Because in reshaping the cornea LASIK sometimes involves thinning the cornea, patients with Keratoconus should not get LASIK surgery. 

Glaucoma

There are several types of Glaucoma, all of which involve the damaging of your eyes’ optic nerves. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in extreme vision loss and even blindness. LASIK cannot address vision loss caused by glaucoma. However, if your glaucoma is being successfully treated, LASIK may still be used to correct any vision loss caused by refractive errors. 

Cataracts

Cataracts are another (frequently) age-related eye condition that occurs when the proteins in the lens of your eye begin to degrade. When this breakdown occurs, the lens becomes cloudy vision problems arise. LASIK cannot address clouded lenses caused by cataracts. However, if desired, LASIK can often be performed in conjunction with or after cataract surgery. 

Dry eye syndrome

During the LASIK procedure, the laser may cut some of the nerves in your cornea that detect when your eye needs extra lubrication. It is typical for patients to experience dry eyes for a short time after LASIK—as well as for most dry eye symptoms to subside after one month. However, patients who already naturally struggle with dry eyes should consult with their ophthalmologist to see whether LASIK is right for them. 

Extreme refractive errors 

Refractive errors are measured in units called diopters. In cases in which a patient’s refractive errors are more extreme and fall beyond certain diopter measurements, your ophthalmologist may not recommend LASIK; these patients may experience more pronounced issues with their nighttime vision and halos after LASIK. For more information, please read our article: Is My Vision Too Bad for LASIK? 

Additional FAQs about what LASIK surgery can fix: 

Can LASIK correct nearsightedness and farsightedness at the same time? Yes. If a patient is nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other, LASIK can be adjusted to correct the specific refractive area found in each eye. Not sure if you’re nearsighted or farsighted? Check out our article: The Difference Between Nearsighted and Farsighted.

Can you get LASIK if you wear bifocals? 

Yes, although your doctor will likely recommend Monovision LASIK. Patients typically wear bifocals to address presbyopia, the loss of flexibility in the cornea described above.

Can you get LASIK multiple times? 

While it is rare that patients would need to have LASIK performed multiple times, it can certainly be done. However, whether you are a candidate for multiple LASIK surgeries will depend on the health of your eyes and the thickness of your corneas. Patients can also opt for PRK surgery in Houston or the use of intraocular lenses (IOLs). For more information, please read our article: How Many Times Can You Have LASIK? 

Curious about what LASIK surgery can correct? Considering LASIK in Houston? Contact Eye Center of Texas

Now that you know the answer to the question, “What can LASIK surgery correct?” you may be wondering, “Am I a good candidate for LASIK?” At Eye Center of Texas, we can answer these questions and more during your LASIK consultation. Our surgeons are some of the best LASIK surgeons in the country and have been pioneering advances in Houston’s eye care for decades. 

LASIK can be life-changing—just check out this real-life LASIK experience by one Rice PhD student! Here at Eye Center of Texas, we are proud to be a part of these transformations and to provide Houstonians with quality, top-rated eye care. 

Ready to see clearly again? Get started on your LASIK journey by calling 713-395-1515 or contacting Eye Center of Texas online today. 

More Helpful Resources from Eye Center of Texas:

• What is a Corneal Abrasion? 
• Lifting Excess Eyelid Skin
• How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?
• Foods for Diabetic Eye Health
• Why Are My Eyes Red All the Time?

May 2019 was a busy month for Curtiss Chapman. In the span of 31 days, he received LASIK from Eye Center of Texas, graduated with a doctorate in Cognitive Neuroscience from Rice University, got married, moved to Germany, and started a new job — all in that order.  

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Curtiss’s friends and family questioned his decision to receive eye surgery before so many major life changes. But he and his wife had already decided to move ahead: The benefits of the procedure far outweighed the risk. 

“My wife and I, we had a lot going on,” says Curtiss, “but in the end, that wound up being another reason to get LASIK. We figured, LASIK is incredibly safe whether we’re busy or not, so why not go for it? Why not go through all these important events and start this new phase of my life without glasses?”

The couple had another reason to go ahead with the procedure: “We’d done our research, and we knew that the doctors at Eye Center of Texas are some of best LASIK doctors in Houston and the country. Waiting meant going elsewhere. It meant worrying more.”

Happily, Curtiss agreed to document and share his LASIK experience, both pre and post-surgery. Curious about what preparing for and living a glasses-less life entails? Follow Curtiss on his exciting journey to new eyesight and new beginnings!

Meet Curtiss!

Hello! Curtiss here, writing to you sans glasses on my face… meaning yes, my LASIK procedure went well. Better than ‘just’ well: I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes! I’m hoping that these videos/this post will help encourage individuals interest in LASIK to go ahead and take the plunge if they can. So much can change in just 10 minutes on the operating table.

Before the procedure 

Before you can get LASIK, you have to verify whether you’re a good candidate for the surgery or not. I went in for a consultation and the doctor patiently and candidly answered all my questions (I ask a lot of them, so… that’s no small feat). 

