Cutting edge technology has expanded the number of patients who benefit from laser vision correction. Nonetheless, there are certain limits to how large of an eyeglass prescription can be corrected with refractive surgery. The prescription that is in your corrective lens makes up for the irregularities in your human eye. These irregularities are called refractive errors and they include myopia (or near-sightedness), astigmatism and hyperopia (or far-sightedness). The measurement of this refractive error is called a refraction, and it is one of the many measurements that we will take during your doctor’s visit. If this refractive error is too high, then yes indeed, your eyes may be too bad for LASIK. But at Lucent Vision we offer the most comprehensive options for vision correction. If LASIK is not an option, we may be able to offer you a different procedure that safely corrects your vision and changes your life. What prescription is too high for LASIK? According to the stipulations set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the laser device used by most LASIK surgeons can treat: Myopia up to -12 diopters with or without astigmatism up to 6 diopters Hyperopia up to +6 diopters with or without astigmatism up to 5 diopters If your glasses or contact lens prescription falls out of this range, then you may not be a good candidate for the LASIK prescription. What do refractive errors and diopters have to do with being a LASIK candidate? With LASIK (a.k.a. laser in situ keratomileusis) we are able to alter the corneal tissue of the human eye to allow light rays to properly focus onto the retina. When light rays are not properly focused onto the retina due to an abnormality or imperfection in the shape of the eye we call this problem a refractive error. In the field of ophthalmology, the degree of visual impairment is usually measured in diopters. Good LASIK candidates will typically fall within a particular range of refractive errors. Refractive errors can be translated into an eyeglasses prescription that may be necessary for a person to have normal vision. What are the requirements for LASIK eye surgery? In order to safely improve your visual perception with LASIK eye surgery there are certain basic requirements that need to be met. These requirements include: You must be older than 18 years of age. A stable prescription that has not changed by more than a 0.5 diopters in the previous year. You must not be in the midst of a pregnancy, nor should you still be breastfeeding. A previous article in our series detailed how changes in female hormones play a role in vision stability. Vision prescriptions must fall within the FDA approved limits for LASIK. A healthy corneal topography and adequate corneal thickness to undergo LASIK. These measurements would be taken on the day of your LASIK consultation. You must not have any active eye diseases such as infection, keratoconus, or scarring from previous eye injury. Are there other vision correction options if I’m not a candidate for LASIK? Yes there are other vision correction options available if you are not a candidate for LASIK. These other options include SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), EVO ICL implantation, and RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange). SMILE and PRK are other forms of laser vision correction that may preserve more healthy corneal tissue. The EVO ICL procedure involves the placement of a permanent contact lens inside of the eye between the pupil and the natural lens. The EVO ICL procedure, recently FDA approved in the United States, is particularly well-suited to patients who have severe nearsightedness and too little tissue for laser assisted procedures. With the RLE procedure the dysfunctional natural lens is replace with an artificial lens that corrects refractive errors. This elective procedure is particularly well-suited for patients beyond the age of 40 who are suffering from presbyopia, or difficulty with seeing nearby objects such as reading books up close. Patients who undergo RLE are usually do not need to wear glasses for the majority of their daily activities. Finding the right solution for you involves an experienced staff that will understand your vision demands and your particular eye anatomy before problem solving to choose the appropriate treatment. FAQ’s About Can Your Eyes Be Too Bad For LASIK What vision conditions might make someone ineligible for LASIK? We typically reserve LASIK for patients who are not suffering from other eye diseases such as diplopia (or double vision), cataracts, glaucoma, or active ocular inflammation. Your medical history may also play a role with how healthy your eyes are for LASIK. There are certain conditions affecting the body which can also affect the eyes and make LASIK a higher risk procedure. Some of these illnesses include Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and other disorders of the immune