Lasik FAQ's

Around 10 million Americans have undergone laser vision correction surgery since it was first approved in 1999. While, just like any other surgical procedure, LASIK does carry some risk, it remains one of the most popular and safe elective surgeries in the country, and its satisfaction rating among patients who’ve had the procedure is remarkably high. The technology has improved tremendously in the past few years making LASIK safer than ever. Overall more than 96% of patients are satisfied with results of LASIK procedure. At New York Laser Vision, both Dr. Giyaur and Dr. Choe have had LASIK and are very happy with the results. Our surgical coordinator, Julie, had the procedure performed by Dr. Giyaur last year and now sees 20/15 (better than 20/20). As a matter a fact, having LASIK is safer than long term over-wear of contact lenses. Contact lenses cause dryness, redness and allergies that eventually become permanent. While Laser can also cause dry eye, it is usually temporary and goes away after a few months. We see that people who suffer from significant dry eye related to contacts gradually improve after having LASIK.

It is a false and yet very persistent myth that LASIK is not permanent and will only last a few years. The reality is that LASIK vision correction permanently corrects the vision and removes your prescription (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism). LASIK does not prevent any age-related conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts. Any of previous or future conditions will not be affected by a laser correction procedure.

With our latest technologies the actual laser treatment will last only a few seconds! Total time of the procedure is about 15 minutes. Usually both eyes are treated at the same time. Typically, you would spend about 1-2 hours in New York Laser Vision laser center, as you are preparing for the laser and then recovering from the procedure.

LASIK is quite painless. As a matter of fact, the only pain medication that is used is an anesthetic drop. You may feel slight pressure while we inset a speculum to keep your eye open. You may feel slightly more pressure when we apply the laser and the vision might dim slightly. During the actual laser correction phase patients are asked to look at the light and relax. It’s done and over with in a few seconds! Of course, we do offer oral sedation for those who might understandably feel a bit anxious. After the laser you may feel some scratchiness, irritation and sensation of something in the eye, tearing and some blurry vision. This usually lasts for a few hours. By the evening of the same day you are feeling and seeing much better. By the next morning most patients achieve excellent vision and feel comfortable. Some sensation of dryness and glare at night may persist for a few weeks, but eventually resolves. Most of patients at New York Laser Vision are surprised at how quick, painless and easy LASIK procedure is and are excited for their new sharp effortless vision.

Since health insurances consider LASIK an elective procedure, most of them do not cover it. However, we do offer very affordable, interest-free financing through Alphaeon and Care Credit. Our surgical coordinator can help you with application and have you approved in minutes! A person getting LASIK in their 20s, 30s, or even 40s will end up saving money long term since they will no longer be needing glasses or contacts.

LASIK should only be performed by a highly qualified board-certified ophthalmologist with the proper experience and training who uses the latest technologies. The doctor should listen to your concerns, address them, gain your trust and come up with the treatment plan and educate the patient as to how best achieve their vision goals. The treatment plan should be individualized to you. People’s needs and requirement differ, however, all too frequently, budget LASIK clinics use “one fits all” approach that simply doesn’t work for most. Dr. Giyaur uses her years of experience and expertise to help you reach your vision goal. We, at New York Laser Vision, work as a team meticulously rechecking and double checking all the measurements and numbers to achieve the best, most comfortable vision results for you!