LASIK Eye Surgery in Sacramento - FAQs

The following questions are among those we are most frequently asked by patients who are interested in LASIK eye surgery in the Sacramento area. For answers to your specific questions about the procedures we offer, including LASIK surgery, Sacramento area residents are encouraged to contact the Meister Eye & Laser Center for a complimentary LASIK surgery consultation. We will be happy to discuss any of our procedures and services in great detail and to help you decide which surgical option is right for you.

What is laser vision correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism?

Laser correction is a precise method of reshaping the cornea to correct visual problems. A highly accurate excimer laser is used to evaporate layers of tissue from the surface of the cornea, essentially transforming it into a personalized contact lens designed specifically for your eye. The goal of the procedure is to eliminate or reduce your reliance on glasses or contacts.

back to top

Who is a candidate for LASIK surgery?

LASIK surgery is approved for patients 18 years or older who are nearsighted or farsighted, with or without astigmatism. Your vision must be stable for at least one year before the procedure can be performed. Both the health of your eyes and your overall health must be taken into consideration, as well. Pregnant women, for example, should not have LASIK surgery done.

The best LASIK surgery candidates tend to be people who are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses. They are usually motivated to seek treatment by their lifestyle, recreational, or occupational needs. However, only a doctor who is highly trained in laser vision correction is qualified to evaluate your individual case. When you have your LASIK eye surgery consultation at our Sacramento area facility in Citrus Heights, Dr. Meister will determine whether you are a good candidate for Wavefront™ LASIK, or for another refractive surgery procedure such as LASEK or PRK.

back to top

How long does LASIK eye surgery take to perform? How long will my recovery be?

The actual LASIK eye surgery at our Sacramento area office requires about 1 to 2 minutes per eye, depending on the degree of correction needed. Usually, both eyes are treated in a single visit. You will typically notice an improvement in your vision within hours of the procedure. Most people can drive the day after eye surgery and return to work in between two and four days. Many patients therefore prefer to be treated on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday to minimize their time away from work.

back to top

How safe is the LASIK surgery?

There are risks involved with any surgical procedure. However, because LASIK surgery uses a cool beam of light that is computer controlled, there is little chance of error. In the U.S. alone, the procedure has been performed well over a million times. According to recent data, 98% of patients treated with LASIK for nearsightedness and/or astigmatism see well enough to pass a driver’s test without glasses in all 50 states.

back to top

What are the side effects of LASIK eye surgery, if any?

The most common initial reaction after LASIK is a “halo” or glare effect. You may experience a slight glare around lights, especially at night. However, these side effects are generally no more serious than those resulting from contact lenses, and are frequently much less serious. Normally, these effects subside in 2 to 4 months for most LASIK surgery patients.

back to top

Will I be in any pain during LASIK surgery?

The treatment, itself, has been reported by most patients as being painless. You may experience discomfort and a “gritty” feeling in the first 24 to 48 hours after LASIK surgery. Our Sacramento area patients can be given medication to curb this discomfort.

back to top

Will the LASIK eye surgery results be permanent?

Given the results of both U.S. and international clinical trials since the procedure’s inception, LASIK surgery appears to be permanent for most patients.

back to top

What if I need to repeat the procedure?

Our commitment to you is all necessary laser vision correction re-treatments will be at no cost for two years following the initial LASIK surgery if done at PLEC. The Sacramento-area Laser Center also offers a commitment that after these two years have elapsed, any necessary re-treatment surgery will be done for $500 per eye. Farsighted patients are more likely to need a re-treatment than patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism.

back to top