system. Give a short 50-100 word answer Can LASIK treat extremely high prescriptions for nearsightedness or farsightedness? Although LASIK can treat extremely high prescriptions for nearsightedness or farsightedness, it may be less predictable for these prescriptions. For this reason we offer alternative options that may be safer and more effective for your particular vision profile. Is there a limit to how much astigmatism LASIK can correct? Astigmatism is an asymmetry in the contours of the human cornea, and it is a refractive error that can usually be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses. There is indeed a limit to the amount of astigmatism correction that can be achieved with LASIK. For myopic (near-sighted) patients this limit is 6 diopters, and for hyperopic (far-sighted) patients this limit is 5 diopters. Nonetheless, these are technical limits. In the real world, most eye doctors will choose a different procedure or combination procedures if you have such a high amount of astigmatism. At such high levels of astigmatism the LASIK procedure is less predictable, and you will be less likely to hit 2020 vision. What eye health issues can disqualify someone from getting LASIK? If you have a diagnosis of keratoconus from your eye doctor, then you may be disqualified from having a laser eye surgery. This eye disease involves a thinning and weakening of the central cornea which may be genetic in nature. It can usually be diagnosed with corneal imaging (i.e. corneal topography) done by a doctor of optometry or a doctor of ophthalmology. If you have a history of severe dry eye syndrome, autoimmune disease, uncontrolled diabetes, glaucoma, or cataracts then there may be a higher risk of complications. If you suffer from any of these eye health issues, you should have a thorough discussion with your eye doctor to better understand the risks associated with laser surgery. Can LASIK be performed if my corneas are too thin? Thin corneas along with a large eyeglasses prescription may prevent you from being a good candidate for LASIK. But there are other factors involving the cornea that need to be taken into consideration. If you have thin corneas in addition to a normal corneal curvature and prescription glasses with a smaller correction, you may still be a good candidate. The ratio of the correction needed to the amount of cornea available is very important. By the same token, not everyone with a normal or thick cornea is a good candidate for LASIK. Good candidates tend to have a symmetric corneal shape, regardless of how thin or thick the cornea may be. Does severe dry eye prevent LASIK surgery? Severe dry eye can indeed prevent LASIK surgery, especially if it is uncontrolled. Over the last several years there have been major advances in the field of ophthalmology that my improve dry eye symptoms. We now have available a prescription drug may reduce inflammation and increase tear production in patients suffering from dry eye. Although new treatments may improve the signs and symptoms of dry eye, it may still be something that jeopardizes your candidacy for LASIK. Dry eyes may slow down the healing process after LASIK. Even in the most healthy eyes LASIK may be associated with a temporary decrease in the tear production system. For this reason, make sure you ask your surgeon about dry eye disease and its risks. Are there alternatives to LASIK for people with bad vision? For people who are not good candidates for LASIK, alternatives include Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), EVO ICL implantation, Refractive Lens Exchange, and Premium Cataract surgery. We offer a comprehensive suite of vision correction procedures that can be matched to each individuals eye health and vision demands. How does age affect whether my vision is too bad for LASIK? When patients are above the age of 45 they typically experience age related changes of the lens inside of the eye. These changes lead to a problem called presbyopia, which causes difficulty with seeing objects close to the eye (e.g. being able to read up close). The LASIK procedure is generally not the best procedure for this age group unless a blended vision treatment is chosen. An alternative procedure to consider would be Refractive Lens Exchange. The other major age related change in the eye is a cataract, which in an opacification of the natural lens inside of the eye. This opacification of the natural lens causes a reduction of visual acuity as the lens has become cloudy. For these patients, the best treatment may be a cataract surgery with implantation of an intraocular lens, rather than LASIK. Can prior eye surgeries make LASIK not an option? A previous history of corneal transplantation, retinal surgery, or glaucoma surgery could potentially result in an eye that no longer qualifies for LASIK. In addition, if you have had LASIK previously in the past, then there may not be enough corneal tissue to proceed...