I was given the green light. The next day I called to arrange the date of my surgery as well as the acquisition of the medicated eye drops that I would need to use to help prepare my eyes for the surgery.

That was the easy part. The hard part was talking to everyone about the surgery. People meant well, but it felt like everyone had heard that their cousin’s best friend’s dad’s sister had something “go wrong.” What that something was they could never say… but considering less than 1% of LASIK patients have complications, and the vast majority of those are treatable, I took these stories with a grain of salt.

… until a couldn’t anymore, and then I called Eye Center of Texas in a bit of a panic. They were able to shine light on many of these stories and, essentially, talk me down, and get me back on track to looking forward to life after LASIK. Including… 

During the procedure

The day of my procedure, I met with Dr. Roach for a consultation before and after the surgery. Dr. Mayo performed the actual LASIK procedure. This video should give you an idea of how the day went.

Here are some additional takeaways from the morning of the procedure:

• You put your nametag on upside down because that’s the direction the surgeon sees it from. 
• Before the procedure, you will be given I was given the prescription for the eye drops you’ll need for after the surgery (and a very handy schedule for when to take them), an eye shield, and sunglasses.
• You need someone to go with you to your surgery so that you can get a ride home.
• I was very calm during the procedure because I was given a Valium. The valium also helped me sleep later when I got home (I don’t nap often, so that was a relief).
• I didn’t feel any pain during the procedure, but I did feel a kind of “pressure.” The sensation isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but it’s normal (and really not that bad).
• The doctor warned me that my vision may go black at some point during the procedure. This doesn’t happen to everyone – it didn’t happen to me – but I was still glad that I knew about it.
• If you are offered a stuffed animal, take it. I didn’t, and I regretted not having something to hold… not because I needed to be comforted, but because it gives you something to do with your arms.
• Eye Center of Texas will help you donate the glasses you don’t need anymore to someone who can use them.

After the procedure

I was told that patients are to avoid opening their eyes as much as possible on the day of a LASIK procedure. Dr. Mayo and Dr. Roach also told me that the best thing to do would be to sleep (wearing the eye shield). 

As I said, thanks to Valium, I was actually able to sleep. The rest of the day I listened to podcasts, put in my eye drops, and used Tylenol PM to make sure I slept at night. 

All said, the day went really well because my wife and I had done a little bit of planning. If you’re about to get LASIK, Eye Center of Texas has a pretty comprehensive list of good things that you (or your spouse/friend/parent) can do to help you through your first day post-LASIK. 

A day after the surgery, I could see clearly again. Isn’t that crazy?

I did have dry eyes, but the eye drops helped with that, and dry eyes post-LASIK are pretty par for the course. Writing to you from around a month out, I can tell you that my dry eyes have gotten (and are continuing to get) a lot better, although I do occasionally need eye drops throughout the day.

Graduation

A few days after the surgery, a good number of my immediate family came into town for my graduation — 16 total, if you include the kids. That was the first time that any of them saw me without my glasses, including my nephews, who were quick to tell me, “you look different, Uncle Curtie!”

I was able to walk the stage without wearing the glasses that had seen me through 6 years of study — not something I ever imagined would happen. But the fact that I no longer needed glasses didn’t really hit home until I saw several of my colleagues get their glasses knocked off of their face as they were being hooded.

The move pt. 1

My wife and I moved in stages: first, from Houston to San Antonio, where we would stay a few weeks until we got married there, then we went on our honeymoon, and then we moved to Germany.

As we packed up our belongings for the first stage of the move (Houston to San Antonio) Houston, ever the cooperative city, decided to rain. The rain was not ideal, but it was a lot less frustrating than it normally would be because I was no longer wearing glasses. Where before I would have been either staring through raindrops or constantly taking my glasses off to wipe them, I could now simply focus on not dropping the sofa.

The wedding

I didn’t take a video of me not wearing glasses on my wedding day proper, but when the pictures get developed, I won’t be wearing glasses in any of them.

I wasn’t wearing glasses when I looked out on the crowd of our friends and family who gathered to celebrate my wife and me, I wasn’t wearing glasses when I saw my beautiful wife walking down the aisle, and I wasn’t wearing glasses when I danced like crazy during the reception.

In fact, I didn’t even think about my glasses at all on my wedding day, and that was awesome. 

But, for your viewing pleasure, here’s a video of me and my wife the day AFTER our wedding, right before we hung out at the lazy river (in sunglasses but not glasses… because UV rays and cataracts are definitely a thing).

The move pt. 2

My wife and I just finished our honeymoon, and while I’ve grown accustomed to living without glasses, I still occasionally forget that I no longer need them. 

I have now reached for phantom glasses in the following cities (so far): Houston, San Antonio, Denver, New York, London, Vienna, Salzburg, and our new hometown in Germany. I have pushed phantom glasses up my nose on planes, in the mountains, and while drinking delicious German beer.

It’s strange to think that my colleagues here will never see me wearing glasses. Strange, but good.

My wife has also gotten used to seeing me without glasses. And with everything that has happened between my LASIK surgery and now, this huge change to my everyday life does sometimes seem like it happened a long time ago, in a different life.

