Over the last few months we have noticed that many of our open house participants and new patients have asked us a lot of questions about some of the more in depth aspects of our procedures. Some of these questions have been, “What are implantable contact lenses?”, “What is RLE and how will it help my cataracts?” and “How soon will my vision improve after a LASIK surgery?”

We will answer these questions in three parts.

The last question is the one most frequently asked, “How soon will my vision improve after a LASIK surgery?” The short answer is it depends on the eye itself. What we can tell you is that patients often report being able to see clearly hours after the surgery, but the average is 24 to 48 hours. This is partially due to the nature of Bladeless LASIK. Bladeless LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis), also called Intra-LASIK because the LASIK surgeon uses a laser instead of a blade, to gently create a thin flap of corneal tissue.

Dr. Arrowsmith uses the Intralase laser system for the procedures performed at Arrowsmith Eye Institute (AEI). The flap is gently lifted so that a second laser – the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Excimer Laser – can microscopically sculpt the inner layers of the cornea. The corneal flap is then returned to its original position. Within minutes, the flap adheres similar to how a contact lens does, only much more securely. Bladeless LASIK is virtually pain-free and usually results in immediately improved vision. LASEK is sometimes an excellent alternative for specific patients with thin corneas or for a few patients who require PRK for occupational reasons.