If you rub your eyes within the first few days of having the LASIK procedure, you may increase your risk of complications that may lead to vision vision loss. Although this complication can be successfully treated by your physician, it may necessitate additional procedures, and it may lead to a longer recovery time. What happens if I rub my eyes after LASIK? Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, or LASIK, is one of the most commonly performed and safest procedures in all of ophthalmology. . The “windshield” of the human eye is known as the cornea, and a thin flap is made on the cornea during the LASIK procedure by your surgeon. This corneal flap normally heals very quickly within the first 24 hours after LASIK surgery. Nonetheless, if a patient rubs his/her eyes or experiences an eye injury within the first week of eye surgery, there is a heightened risk of a complication known as a dislocated flap. Rubbing your eyes through your eyelids, or getting accidentally poked in the eye may lead to a complication where this flap is disturbed and pushed out of place. Decreased visual acuity, pain, and tearing are usually associated with a flap dislocation. How Long Should You Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes After LASIK? Avoid eye rubbing for at least one week after your LASIK procedure. In addition, we typically recommend using eye protection while sleeping during this first week after the LASIK procedure. This eye protection includes overnight goggles as well as sunglasses when you are outside in the sun. We also recommend avoiding cosmetics such as mascara and eyeliner during this time frame because the process of cleaning off this makeup may also involve rubbing of the eyes. Finally, avoid submerging your head in swimming pools, hot tub, or any other body of water. Aside from the risk of eye infection, these activities may prompt you to rub your eyes. What complications can happen if I rub my eyes after LASIK? Eye rubbing after LASIK may lead to complications such as flap dislocation, eye infection, Flap Dislodgement, Delayed Healing, Infection, Eye Injury, Increased Eye Pressure and Long-term Vision Issues. How can I manage eye itchiness without rubbing after LASIK? Eye itchiness in the immediate post-operative period after LASIK may be a part of the body’s natural healing process. Your eye surgeon may suggest you use artificial tears, a type of lubricant eye drop, to reduce your sensation of itchiness. Occasionally, your eye surgeon may prescribe medicated eye drops to hep reduce eye itchiness. FAQ’s About Rubbing Eyes After LASIK What happens if I accidentally rub my eyes after LASIK surgery? If you rub your eyes in the days following your LASIK surgery you may be putting your self at risk of complications such as eye infection and LASIK flap dislocation. Can rubbing my eyes after LASIK affect my vision permanently? Although your eye surgeon may be able to repair a dislocated flap, there can be long term problems with scarring and haze underneath the flap that can lead to more long lasting blurry vision. If you have a habit of regularly rubbing your eyes, even months after the LASIK flap has healed, you may be causing the cornea to weaken over time. This weakening of the corneal structure is called ectasia and it can lead to a long term negative impact on your visual perception. If you develop this complication, then you may require the use of contact lenses or glasses for better vision. How long after LASIK can I safely rub my eyes? Gentle touching of the eyelids one week after your LASIK procedure is generally safe and should not lead to any harmful consequences. Nonetheless, as a general rule you should not vigorously rub your eyes. Why is it dangerous to rub your eyes after LASIK? In the first week after LASIK your cornea is still undergoing its healing process. During this recovery period your eyes are particularly vulnerable to complications such as eye infection and LASIK flap dislocation. Will rubbing my eyes cause the LASIK flap to dislodge? Rubbing your eyes after the LASIK procedure will not necessarily result in any complications. Most patients never develop any abnormalities related to rubbing. But still it is a great idea to avoid rubbing your eyes in the first week after LASIK. Being careful with your eyes by wearing eye protection and avoiding eye rubbing will allow you to maintain your clear vision and reduce the risk of complications. What should I do if I rubbed my eyes shortly after LASIK? If you have rubbed your eyes after your laser eye surgery, stop and consider if you have any new symptoms. These symptoms would include blurry vision, irritation, pain, light sensitivity, vision loss, tearing, or foreign body sensation. If you notice any of these symptoms then please call the office of your eye doctor right away. How do I know if I damaged my LASIK flap by rubbing my eyes? If you are concerned about any damage you may have caused by rubbing your eyes, then you should be on the look out for symptoms of eye irritation, redness, pain, tearing, light sensitivity, foreign body sensation, or blurry vision. These are the most common symptoms associated with LASIK flap complications. Are there any warning signs of complications from rubbing my eyes after LASIK? If you notice any new symptoms of redness, pain, irritation, tearing, blurry vision, or the sensation of a foreign object in your eye, then you should call your eye doctor’s office right away. These symptoms may be associated with LASIK complications. Your eye surgeon’s office should be able to schedule a follow up eye visit as soon as possible. Is it okay to rub my eyes gently a few weeks after LASIK? It is okay to gently rub your eyes a few weeks after the LASIK procedure. As long as you do not press incredibly hard on top of your eyelids, you should not cause any flap related complications. Nonetheless, try not to make a habit of this eye rubbing. It can lead to seriously harmful consequences such as a weakening of the central cornea. This weakening of the cornea can result in a complication known as ectasia. This complication would potentially put you back into corrective lens. What precautions should I take to avoid rubbing my eyes after LASIK surgery? Some patients need to rub their eyes due to a sensation of itching or scratchiness. These symptoms may be a sign of dry eyes, or perhaps allergic conjunctivitis. If your eyes are feeling scratchy and tired, then using an artificial tear as a lubricant can relieve these symptoms. On the other had, if you are suffering from itchy eyes you may have allergic conjunctivitis. There are over-the-counter eye drops available to reduce symptoms of itchy eyes. Using eye drops can reduce the inflammation and symptoms that are associated with both dry eyes as well as allergic conjunctivitis. By treating your symptoms with an eye drop, you will be much less likely to use your hands to rub your eyes. Finally, make sure you wear protective eyewear while sleeping in the first few days after your LASIK procedure.