But every once in a while my wife will look at me, smile, and say, “no glasses!” and both my joy at living without glasses and my gratitude for Dr. Mayo and the staff at Eye Center of Texas comes rushing back, all over again.    

Life after LASIK at Eye Center of Texas

Patients like Curtiss (aka Dr. Chapman) are one of the main reasons the team at Eye Center of Texas loves coming to work every day. Even with 75,000 successful LASIK surgeries under our belts, we never get tired of hearing how LASIK has changed the daily lives of our patients.  

Curious about what it’s like to work with some of the best LASIK eye surgeons in Houston? Wondering, “Am I a good candidate for LASIK?” or what the average LASIK recovery timeline looks like? Request your LASIK appointment online or call us today at 713-395-1515 for more information.

Patients preparing for LASIK surgery often ask us, “How many times can you have LASIK?” While it’s natural to want all the information you can have when it comes to your vision, only 5% of patients consider getting additional laser surgery post-LASIK. 

LASIK is an incredibly safe and common procedure with permanent results. What follows is a brief overview of what circumstances might lead to the need for additional LASIK or LASIK enhancement surgery. 

Can LASIK eye surgery be repeated? 

Yes, most patients can undergo LASIK surgery multiple times. However, the answer to “How many times can you have LASIK?” changes from patient to patient, depending on the health and thickness of their corneas. 

Since most doctors opt to perform LASIK on patients who are over 18 and whose prescription has stabilized, most LASIK candidates don’t need additional LASIK treatment. This is because their eyesight won’t undergo many changes post-surgery. This fact is especially true of patients over the age of 40.

For the small percentage of clients whose vision does change after LASIK, enhancement procedures such as PRK after LASIK are available. 

In addition, doctors should warn patients with high prescriptions that they have a greater likelihood of needing additional treatment long before the surgery takes place. (Check out our post “Is my vision too bad for LASIK?” if you’re concerned that you might fit into this latter category.) 

Can LASIK be repeated years later? 

LASIK can be repeated from the end of the normal LASIK recovery timeline to many years after the surgery. Again, exactly how many times you can have LASIK will depend on the health and thickness of your cornea. 

Whether you anticipate needing additional LASIK or a LASIK enhancement, making sure that you follow through with all of the best practices while preparing for LASIK and during LASIK surgery post-operative care improves the likelihood of a successful first and second surgery.   

Is LASIK safe long-term? Can your vision get worse after LASIK?

The effects of LASIK surgery are permanent. Your LASIK can’t “wear off.” However, the health of your eye can change, which in turn can make your LASIK less effective. The vast majority of these eye health changes occur independently of your LASIK procedure — meaning they would likely have happened whether you chose to have LASIK or not.

For example, many people experience presbyopia (the hardening of your eye’s lens) as their eyes age and as they begin to wear reading glasses to make up for presbyopia-related vision loss. (Good news! Presbyopia, also known as near vision, can be treated.)  

Concerned about the safety of LASIK? Talk with the doctors at Eye Center of Texas. 

Around 95% of LASIK patients experience life-changing improvement in their vision after their first (and only) procedure. One way to ensure the success of your LASIK procedure is to go to a reputable LASIK surgeon. 

If you want the benefits of LASIK but are worried about the procedure, request an appointment at Eye Center of Texas, which is home to some of the best LASIK surgeons in Houston, Texas. Our team of professionals will walk you through the process step-by-step and take the time to answer any questions you may have. 

Don’t settle for the hassle of glasses and less-than-perfect vision. Call 713-395-1515 or request an appointment online to schedule a LASIK consultation today.

Related Resources: 

• Protect Your Eyes in Summer
• What are Computer Glasses? (And Do You Need Them?)
• Cataract Stages – With Pictures
• Cataract Surgery Side Effects 
• Houston Eye Specialist 

If someone close to you is going to have LASIK eye surgery on one or both of their eyes, it’s natural to want to help. Yet while there are plenty of resources out there that outline pre-op best practices and post-op LASIK recovery timelines, it’s harder to find a primer for someone who wants to help look after a recent LASIK patient.  

There’s actually a lot you can do to help care for someone who is about to have/has just had LASIK surgery, even when LASIK patients are able to return to (most) activities 24 hours after the surgery.  

Here are some of our favorite recommendations for ways to make the LASIK experience (even) easier. Of course, these tips are also helpful if it’s you who is having LASIK done and you’re looking for some ways to make the experience as smooth as possible.

1. Research LASIK surgeons in your area and familiarize yourself with the LASIK process

If your friend/partner has just begun their LASIK journey, you would not be remiss in helping them research their LASIK options. Research the best LASIK surgeons in Houston by reading the reviews, checking their years of experience, and making note of their accreditations, awards, etc.

After your loved one has their consultation, learn whether or not their vision is too bad for LASIK, and schedules a surgery date. Learn the answers to the following questions: What are the precautions to take after LASIK eye surgery? What can you NOT do after LASIK? What eye drops can you use after LASIK?

