LASIK Educational Material
Laser Eye Surgery in Denver, Colorado
Realistic LASIK expectations
Why are they central to your satisfaction?
It is helpful to understand that cultivating knowledgeable expectations, which are realistic for your particular case, is central to your ultimate satisfaction with your LASIK procedure. While we provide some guidelines below, it is vital for each individual to weigh the benefits, complications, options and alternatives before deciding upon LASIK eye surgery.
Understand the difference
Become thoroughly knowledgeable about the LASIK procedure - its benefits, risks and probable outcomes - prior to undergoing LASIK surgery. Fully inform yourself and feel comfortable that you are making an educated decision based upon facts. Please keep in mind:
You are a living, breathing organism that is entirely unique, and who will in turn have entirely unique results.
LASIK generally does not address visual deficits that could not be corrected by your glasses or contacts. It likewise cannot provide perfect vision every time for every patient.
However, that said, the overwhelming majority of LASIK candidates have noticeably improved vision and a greatly reduced need for corrective eyewear. In fact, most LASIK patients, with low to moderate nearsightedness, achieve 20/20 vision or better!
Consider individual situations
According to refractive error: (click on any topic to open a new page)
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Myopia and myopic astigmatism
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High Myopia
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Hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism
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Presbyopia
Ask more questions about LASIK
True or False:
Everyone who has LASIK will never again wear glasses.
Fact:
Dr. Cutarelli aims for results of 20/20 or better for your LASIK procedure, so that you can perform most daily activities without your glasses. However, there is a possibility that after LASIK surgery, depending on your age and the condition of your eyes before surgery, you may need to wear reading glasses or corrective lenses for at least some activities.
True or False:
Everyone who has LASIK will achieve 20/20.
Fact:
98% of LASIK patients could see 20/20 or better after CustomVue LASIK in the FDA validation study for this exciting technology. Dr. Cutarelli was one of only 13 eye surgeons nationally to have been chosen to participate in this important study. Those with moderate to high myopia (greater than 7 diopters) have a lesser chance of achieving that result. As LASIK techniques and technology improve, the results continue to improve.
True or False:
If I do achieve 20/20 after LASIK, I will have perfect vision.
Fact:
While visual acuity (20/20, 20/40, etc.) is a useful clinical test of vision, it is not the only measure of vision. For example, eye charts do not assess sensitivity to different shades of gray, how your vision is affected at night or in dim light, or how effectively your eyes change and maintain focus. "20/20" does not mean "perfect" vision. The main focus should not be on achieving this number, but rather on reducing your dependence on glasses or contacts.
True or False:
If I don't achieve 20/20 vision, I will not be satisfied with my LASIK results.
Fact:
Achieving 20/20 is not the ultimate measurement for LASIK satisfaction. Several studies have compared the final visual acuity (such as 20/20) with patient satisfaction (whether they were happy). They found:
80-95% achieving 20/40 or better
90-97% were highly satisfied and would definitely have LASIK surgery again
The overwhelming majority of patients who undergo LASIK surgery are fully satisfied with their results. They are now experiencing the significant LASIK benefits of improved vision.
Continue to: Realistic Expectations, Part 2