The “windshield” of the eye, the cornea is the primary tissue of the human eye that is modified with laser eye surgery. Research in the field of refractive surgery has demonstrated that female hormones play a major role in the anatomy and physiology of the cornea. For this reason, changes in the levels of certain hormones during pregnancy or menopause can impact your eligibility for Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (a.k.a. LASIK). Do women have different eligibility criteria for LASIK? A woman’s age or pregnancy status may have an impact on her eligibility for LASIK. In ophthalmology, much like in other fields of medicine, the unique female hormones (such as estrogen and progesterone) that are associated with pregnancy can alter human physiology. For this reason prospective female patients may not be good candidates for LASIK while male candidates may not have these same eligibility restrictions. Can I have LASIK while I’m pregnant? You should not have any laser vision correction procedures while you are pregnant. These restrictions apply to excimer laser procedures such as LASIK and Photorefractive Keratectomy (a.k.a. PRK), as well as Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE). Fluctuations in pregnancy hormones can impact the shape and function of the cornea, which in turn can impact a woman’s glasses or contact lens prescription. Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism need to be accurately measured and they need to be stable in order to obtain an excellent LASIK outcome. If a woman is pregnant or nursing, her pre-operative measurements may not be accurate, and there is a risk that her LASIK procedure may not deliver a successful outcome of clear vision. How does menopause affect LASIK eligibility or recovery? Menopause may impact tear production, which can lead to dry eye syndrome. For women in this age group, dry eye syndrome can restrict LASIK eligibility and can also delay recovery after LASIK eye surgery. The health of your tears plays a major role in visual clarity. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women experience changes in their sex hormones (i.e. estrogen and progesterone) which can negatively impact baseline tear production, leading to dry eye disease. Patients with uncontrolled dry eye disease are not good candidates for LASIK. In addition, the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease may lead to a much slower recovery after LASIK. Do hormones affect vision and LASIK recovery? By impacting the shape and function of the cornea and natural lens of the eye, female sex hormones can impact visual acuity. Changes in hormone levels can lead to fluctuations in your visual acuity. Ultimately, this may cause blurry vision and can even contribute to a slower recovery after LASIK. Women may experience large changes in the balance of their sex hormones throughout the course of their pregnancy. Similarly, women you are undergoing menopause may have large shifts in these hormones as well. FAQ’s About How Female Hormones Affect LASIK Eligibility and Recovery Can hormonal changes affect my eligibility for LASIK? Most importantly, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy) can impact your corneal thickness and curvature. In turn this can lead to an inaccurate assessment of your refraction, which is a measure of the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that you have. Without an accurate refraction, there would be no way to assure that your LASIK treatment is accurate. An assessment of the shape of your cornea, also known as a corneal topography, will be performed on the day of your consultation. How do pregnancy and breastfeeding impact LASIK eligibility? Our surgeon does not recommend any type of laser vision correction during pregnancy. Furthermore, we recommend waiting at least 3 months from the cessation of nursing before considering a laser eye surgery. Pregnancy and breastfeeding impact corneal anatomy and physiology, which in turn play a major role in your glasses or contact lens prescription. If an accurate assessment of refractive error (i.e. myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) cannot be made during your consultation, then there is a risk of having an inaccurate post-operative LASIK outcome. It is for this reason that we limit the eligibility of LASIK for pregnant women or breastfeeding women. Can birth control pills affect the outcome of LASIK surgery? The use of birth control pills is not likely to affect the outcome of LASIK surgery. In a 2006 article in the Journal of Refractive Surgery, women who were on oral contraceptive medications did not have any different outcomes than women who were not taking these medications. In other words, you do not need to discontinue oral contraceptive pills if you are seeking LASIK for vision correction. Does the menstrual cycle influence LASIK surgery or recovery? In general, a woman’s normal monthly menstrual cycle will not influence her LASIK procedure nor her recovery from the LASIK procedure. As such, women do not need to plan around their cycle if they are considering LASIK. Is it safe to get LASIK during menopause or perimenopause? It is safe to get LASIK during menopause or perimenopause, but your surgeon may need to pay particular attention to the health of your tear film after the procedure. Imbalances in estrogens and