By taking the time to know a little bit (or a lot) about LASIK best practices, you may be able to put your loved one’s mind at ease on the day of the surgery, especially if they’re feeling nervous. The following materials will help you beef up on your LASIK knowledge:

• LASIK FAQs
• LASIK Surgery Prep
• Can I swim after LASIK?
• Things to avoid after LASIK

2. Pre-purchase extra eye drops

A doctor will prescribe medicinal eye drops for before and after LASIK surgery, but almost all patients experience some level of dry eye after they no longer need to take those medicinal eye drops. Having a box of preservative-free eyedrops on-hand for when that time comes can save your loved one an inconvenient, dry-eyed trip to the convenience store.

3. Pre-purchase Tylenol PM or an equivalent medicine

LASIK patients are recommended to sleep as much as possible the day of their LASIK procedure. While the Valium that most doctors give their patients pre-op will likely knock them out for a few hours after the operation, many patients have noted needing a little extra help getting to sleep later in the day.

4.  Pre-purchase and prepare meals

Since patients are told to keep their eyes closed as much as possible the day of the surgery, it’s wise to have meals pre-purchased and, if possible, prepared. (The latter is especially true if the patients will be spending some of the recovery time alone.) If the patient has young kids, taking this additional step will be extra helpful when you’re short a pair of helping hands at mealtimes.

One final pro tip for your post-LASIK kitchen life: Now is the time to use all of those paper plates you’ve had lying around since last Halloween and all the pre-wrapped plasticware from takeout that you have shoved in the back of your utensil drawer.

5. Pre-purchase/rent entertainment that doesn’t require visuals

Noticing a theme? Many post-LASIK care tips involve a little bit of prep, and this is especially true of entertainment for the day of the surgery. LASIK surgery often takes place in the morning, it’s recommended that patients keep their eyes closed for the first 24 hours after surgery. That means they’ll be spending the entire day with their eyes closed — and if they can’t sleep, sitting in the dark can get really boring really quickly.

We recommend getting pre-purchasing entertainment that doesn’t involve the heavy use of screens. Popular options include podcasts, audiobooks, and music. If you want to go analog, you could also just read out loud to the person who just had LASIK.

Slightly more eccentric suggestions include “listening” to a movie you’ve seen a million times so that you can visualize it OR “listening” to a movie you’ve seen a million times… but in a language that you’re trying to learn!

6. Make plans for phone use

Patients should avoid looking at screens for the first 24 hours after LASIK, including phone screens. If they are comfortable with it, you can read their texts for them or, if they have an iPhone, they can have Siri read their messages to them.

The next day, using your phone after LASIK is permitted (although we do advise continued avoidance of screens). If your friend/partner need to use their phone, they may find some relief by making their phone’s text size bigger and by turning down the screen’s brightness.  

7. Provide support the morning of the surgery

Even the most stoic of patients may feel a little nervous the morning of their procedure. For some patients, just having a friendly face nearby may help relieve stress and make the difference between a frazzled pre-op experience and a smooth one.

Other patients may want to have someone who will remind them to bring everything they need, eat, take a shower (to avoid getting water in their eyes later on), and wear comfortable clothes (so that they can go to sleep right after the surgery).

8. Provide transportation

Your friend/partner will, at the very least, need a ride home from the clinic after their surgery; they won’t be able to open their eyes to drive, and Eye Center of Texas will not release a patient to a taxi driver (including Lyft and Uber). That said, most patients prefer to bring someone who will be there throughout the whole procedure. Since the surgery takes only 5 minutes per eye, you won’t be in the waiting room for long!

9. Help keep track of their eye drop schedule

An eye surgeon should prescribe at least one (probably two) types of eye drops that must be taken at various times on the day of the surgery, as well as in the following days. Since the LASIK surgery participant will be sleeping often on the day of the procedure, patients have found it helpful to have someone nearby to make sure that they wake up at the appropriate times and use the appropriate drops. Helping them pre-set alarms can also be helpful.

10. Help with the pets and/or kids  

Does the LASIK patient’s dog need to be taken outside? Does their cat need its litter box cleaned? Do their children need to be picked up from school? Are either the children or the pets mischievous enough to get into or chew up eye drop bottles? Has everyone been fed? Time to chip in!

11. Help with the dishes

If you didn’t want to use the paper plates and plastic utensils mentioned in tip #4, doing your loved one’s dishes can be a huge help. Not only will it help them keep water from getting into their eyes, but it will allow them to continue to rest as well.

12. Encourage rest, rest, and more rest!

At Eye Center of Texas, we are frequently asked, “How can I heal faster after LASIK?” The recovery time for LASIK is extremely short, but for the best healing results, we recommend lots of rest, preferably with your eyes closed. It can be tempting for some LASIK patients to spend a “quick 5 minutes” on their phone the day after the procedure, only to then realize that they’ve been on it for an hour.

So if you’re looking for one big way to help your friend/partner recover from LASIK, perhaps the best thing you can do is to encourage them to relax and enable them to rest until at least 24 hours has passed.

13. Make note of follow-up appointments

This one is more for the spouses and partners of LASIK patients, but it’s still worth mentioning. Your doctor should schedule a one day, one week, and one-month follow-up for your LASIK procedure. These follow-ups allow the surgeon to monitor the progression of the LASIK patient’s recovery and the overall health of their eyes.

