Yes. Following an initial healing period of two to three months, the effect of the treatment is life-long. That said, you must still continue seeing an Ophthalmologist regularly for routine eye checks in order to maintain your eye health and vision through early detection of any eye problems, conditions or diseases that you may develop as part of the normal aging process or are associated with any other systemic health problems you encounter.

Most patients are usually seen the day following the treatment and then the next week  and 3-4 months following the treatment. Some patients require more visits. Remember, we are available 24 hours a day when you have any questions, concerns or need attention.

Typically you can bathe the same day as the treatment but you should not shower for 2 days after the treatment. As always, avoid getting soap or water directly into your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes during the first month after surgery.

You should not drive the day of treatment. After that, you may drive when you feel confident that your visual acuity and eye comfort allow you to drive safely.

You may resume wearing eye makeup starting 1-2 weeks after your treatment. We strongly recommend that you purchase new eye makeup, specifically mascara, to avoid potential infection following your treatment.

Non-contact sports can be resumed as soon as you feel capable. Eye protection is always recommended for racquet sports or rough sports where there is a risk of being hit in the eye.

You should stay out of swimming pools for two weeks after your treatment, and rivers, lakes and oceans for four weeks following your treatment.

Most patients experience a feeling of burning or scratchiness. This feeling generally lasts from one to three hours following the treatment. It is not unusual to have a mild dull ache on occasion late in the day of your procedure. Most people feel fine upon awakening if they can take a nap soon after the treatment.

Each patient is different. The eye drop medications cause some blurring, but most patients notice a dramatic improvement even as they leave the office. More than 4 out of 5 patients can pass a driving test without glasses or contact lenses after the treatment.

No, but clear, protective eye shields will be placed over your treated eye(s) following the treatment, and will be removed in our office the next morning. You will continue to wear these eye shields at bedtime for 1 week for protection.

Most patients are back to work by the Monday after treatment. An additional day or two is rarely required before returning to work. If you can we, recommend that you take it easy for a couple of days.

The goal of refractive surgery is to reduce your dependence on glasses and/or contact lenses, but LASIK patients still may benefit from reading glasses or distance glasses when they desire perfect near or distance vision. A nominal percentage of patients wear a thin pair of prescription glasses for night driving.