progesterone may have a negative impact on the components of the tear film that are important for maintenance of a healthy ocular surface. Women in this group tend to be at a particularly high risk of dry eye disease, an inflammatory condition that can lead to symptoms such as dryness, pain, tearing, and vision fluctuation. Any existing dry eye symptoms may be exacerbated in the recovery phase after LASIK eye surgery. Your surgeon may need to use medications to reduce the ocular inflammation that is associated with dry eye disease. How do hormone replacement therapies affect LASIK recovery? Hormone replacement therapies (or HRT) may complicate the post-operative course of LASIK. In a retrospective review found in the Journal of Refractive Surgery, women who are on HRT are at an increased risk of regression after LASIK. Regression is the term used to describe a phenomenon where patients lose some of the effect of their LASIK procedure. When regression occurs, patients who have an excellent outcome after LASIK may notice that over the course of several months or years their vision seems to lose some of its sharpness. These patients may choose to return to wearing glasses or contact lenses, or they may choose a touch-up procedure to sharpen up their vision. Can hormonal fluctuations cause dry eyes after LASIK? Hormonal fluctuations may promote dry eyes after LASIK. We know that hormones play a role in stimulating the cells and glands on the ocular surface that are important for a healthy tear film. If there are changes in hormone balance then this may cause a tear film that is not healthy. The end result may be dry eye disease. Once hormonal balance is re-established, there may be a concurrent improvement in the symptoms of dry eyes. Will LASIK results be affected if I undergo hormone therapy in the future? LASIK results may be affected if you undergo hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, in the future. Previous studies have shown that HRT may carry a higher risk of regression. This term is used to describe some loss of the LASIK effect over time. Should I delay LASIK if I’m planning a pregnancy? If you are planning a pregnancy, it may be prudent to delay your LASIK surgery. After you have delivered your baby and completed breastfeeding, you will have corneal stability and you will be ready for a more accurate assessment of your visual impairments during a LASIK consultation. How long after pregnancy or breastfeeding should I wait to get LASIK? At Lucent Vision we recommend waiting 3 months from the time you stop breastfeeding before considering LASIK surgery. The female sex hormones tend to return to their baseline at this checkpoint. Once you have reached this timeframe, it would be safe to get a LASIK consultation.

Eating the right healthy foods after LASIK can play a significant role in your recovery, ensuring that your eyes heal quickly and effectively. While there are foods that support your healing process, there are also some that you should avoid to prevent any complications. In this article, we’ll provide straightforward guidance on what to include and what to skip in your diet post-surgery. Following these guidelines may support your body’s healing process. For personalized advice and to discuss your vision goals, schedule a consultation with Lucent Vision today. 5 Types of Food You Should Eat After LASIK Surgery After LASIK surgery, your body needs the right nutrition to promote healing and protect your eyes during recovery. Incorporating specific types of foods into your diet can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively your eyes heal. In this section, we’ll explore five key food categories that are particularly beneficial after LASIK, helping you get back to your routine with clear, healthy vision. Foods High in Protein Protein is essential for the body’s healing processes, especially after surgery like LASIK. It supports cell rejuvenation, strengthens blood vessels, and enhances immunity, all of which are critical for a speedy recovery. Incorporating protein-rich foods into a healthy diet can help restore your eye health and visual acuity by providing the necessary nutrients that aid in healing and reduce inflammation. Examples of Foods High in Protein: Organic chicken Salmon Eggs Dairy products Nuts (e.g., almonds) Seeds (e.g., wheat germ) Legumes (e.g., beans, lentils) Foods High in Vitamins Vitamins, particularly A, C, and E, play a vital role in post-surgery recovery. These essential vitamins boost cellular function, enhance immunity, and protect the eyes from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of complications like infections. Including vitamin-rich foods in your diet can accelerate wound healing and support overall eye health, and minimize dryness and irritation of the cornea. Examples of Foods High in Vitamins: Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, tangerines) Red bell peppers Green leafy vegetables (e.g., kale, spinach) Carrots Tomatoes Berries Healthy Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source and are crucial for healing. After LASIK surgery, your body needs sufficient energy to repair tissues and support recovery. While it’s important to choose the right types of carbs, they are a necessary component of a post-surgery diet. Examples of Healthy Carbohydrates: Quinoa Whole wheat Bananas Oats Buckwheat