14. Celebrate the little things!

Each LASIK patient will begin to see better at their own pace. Some patients can see more clearly immediately after the surgery, and others notice a difference after they wake up the next morning.

And when excitement about the “big change” wears off, know that you and your loved one will continue to celebrate the little things now that they are glasses and contacts free. Walking in the rain? No problem! Taking the lid off of a pot that will steam? Sure! Wearing non-prescription sunglasses to the beach? Finally!

Eye Center of Texas provides top-quality care for our LASIK patients

Electing to have LASIK surgery is a big step in someone’s life. Now, when someone starts asking themselves, “Am I candidate for LASIK?” you’ll know exactly what to do if the answer is yes. And you’ll also know exactly who to call for your LASIK needs. The professionals at Eye Center of Texas are here to answer any questions.

To get started on your journey towards better vision, give us a call at 713-395-1515 or request an appointment online today!

Most doctors recommend using preservative-free eye drops after LASIK eye surgery. That’s because dealing with dry eyes is a pretty standard part of post-operative care for LASIK eye surgery. But why exactly should you use preservative-free eye drops after LASIK surgery, as opposed to other types of eye drops?

Discover the ins and outs of using eye drops after LASIK surgery and why preservative-free eye drops are your best choice.

Why should you use preservative free eye drops after LASIK?

You don’t technically have to use preservative-free eye drops, but preservative-free eye drops are definitely the best artificial tears to use after LASIK in terms of what’s best for your eye health.

Some companies use preservatives in their eyedrops to prevent a deterioration of the artificial tear and to keep your eyes free from contamination. While that may sound good on the outset, those same preservatives are toxic to your eye and cause irritation and inflammation.

Recently, some companies have begun selling drops that claim to be “preservative free on contact.” These companies argue that the toxins in the preservative disappear quickly enough to not affect the eye. In reality, the dissipation of the toxins in these drops relies on several factors (ambient light, for example), and if any of these factors is missing, the toxins remain in your eye.

In short, the toxins in eye drops with preservatives can undo the healing and relief you’re trying to achieve. Since your eyes are especially sensitive post-op, truly preservative-free eye drops are the best artificial tears after LASIK.

How often should I use artificial tears after LASIK?

Let’s say you’ve read our post on how to prepare for LASIK and have diligently gone out and gotten the preservative-free eye drops after LASIK. Now what?

Every eye patient is different, but most patients will receive prescription eye drops to take directly before and after their LASIK surgery. After the first day, you can use preservative-free eye drops after LASIK as much as you would like. The standard recommended usage is 4 times a day.

How long after LASIK can I stop using eye drops?

We are often asked how long to use preservative-free eye drops after LASIK. Our typical answer? It depends. Every LASIK patient experiences different levels of dryness and can use preservative-free eye drops after LASIK until the dryness abates. However, if you experience extreme and persistent dryness, do bring it to the attention of your doctor.  

If you plan on wearing contacts after LASIK, note that there are also types of contacts that can help reduce dryness!

Depend on Eye Center of Texas for all your LASIK questions & needs

Using preservative-free eye drops after LASIK surgery is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to best practices for pre- and post-op LASIK eye surgery care. Here at Eye Center of Texas, you will receive not only some of the best LASIK in Houston, but some of the best tips and advice, too.

With over 75,000 successful LASIK procedures to our name, you can rest assured that your vision is in good hands at Eye Center of Texas. Call us at 713-395-1515 or request an appointment online today for a LASIK consultation.

Over the years, we’ve noticed that one question, in particular, seems to come up often during our LASIK consultations: Does the corneal flap heal after LASIK?

While the informed answer to that question has some nuances (which we’ll cover here), the essential answer is: Yes. In fact, the LASIK flap dislocation percentage is less than one half of 1%.

If you’re a LASIK candidate and follow through with the standard post-operative care for LASIK eye surgery, chances are that the only thing you’ll have to worry about is after LASIK is what type of fancy non-prescription sunglasses you’re going to buy.

Now let’s get to why that’s true.

Why is there confusion about the corneal flap healing after LASIK?

Many people are afraid of putting contacts in their eyes, let alone electing to have LASIK eye surgery. Every few years, someone plays off of those fears and raises suspicion about the integrity of the LASIK procedure.

One of the more recent scares concerned whether or not the corneal flap actually heals. As this rumor was perpetuated, the subtleties of the corneal flaps healing process (which we’ll get into in a moment) were only partially or incorrectly explained.

The surgeons at Eye Center of Texas have performed over 75,000 successful LASIK surgeries. They can and do attest to the fact that the surgery is perhaps the safest and most researched elective surgeries available.

But you don’t have to take our word for it. After conducting many studies (including this one) the U.S. military decided that LASIK was so beneficial to a soldiers’ performance that they’ve had the procedure performed on hundreds of thousands of U.S. military personnel.

How do your eyes heal after LASIK?

