Frequently asked questions
Having a LASIK procedure is a big decision to take and you should take some time to consider this. Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about Z LASIK (click on the question to display the answer). |
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The difference between traditional LASIK and bladeless LASIK is the method by which the LASIK flap is created. In bladeless LASIK, a femtosecond laser is used to cut a thin flap in the cornea to access the deeper layers of the cornea for re-shaping whereas in traditional LASIK a microkeratome (mechanical device with blade) cuts the flap. Discuss with your eye doctor any questions and concerns you have about how they chose their preferred method of flap creation.
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Each person has unique eye anatomy and only a careful evaluation by your doctor can determine if you are a good candidate for the Z LASIK procedure. . However, some general guidelines for eligibility include; stable vision prescription for a minimum of one year, no history of keratoconus, thinning of the cornea, glaucoma, severe dry eye or other diseases of the cornea. Z-LASIK is generally not reccomeneded for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. For more details on possible risks, please read through the important patient information and discuss with your eye doctor if Z LASIK is right for you.
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The Z LASIK page on this website will go through the typical steps involved in the Z LASIK procedure.
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Z-LASIK treatment is painless due to anesthetic drops which will be administered prior to surgery. In addition, some doctors may offer you a single dose of medication which gives temporary relief of anxiety. You might feel slight discomfort during the procedure due to the pressure sensation around your eye. The day after surgery, most people feel some discomfort for about 24 hours while the eye starts to heal.
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To prevent any interference in the procedure due to the eyelids, an instrument called speculum is placed between your eyelids, making it impossible for you to blink during the short duration of the surgery. Numbing eye drops will also reduce the sensitivity of the cornea and you will not feel the need to blink. During the laser treatment you will fixate your focus on a blinking target light and small movements of your eye will be followed by the lasers tracking system ensuring accurate placement of your treatment.
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Most surgeons perform Z LASIK on both eyes the same day. With other procedures like PRK, it takes longer to get back to a clear and comfortable vision so many surgeons will wait a week or two for the second eye with PRK.
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The entire procedure on the treatment day usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes which includes the time in preparing you for the procedure as well as final examinations after the procedure. Actual time in the laser suite is usually about 10 to 15 minutes.
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You may begin driving as soon as you see well enough. It is up to your doctor to determine your capacity to drive. However, it is generally not recommended to drive home on your own after the procedure.
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The visual recovery itself is typically very short in Z LASIK. Within a few hours most of the patients reach 20/20 vision(1). However, some side effects may need more time to heal completely. Ask your eye doctor for further information.
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Usually patients notice the improvement of their vision immediately following the procedure. Within a few hours, most patients reach 20/20 vision (1). The visual recovery period after Z-LASIK is usually very short and most patients resume normal activities right after the treatment.
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Depending on your surgeon, you will probably return for an eye exam the next day, then again one week and/or one month later with the final check-up occurring after three months. Your doctor will let you know if more visits are necessary.
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The prices for Z LASIK may vary significantly in different countries. Z LASIK is a medical procedure that is not covered by most health insurances. If you feel worried about the cost of your surgery, ask different doctors for quotes and what the visit fee covers.
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Check out our find-a-doctor section to find a Z LASIK eye doctor in your region.
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Reference
1) Durrie DS, Brinton JP, Avila MR, Stahl ED.J. Evaluating the speed of visual recovery following thin-flap LASIK with a femtosecond laser. Refract Surg. 2012 Sep;28(9):620-4. doi: 10.3928/1081597X-20120815-06.
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Important patient information
Ziemer FEMTO LDV lasers are prescription medical devices that can only be used by accredited eye care professionals for LASIK and other approved surgical procedures. Only a trained eye care professional can determine if a FEMTO LDV laser procedure is appropriate for your condition. Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of keratoconus, glaucoma, other eye-related diseases, diabetes, a history of herpes simplex or herpes zoster keratitis, significant dry eye, severe allergies or have had changes in your vision over the past year.
The LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) procedure causes permanent changes to the cornea as a therapy for myopia, hyperopia or other diseases where the cornea is not an optimal shape. You should not have LASIK if you have autoimmune or an immunodeficiency disease, if you are pregnant or nursing, show signs of corneal thinning, or take medications with eye-related side effects, such as Isotretinoin (Accutane®) for acne treatment or Amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone®) for cardiac arrhythmia. LASIK is for adults whose vision has stabilized.
Risks associated with the LASIK procedure include: dry eye syndrome, the possible need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery, visual symptoms including halos, glare, starbursts, double vision, other visual irregularities or possible loss of vision. Results may vary for each individual patient.