Did you know that 90% of patients who undergo LASIK surgery achieve 20/20 vision or better? If you’re tired of wearing glasses or contact lenses and ready to start living life with NEWSOM EYES, LASIK may be the best investment for you.

If you have been on the fence, wondering, “should I get LASIK?” We are happy to talk with you about what makes you a fantastic candidate for LASIK surgery at Newsom Eye, we have four convenient locations in Tampa, Clearwater, and Sebring, as well as what to expect both before and after the procedure. 

How Do You Know If You’re a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Unfortunately, not everyone with poor vision is a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery. Even if you thought you were not a good candidate in the past, you might be a good candidate now or in the future.

Many people know that the basic requirements include poor vision. The general FDA guidelines are:

●        Hyperopia (farsightedness) of up to +6.00 diopters
●        Astigmatism or cylinder of up to 6.00 diopters
●        Myopia (nearsightedness) of up to -12.00 diopters

Your Newsom Eye provider may still be able to perform the procedure if you do not meet those guidelines. Schedule a free LASIK screening today at one of our locations to see if you are a candidate.

In addition to poor vision, there are several specific secondary requirements that make a good LASIK candidate.  

You are at Least Eighteen Years Old

The baseline requirement for LASIK is that a patient is at least eighteen years old. This means that they have reached ocular maturity, which is the second stage of visual development.

You Have No Conflicting Health Conditions

There are also several mental, physical, and ocular health conditions that may prevent you from getting LASIK at this time, which a Newsom Eye provider will be able to evaluate during your LASIK screening.

For instance, if a patient has an autoimmune condition, LASIK may not be a viable option. The patient should not take any medications that could compromise their immune system and should have healthy eyes (within reason). Cataracts, keratoconus, and optic nerve diseases may disqualify a potential candidate.

Also if a candidate has specific eye problems such as a lazy eye, a current eye infection, or a significant eye injury, they may not be able to get LASIK surgery at this time.

You are Not Pregnant

Pregnancy hormones may influence your eyesight and the stability of your prescription. As a result, people who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing will have to postpone their LASIK procedure.

You Have the Right Corneal Shape and Thickness

During LASIK, your Newsom Eye provider will remove a layer of corneal tissue. So your cornea needs to be thick enough. If your cornea is not thick enough there are other options available that your Newsom Eye provider will discuss with you to improve your vision and decrease dependence on glasses or contacts.

What to Expect Before Your LASIK Surgery

If you are interested in LASIK and think you will be a great candidate, but you have not spoken to a Newsom Eye provider yet, here is additional information about what to expect.

A Thorough Eye Exam

Your Newsom Eye provider will give you a thorough examination and consultation before you commit to surgery. During this consultation, you should speak to your provider about your goals with the surgery, your current prescription, your health history, and any medications that you are taking.

This is also a great time to ask your provider and our LASIK team any questions about the surgery. Even if you are a good candidate, going to a consultation does not mean that you have to commit right away. Your doctor will evaluate whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. We will discuss other options or what you need to change to become a good candidate if you are not.

We will also talk to you about any risks associated with the LASIK procedure and what you need to do beforehand.

Before Surgery: What to Do

Your Newsom Eye provider will provide you with specific instructions based on your situation, but there are a few things that you can expect to do (or not do) before your LASIK procedure.

If you wear contact lenses, you will have to stop wearing them for a brief period before the day of your evaluation. For soft contact lenses, you should stop for one week. If you wear hard lenses, you should stop wearing them for at least 1 month.

We also want you to avoid wearing any makeup, lotion, or perfume the day of your surgery to minimize the risk of any chemicals or debris near your eyes.

Finally, please make sure that you have someone to drive you home, since your vision will be blurry after the procedure.

What to Expect After Your LASIK Surgery

So, your surgery is complete. Great! You are on your way to better vision and reducing your dependence on glasses or contacts. After LASIK, there is a healing period that can last for several weeks although your vision should start improving fairly quickly. Here is what to expect after your procedure.

Initial Discomfort

Your eyesight may be blurry at first. This is normal. You may feel some initial discomfort. It is common for eyes to feel dry, itch, burn, or water after the procedure, but you need to avoid touching or rubbing them. Your doctor may prescribe or recommend a pain reliever. You will experience light sensitivity and glares immediately after surgery, but this is not a cause for concern. It is best to avoid bright lights for several days.

Post-Op Check-Ins

Within the first 48 hours after your surgery, your provider will ask you to return for a check-in. We will give you special eye drops and test your vision during this appointment.

You will also need to visit our team for post operative appointments for the duration of your healing period (about six months) to prevent the risk of infection and ensure that your vision recovers as it’s supposed to.

Fluctuating Vision

During the first few weeks of your healing period, it is normal for your vision to fluctuate. Do not panic if you wake up one day with blurry vision, even if it was clear the night before. As long as it returns to normal, it is not a cause for concern, however please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

What Not to Do During Recovery

Your eyes are going to be sensitive during the recovery period. While you can return to your “normal life” a few days after the procedure, you want to avoid certain activities for a while.

For instance, you can resume any non-contact sports, exercises, or activities as early as three days after the procedure, but many people choose to wait at least a week. For contact sports or high-impact activities, it is best to wait at least two weeks. You do not want to risk bumping your eyes.

You should avoid swimming for the first two weeks after surgery. Even if you keep your eyes closed or wear tight goggles, the risk of chlorine getting into your eyes is not worth it.

Avoid wearing lotions or makeup near your eyes for the first one-two weeks after the procedure.

Overall, the LASIK healing process is straightforward. In short, avoid touching or bumping your eyes within the two weeks of recovering from LASIK and continue visiting your provider for regular checkups.

 Are You Ready for LASIK Surgery in Tampa, Clearwater, or Sebring?

Hello LASIK, goodbye glasses! LASIK is a quick and safe procedure that can change your life. If you are ready to stop wearing glasses or contact lenses, it is time to schedule your free LASIK screening with our team. At Newsom Eye, we provide expert LASIK surgery in Tampa, Clearwater, and Sebring (as well as many other eye health services). Contact us today for an appointment. You deserve NEWSOM EYES!