Alright, so how does the corneal flap heal after LASIK? The corneal flap heals in different ways at different parts of the flap. We’ve broken it down for you here:

• Epithelial layer: Your epithelium is the very, very thin layer found on the surface of the cornea. It begins healing almost immediately after the flap has been replaced and is the reason that you don’t feel a “line” between the flap and the rest of your eye.
• Stroma: Your stroma is what makes up most of your cornea’s mass. Stromal healing takes place along thickest parts of the flap’s edges.
• Bottom layer: Here is where the recent round of, “Does the corneal flap heal after LASIK” originates. During the corneal flap’s healing process, the bottom layer of the flap does not “join” with the surface underneath it… which is actually a very good thing. If it did, you’d be stuck with an opaque layer of collagen that would do the exact opposite of what LASIK is supposed to do: improve your sight.  

If you’re thinking, “That’s all well and good, but how long does it take the flap to heal after LASIK?” rest assured. Your corneal flap begins healing immediately after the surgery. It will be mostly healed after 24 hours after your procedure. For more information about healing times, check out our post on the LASIK recovery timeline.

How do I know if my corneal flap moved?

Let’s get down to the direct questions. Can the flap be moved after LASIK? And if so, how can you tell if it’s moved? Like any surgery, LASIK surgery does come with risks. After the first day of healing your flap can move, but only under extreme circumstances. Check out a timeline to learn more about LASIK recovery.

What do we mean by extreme circumstances? Let’s say a LASIK patient is involved in a high-impact accident on or around their eyes. In this case, there is a small but real chance that the flap can move.

Now let’s say you accidentally rubbed your eyes a few days after LASIK, and you’re concerned that you’ve moved the flap. In this case, it’s extraordinarily unlikely that your flap will move.

Here’s a general rule to live by with regard to corneal flap dislocation: If you’re not sure whether or not your corneal flap has moved, then your corneal flap has not moved. In the very unlikely event of corneal flap dislocation, patients will feel immediate pain and should seek emergency treatment.

Why would I need reading glasses after LASIK?

LASIK surgery addresses refractive errors in your vision: nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Standard LASIK procedure does not address presbyopia, which is the hardening of the eye that’s a natural part of your eye’s aging process. That’s why some LASIK patients will eventually need to wear glasses to read as they get older.

Patients concerned about presbyopia (also known as near vision) can find more helpful information in our posts on LASIK eye surgery for presbyopia and resource page for additional presbyopia solutions.

See clearly again at Eye Center of Texas

Have other questions like, “Does the corneal flap heal after LASIK?” We’re here to help. Eye Center of Texas is known for providing some of the best LASIK in Houston. As we mentioned earlier, our surgeons have successfully restored the vision of over 75,000 patients (and counting!) with LASIK.

Come see why over 300 eye doctors refer their patients to Eye Center of Texas. Call us at 713-395-1515 or request an appointment online today for a LASIK consultation.

Your step-by-step guide to recovering from LASIK eye surgery

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to have (or maybe you’ve just had) LASIK eye surgery, and now, you’re one step closer to long-term clear vision. Having an understanding of what a LASIK recovery timeline looks like will help make the next few months smoother for you.

As with our LASIK consultation preparation guide, this guide is intended to walk you through what you should and shouldn’t do after LASIK surgery.

Please note that this LASIK Recovery Timeline is an approximation of what a typical LASIK recovery looks like. This timeline, along with the recommendations shared, may vary from your own recovery process, as well as your doctor’s instructions.

The day of LASIK surgery

Step 1: Get home safely

One of the most important steps on your LASIK recovery timeline takes place right after surgery: the ride home. Your doctor will likely have given you a mild sedative to keep you comfortable during the procedure. After the procedure is completed, this sedative can leave you too impaired to drive for up to several hours. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you have a ride home, and if all else fails, make sure you have someone to dirve you home (note, Eye Center of Texas cannot release you to an Uber or Taxi driver).

Step 2: Rest

How long should you sleep after LASIK? Your doctor will likely suggest that you rest for the first few hours after your surgery (typically, 2-4 hours). In other words, no Olympic training, dissertation writing, or late-night partying — only rest!

Step 3: Take these precautions

• When you’re resting, consider wearing an eye patch over your eyes. Doing so will help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result. This is one of the most important LASIK recovery tips for you to follow.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not shower for the first 24 hours after your surgery.
• Do not swim.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.
• Do not wear makeup or apply creams to your face.

Eye and vision status check-in:

• Directly after the surgery, patients might experience some eye pain, bloodshot eyes, weeping, sensitivity to light, halos, and irritation (it might feel as if there is a grain of sand in your eye). However, you must remember to avoid rubbing your eyes — despite the irritation.
• Can you see immediately after LASIK? After three hours, your vision may start to clear up, but it could also take longer. Both situations are normal.
• If you’re wondering, “How long after LASIK can I see 20/20?” or “How long does it take for vision to improve after LASIK?” it’s important to keep in mind that there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. Some patients will experience clear vision a few hours after surgery, and for some, it could take a few days. Others might fluctuate between clear vision and blurry vision for up to six months, and some might notice their vision improve gradually for the next six months or so.
• If you experience any eye pain, call your doctor immediately. This statement holds true for the entire LASIK healing timeline.