Healthy Fats Not all fats are harmful; in fact, healthy fats are essential for absorbing nutrients and reducing inflammation. Saturated and unsaturated fats, found in various foods, help your body absorb vitamins and support overall health, which is particularly beneficial after LASIK surgery. Examples of Healthy Fats: Avocado Whole eggs Nuts (e.g., almonds) Seeds Olive oil Hydrating Foods Hydration is crucial for eye health, especially after LASIK. Foods with high water content can help maintain proper hydration levels, supporting the healing process and reducing the risk of dry eyes. Including these hydrating foods in your diet can aid in a smoother recovery. Examples of Hydrating Foods: Cucumbers Watermelon Oranges Tomatoes Bell peppers Incorporating these essential food groups into your diet after LASIK surgery can significantly enhance your recovery process, helping to reduce inflammation, speed up healing, and maintain optimal eye health. By choosing the right nutrients, you give your eyes the best chance to heal and thrive. For personalized dietary advice and to explore how we can support your vision goals, schedule a consultation with Lucent Vision today. 5 Types of Food You Should Avoid After LASIK Surgery After LASIK surgery, it’s crucial to be mindful of the foods you consume, as certain types can negatively impact your recovery. Some foods can increase inflammation, raise blood pressure, or introduce harmful substances into your body, all of which can slow down the healing process and potentially lead to complications. In this section, we’ll cover five types of foods that you should avoid to ensure a smooth and successful recovery after your procedure. Foods High in Sugar After LASIK surgery, it’s important to avoid sugar rich foods. Consuming sugar-rich foods can lead to spikes in blood pressure, which may increase pressure in the eyes and hinder your recovery. Additionally, sugary drinks and foods are linked to increased inflammation, potentially prolonging the healing process and increasing the risk of complications. To support a smooth recovery, it’s best to steer clear of these types of foods. Examples of Foods High in Sugar: Packed juices Honey Healthier sugar alternatives (e.g., brown sugar, coconut sugar) Fruits high in sugar Cakes, pastries, candies Deep-Fried Foods Deep-fried foods are high in trans fats, which are known to induce inflammation and slow down the healing process. The frying process also destroys many of the beneficial nutrients, making these foods not only unhealthy but also detrimental to your recovery after LASIK surgery. Avoiding deep-fried foods can help minimize inflammation and support your body’s healing efforts. Examples of Deep-Fried Foods: Chips French fries Fried snacks (e.g., potato chips, pakoras, samosas) Fried pastries Foods High in Sodium Sodium rich foods can negatively affect blood pressure, leading to complications during your recovery. Elevated blood pressure can affect eye health and prolong the healing process. Additionally, sodium-rich foods often contain preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can further disrupt your body’s recovery. Examples of Foods High in Sodium: Canned foods Preserved foods Ultra-processed foods (e.g., chips, crisps) Pickles Red Meat Red meat, including both fresh and processed types like burgers and sausages, is associated with increased inflammation due to its high sodium content. Consuming red meat during recovery can exacerbate inflammation and slow down the healing process, so it’s best to limit or avoid it altogether. Examples of Red Meat: Burgers Steaks Hot dogs Sausages Ultra-Processed Foods Highly processed foods are typically loaded with unhealthy fats, sodium, sugar, and preservatives, all of which can negatively affect your recovery after LASIK surgery. These foods can alter blood pressure and other bodily functions, potentially worsening eye health and delaying the healing process. To support optimal recovery, it’s advisable to avoid these ultra-processed foods. Examples of Ultra-Processed Foods: Chips Packed popcorn Fast foods (e.g., burgers, pizza) Packed biscuits, cookies By steering clear of these food types, you can help ensure a smoother recovery and reduce the risk of complications after LASIK surgery. For personalized advice and guidance, consider scheduling a consultation with Lucent Vision. Take the Next Step Toward a Smooth Recovery Your diet plays a crucial role in your recovery after laser eye surgery. By making mindful choices about what to eat and what to avoid, you can support your body’s healing process and protect your newly enhanced vision. Ready to learn more about how you can achieve the best results from your LASIK procedure? Schedule a consultation with Lucent Vision today and take the next step toward clearer, healthier vision. FAQ’s About Great Foods to Eat and Avoid after LASIK Can I drink coffee after LASIK surgery? Yes, you can drink coffee after LASIK surgery, but it’s important to consume it in moderation. Caffeine is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration, potentially worsening dry eyes, a common side effect after LASIK. To keep your eyes well-hydrated, drink plenty of water if you choose to have coffee. For personalized post-LASIK care, including dietary advice, Lucent Vision is here to guide you through your recovery. Are there any specific