LASIK FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago LASIK surgeon, Dr. Stuart Sondheimer has created this page to help patients better understand all of the different components to laser eye surgery. Please read the answers to below to some frequently asked questions to learn more about this vision correction surgery.

Q: How does laser vision correction improve vision in nearsightedness?
A: Nearsightedness occurs because the clear front portion of the eye (cornea) is too steep for the length of the eye, and light rays entering the eye converge in front of the retina (back of the eye) instead of on the retina. A special laser with a cool beam of light is used to gently reshape the surface of the cornea, making it flatter, more like a normal eye. Light rays can then converge properly on the retina, thus providing improved vision with clearer, sharper images.

Q: How do I know whether I am a candidate?
A: Dr. Sondheimer will advise you if you are a candidate for laser vision correction during an initial cost-free LASIK evaluation.

You must have healthy eyes, and be at least 18 years old to undergo the procedure for nearsightedness and/or astigma tism correction. You must be 21 years old for the farsightedness procedure.
Your vision must be stable for at least one year before the laser procedure.
You are not a good candidate if you have degenerative or autoimmune diseases, if you're pregnant or nursing, if you have a condition that deters or slows healing, or if your expectations are higher than can be reasonably satisfied.

Q: Is laser vision correction safe?
A: The FDA has approved the excimer laser for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Millions of patients worldwide have undergone successful laser vision correction procedures, and well over one million excimer laser procedures have been performed in the U.S. since the FDA approval in 1996. Virtually all people treated experience an improvement in vision that would allow them to pass a drivers' license exam without the aid of glasses or contacts.

Q: What happens before the treatment?
A: After your initial evaluation, an appointment will be scheduled for Dr. Sondheimer to conduct a thorough examination of your eyes. Then the corneas will be photographed and a computerized map (corneal topography) will be created. This "map" will assess the shape of your cornea and is one of the many diagnostic tests we use to help achieve the best surgical outcome.

Q: Where is LASIK done?
A: Dr. Sondheimer performs his LASIK procedures in Downtown Chicago at the Vision Correction Institute. All pre-operative and post-operative examinations are done at his Skokie, Deerfield, and Park Ridge offices.

Q: What can I expect on the day of treatment?
A: Laser vision correction is an outpatient procedure and your entire visit should be complete in about two hours. First, anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye. When your eye is numb, procedure will begin. You will recline under the laser, and be asked to focus on a blinking light for a minute or less. The doctor will begin your procedure which should be completed in only minutes. Afterwards , you will relax while a staff member reviews post-operative instructions. You should rest and relax for the remainder of the day.

Q: How long does it take?
A: The procedure itself takes only a matter of minutes. Most patients spend 15-20 minutes in the surgical suite. For planning purposes, you should plan to be with us about 2 hours on the day of your surgery.

Q: Which laser is used?
A: Dr. Sondheimer uses proven equipment, and has been certified on each laser. He uses the VISX STAR S4 Advanced CustomVue Excimer Laser and the IntralaseTM FS Laser in the iLASIK procedure.

Q: Will I need to leave my contacts out before my LASIK evaluation?
A: Yes, soft contacts should be removed from your eyes at least two weeks prior to your appointment. Gas permeable or hard lenses should be removed for a minimum of three weeks. Removing your contact lenses allows your cornea to return to its natural shape.

Q: Does laser vision correction hurt?
A: The procedure itself is painless. Your eye is numbed with eye drops that are instilled prior to the procedure and no general anesthetic is necessary.

Q: What about post-operative pain?
A: Some patients have described having a slightly "sandy" or "gritty" feeling in their eyes immediately after the procedure; however this feeling will go away as soon as your prescribed eye drops are administered. Over-the-counter pain medications should adequately control any discomfort.

Q: Will I have stitches?
A: No. In virtually every case LASIK is a sutureless surgery.

Q: How well will I see after surgery?
A: This, of course, varies with each patient. Vision for most patients begins to improve within 24 hours although it may take as much as three to six months to achieve your best vision.

Q: Can I have both eyes done at once?
A: Yes, most patients choose to have both eyes done at the same time.

Q: How much does follow-up care cost?
A: Absolutely $0 in the first year following surgery except for patients using some types of insurance coverage. Follow-up care in the first year following surgery is included in the surgery fee. Usually patients are seen post-operatively at one day, one week, one month, and three months after your procedure. In order to maintain the health of your eyes and achieve the best possible vision, post-operative visits are mandatory.

Q: Is LASIK covered by insurance?
A: In most casers, LASIK is not covered by insurance although there are several carriers who do help pay for it. If you are in doubt, please call the office and someone can help you.

Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

In addition to LASIK, Dr. Sondheimer is a highly sought after specialist providing patients seeking treatment for glaucoma and cataracts in Chicago excellent patient care in a safe environment. Please contact his office to learn more about the services Dr. Sondheimer provides.