24 – 48 hours after LASIK surgery

Step 1: Have someone take you to your follow-up appointment

Your doctor will likely have you scheduled for a follow-up appointment 24-48 hours after your procedure. During this appointment, they will check your eyes and test your vision. It’s likely they will also prescribe you medicated, lubricating eye drops (this is especially true if you’re experiencing dry eyes, a side effect that typically occurs for the first weeks or months after LASIK).

Your doctor will also be able to advise you as to whether or not it is safe for you to drive. Their decision will be based on the legal vision requirement for driving in Texas, which is 20/40.

Step 2: Rest, but feel free to recommence with the following (unless your doctor states otherwise):

• Shower, but try to keep soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other chemicals out of your eye.
• Return to your normal work routine, so long as it does not involve strenuous physical activity.
• Drive, but only if your doctor states that it’s legal for you to do so.
• Take a flight, but note that the low humidity typically found in airplanes will make your eyes more prone to drying out.

Step 3: Continue to take the following precautions:

• Wear an eye patch over your eyes to help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result.
• Wear sunglasses. How long do you have to wear sunglasses after laser eye surgery? Most doctors recommend that you continue to wear sunglasses when you go outside for at least 2 days after your procedure.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not swim. You’re going to hear this a lot during the next few steps. For more information, check out our blog on swimming after LASIK.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.
• Do not wear makeup or apply creams to your face.

Eye and vision status check-in:

As your LASIK corneal flap is healing, your eyes will likely still be irritated. Meanwhile, your vision may or may not begin clearing. If the latter is true for you, don’t panic. Vision fluctuation after LASIK is typical after LASIK surgery, and part of your LASIK recovery time may involve some blurred vision.

At the 1st week mark after LASIK

Step 1: Rest, but feel free to recommence with the following (unless your doctor states otherwise):

On the 3rd day after your procedure, you should be able to go outside without sunglasses. However, you may still be sensitive to light. It’s always wise to wear sunglasses when outside, so being extra cautious about wearing sunglasses will do no harm.

Step 2: Continue to take the following precautions:

• Wear an eye patch over your eyes to help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not swim.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.
• Do not wear makeup or apply creams to your face.

Eye and vision status check-in:

At this point in your LASIK recovery timeline, your eyes may still have some irritation and sensitivity to light. Difficulty driving at night may also still occur. While you probably won’t feel far along on your LASIK recovery timeline, you’re definitely well on your way to full recovery and better vision.

2 weeks – 1 month after your LASIK procedure

Step 1: Continue to go to your LASIK follow-up appointments .

Step 2: Continue to take the following precautions:

• Wear an eye patch over your eyes to help you avoid rubbing your eyes and opening the corneal flap as a result.
• Do not play contact sports.
• Do not swim. If you need to swim for any reason, consult your doctor first. Do not go swimming without goggles.
• Do not wear contact lenses, even if your vision is blurry.

Eye and vision status check-in:

If everything has continued to go well, your eyes shouldn’t be causing as much irritation as they were toward the beginning of your LASIK recovery timeline. Depending on your eyes, however, your vision may still be in the process of clearing up.

2 – 6 months after LASIK

Step 1: Continue to go to your LASIK follow-up appointments

After six months, you and your doctor will discuss how often you will need a check-up. These will vary but generally occur every one to two years. After six months, you and your doctor will also be able to tell if LASIK enhancement (PRK) would further improve your vision.

Step 2: Feel free to recommence with the following at the designated time (unless your doctor advises you otherwise):

• 4-5 weeks after surgery: Return to your standard exercise routine and contact sports, if you play them.
• 4-5 weeks after surgery: Swim, preferably in your own pool. Swimming in public pools, hot tubs, water parks, and natural bodies of water will increase your chances of getting an infection.
• 4-5 weeks after surgery (or when irritation ceases): Stop wearing an eye patch if you are no longer tempted to rub your eyes.
• 2-3 months after surgery: Get fitted for contacts, if you need them.

Eye and vision status check-in:

Here we are at the end of your LASIK recovery timeline. You made it! The reason we include six months in the LASIK recovery timeline is that your eyes are healing right up into the sixth month. For the vast majority of patients, all LASIK side effects (irritation, difficulty driving at night, light sensitivity, glare, etc.) should have stabilized by this point. The main exception to this rule is patients with nearsightedness, who may require a longer recovery period.

A smooth and quick recovery begins with experienced doctors and advanced treatment

The surgeons at Eye Center of Texas have performed over 75,000 successful LASIK eye surgeries, including LASIK for astigmatism. With some of the top ophthalmologists in the nation calling Eye Center of Texas home, you can expect to receive the top treatment and care available for LASIK eye surgery in Houston.

Whether you’re just starting to look into LASIK or you’re at the beginning of your LASIK recovery timeline, Eye Center of Texas is here to answer any of your LASIK questions. Give us a call at 713-395-1515 or contact us online to set up a LASIK consultation today.