fruits that are particularly good for recovery after LASIK? Yes, fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwi, are particularly beneficial for recovery after LASIK. Vitamin C helps in tissue repair and reduces inflammation, supporting your eyes as they heal. Including these fruits in your diet can help speed up recovery. Lucent Vision recommends a balanced diet rich in vitamins for optimal healing post-surgery. Is it okay to eat spicy foods after LASIK surgery? It’s best to avoid spicy foods immediately after LASIK surgery. Spicy foods can cause discomfort, such as an increase in tear production, which may irritate your healing eyes. Additionally, if the spice causes sweating or nasal congestion, it might lead to accidental rubbing of the eyes. For more specific dietary guidelines after LASIK, consult with Lucent Vision. Can I eat dairy products after LASIK surgery? Yes, you can eat dairy products after LASIK surgery. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese provide essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, which are beneficial for overall health, including eye health. However, if you are lactose intolerant or dairy-sensitive, consider alternatives like almond milk to avoid discomfort. Lucent Vision can provide tailored advice based on your individual needs. Should I avoid alcohol completely after LASIK surgery? It’s recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours after LASIK surgery. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, including the eyes, which can slow down the healing process and exacerbate symptoms like dry eyes. After this period, it’s important to consume alcohol in moderation. Lucent Vision can help you understand the impact of alcohol on your recovery. Can I eat chocolate after LASIK surgery? While it’s okay to eat chocolate in moderation after LASIK surgery, it’s important to be cautious of the sugar content. High sugar intake can increase infla...

After removal of a cataract during cataract surgery, an intraocular lens implant needs to be placed in the human eye to rehabilitate any visual impairment. A multifocal lens is an excellent option for vision correction at multiple points of focus: close-up for reading, intermediate range for computer work, and far-away for television and driving. What are multifocal lenses and how do they work? A multifocal lens is a type of intraocular lens implanted in the eye at the time of cataract surgery to provide visual perception at multiple ranges of distance. This type of lens would allow for excellent visual acuity after cataract surgery without the use of bifocals, progressive lens, or an eyeglass prescription. The lens implant has a concentric ring design to bend and split light rays entering the eye from multiple distances. These light rays can then be processed by the retina to deliver near vision, intermediate vision, and distant vision. What types of multifocal lenses are there? There are a variety of lenses that fall in the category of multifocal lenses, and each has its own distinctive benefits. These varieties include trifocal lenses that split light rays into different “channels” to maximize your freedom from eyeglasses and contact lens. Another variety of lens that falls in this category is an extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lens which functions by bending light rays rather than splitting them. These lenses offer excellent distance and intermediate vision to improve your vision and reduce your dependence on a pair of glasses. All of the varieties of multifocal lenses also offer astigmatism correction as well to maximize your experience of clear vision. Your eye care professional will be able to customize the corrective lens that is placed in your eye based on your lifestyle and vision demands. How do you know if you need a multifocal lens? If you are suffering from blurry vision due to cataracts, presbyopia (the need for reading glasses that arises in the mid forties), astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness, then a cataract procedure with the implantation of a multifocal lens may be the best way to solve your vision problems. An eye care professional specializing in ophthalmology or optometry would be able to perform an exam and give you more information about your candidacy for a multifocal lens. If you are already using multifocal contact lens, progressive lenses, or contact lenses to help you perform your daily activities, then a multifocal lens implantation may be a great option to reap the benefits of vision correction without the use of spectacles or contacts. If you don’t have cataracts, but still need to use these vision devices to perform your daily activities, then a multifocal lens may give you visual freedom and prevent the future development of cataracts. Patients who fit this criteria usually benefit from a procedure known as refractive lens exchange. An eye examination from your eye care provider FAQ’s About Multifocal Lenses What are the benefits of multifocal lenses? Multifocal lenses can correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. But more importantly, they can directly reverse the negative consequences of presbyopia. This is a an age-related change in the flexibility of the eye’s natural lens beginning in the mid-forties which makes it harder to see things at arm’s length. Presbyopia makes it