Related Resources:

• Are My Eyes Too Bad for LASIK?
• Houston’s Common Vision Problems
• Refractive Lens Exchange vs. LASIK surgery
• Dry Eye Syndrome
• Dry Eyes in Winter

Have you ever wondered, “Is my vision too bad for LASIK?” or “Can you get LASIK with really bad vision?” If so, Eye Center of Texas has some news that just might make your day. Technology has improved such that patients with severe vision impairments may be able to achieve improved vision with LASIK eye surgery.

Learn about the wide range of eye power levels compatible with LASIK and other requirements for LASIK eye surgery today.

Understanding refractive errors and diopters

There are a lot of misconceptions around who can and can’t have LASIK eye surgery, which is why we receive so many questions like “Is my vision too bad for LASIK eye surgery” or even, “Is my vision too good for LASIK?”

The confusion probably stems from a lack of understanding as to how we measure maximum and minimum prescription ranges for LASIK. These ranges are determined by the refractive errors specific to each patient’s eyes. Refractive errors — the light refraction errors created by a misshapen lens or cornea that cause common vision problems — are measured in diopters (D). Negative diopters indicate myopia (nearsightedness) and positive numbers indicate hyperopia (farsightedness).

What prescription is too high for LASIK?

When trying to find the answer to the question, “Is my vision too bad for LASIK?” patients often seek out specific diopter measurements standards. While some sites do provide these numbers, it’s extremely important to note that the range of diopters which LASIK can treat depends on the technology your surgeon uses. For that reason, we’ve given a more general overview of the appropriate prescription range for LASIK candidates.

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Performing LASIK on eyes with myopia that is beyond a certain negative diopter measurement can cause nighttime vision problems and halos.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Performing LASIK on eyes with hyperopia that is beyond a certain diopter measurement can cause nighttime vision problems and halos. The range of diopter measurements for farsightedness is smaller than that of myopia.
• Astigmatism (When both near and far objects are blurred): The astigmatism limits for LASIK are more variable. Each of the following has its own acceptable range, as is defined by your doctor.
  • Astigmatism combined with myopia
  • Astigmatism combined with hyperopia
  • Mixed astigmatism patients

For those of you who are curious about LASIK for astigmatism, we recommend reading our article, Can LASIK correct astigmatism.

What are the requirements for LASIK eye surgery?

Can LASIK give you 20/20 vision? Yes, it can. However, you must also meet other requirements outside of prescription limits in order to be a good candidate for LASIK. These include:

• Having corneal tissue that’s thick enough — approximately 420 microns — for LASIK. Most healthy eyes have corneas that around 550 microns thick.
• Your eye health, in general, must be in good standing
  • Your prescription must not change for 12 months
  • You must not suffer from glaucoma, dry eyes, or cataracts
  • You must have an average pupil size
• Women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have LASIK.

If you meet all of these conditions, then you are likely an ideal candidate for LASIK eye surgery! However, even if you’re a perfect candidate for LASIK surgery, it’s important that you follow through with pre-LASIK preparation and choose a quality eye surgeon like those at Eye Center of Texas.

Do I have other laser eye surgery options for improved vision?

When your prescription or eye health disqualifies you from being a good LASIK candidate, it’s always worth speaking to your doctor about your other options.

For example, if you don’t qualify for LASIK, it’s possible that PRK eye surgery may be an option for you. PRK is LASIK’s predecessor and can have the same positive results as LASIK. It has different ranges of acceptable eye power and is available to some patients who do not meet all of the other requirements for LASIK eye surgery.

Occasionally, some patients even chose to have PRK LASIK enhancement after their original LASIK surgery.

20/20 vision (or better!) is possible with LASIK at Eye Center of Texas

The majority of patients who choose to have LASIK eye surgery report that their vision is now at 20/20 or better.

Don’t sit around wondering “Is my vision too bad for LASIK eye surgery?” and avoid taking action. You deserve clear vision. Eye Center of Texas, known for providing some of the best LASIK in Houston, is helping people restore their eyesight each and every day.

And remember: Even if your prescription doesn’t make you a candidate for LASIK now, that doesn’t mean LASIK will be unavailable to you for forever. Technology is always improving, and we encourage you to continue to check back.

To meet with our nationally recognized surgeons, call us at 713-395-1515 or contact us online to set up your consultation today.

Related Resources:

• Cataract Surgery and Multifocal Lenses: Pros and Cons
• Fuchs Dystrophy and Cataracts
• Fast-Growing Cataracts
• UV Damage to Eyes
• LASIK FAQ

Clear lens exchange vs. LASIK surgery — Is one better than the other? If so, why? And for whom? Both LASIK and clear lens exchange (also known as refractive lens exchange) have pros and cons that are determined by a patient’s vision correction needs.
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LASIK FAQ: it’s one of our most-requested resources to publish. Every year, hundreds of thousands of LASIK procedures are performed in the United States, and millions are performed around the world. With more and more people turning to LASIK for their vision needs, Eye Center of Texas, strives to provide the best LASIK in Houston. We hope this guide of LASIK FAQs helps answers your questions.
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