necessary for these people to wear progressive eyeglass lenses so that they can read things at a near distance. One of the chief benefits of multifocal lenses is that they allow otherwise presbyopic patients the ability to function at all distances without the need for corrective lenses. How do multifocal lenses differ from bifocal lenses? Multifocal lenses provide functional vision for up-close activities (reading a book), intermediate-distance activities (reading a computer screen on a desktop), and far-distance activities (such as driving). On the other hand, bifocal lenses only provide functional vision for up-close activities, and far-distance activities. Bifocal lenses are often worn by people who are suffering from worsening close-up vision. More importantly, bifocal lenses require head positioning so that distance objects can be seen straight ahead through the upper part of a pair of glasses, while up-close objects can only be seen when looking through the lower portion of the corrective lens. Bifocal lenses will typically have a line on the lens that marks the boundary between near vision correction and distance vision correction. Unlike bifocal lenses, a person who has multifocal lens implants does not need to adjust their head position based on the activity that they are performing. A multifocal lens can give you vision information from varying distances at the same time. Your brain quickly does the job of learning how to seamlessly integrate the gradual transitions from near, intermediate, and distance vision. Furthermore, when your friends or family look at your eyes, they will not be able to see any visible lines on the artificial lens. Can multifocal lenses be used for both reading and distance vision? Multifocal lenses can indeed correct vision at reading and distance vision. Though it is only one lens, it has a unique design consisting of concentric circles that allows for excellent visual acuity at different distances at the same time. Are there any side effects or disadvantages of using multifocal lenses? In rare instances, multifocal lenses may cause the sensation of haloes around lights in dimly lit conditions. For instance, you may notice a faint halo around a stoplight when driving at night. Nonetheless, this perception of halo tends to improve over the course of the first 6 months as your eyes adapt to the lens technology. The risks of developing this type of night time symptom is dependent on many different factors including the pupil size, the health of the cornea, and the type of multifocal lens chosen by the eye doctor. An alternative to the multifocal lenses are the single vision lenses, also called monofocals. This variety of intraocular lens implant (a.k.a. IOL) is generally not associated with the sensation of floaters in dimly lit conditions, but seeing up-close objects would require the use of eyewear (i.e. cheaters or readers). How long does it take to adjust to multifocal lenses? Patients who receive multifocal lens implants usually notice an improvement in their vision within the 24 hours. The vision system may take 6 to 12 months to fully adjust to this new lens technology. By that time, most patients are seeing well at all distances, though they may keep one pair of readers around to read fine print. Are multifocal lenses suitable for everyone? Multifocal lenses tend to serve a better purpose in patients who have an active lifestyle and wish to have visual freedom. Patients who suffer from the age-related loss of flexibility of the natural lens that occurs in the mid-forties (i.e. presbyopes) will be delighted with the ability to read things on their phone without the need for reading glasses. Patients who are seeking a multifocal lens implant must be phakic, which means that they must have their natural lens intact. In other words, if cataract surgery has already been done in the past, then you may no longer be a candidate. An eye examination from your eye care provider will be important to determine if you are a good candidate for a multifocal lens implant. If you have a history of other ophthalmic diseases such as strabismus, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or severe dry eye, then a multifocal lens implant may not be a good option for you. If you wear rigid gas permeable lens or if you wear soft contact lenses, you may need to suspend usage of these lenses for a couple of weeks prior to your evaluation in our office to maximize the reliability of our diagnostic imaging. What are the costs associated with multifocal lenses compared to single-vision lenses? If you are undergoing cataract surgery, a multifocal lens is usually not covered by Medicare nor any other private insurances. Insurance companies will usually only cover a single vision lens (a.k.a. monofocal lens). As such there is usually an out-of-pocket cost associated with a lens “upgrade.” The cost of this lens upgrade will also usually include all of the surgical planning that goes into using a multifocal lens implant. For instance, centration of this lens and correction of astigmatism are critical to the long-term success of the lens implant. In-office diagnostic testing, and a surgeon who has plenty of experience with these types of lenses is paramount to achieving excellent outcomes. So you are not only paying for the actual lens material, but also for the surgeon’s expertise. The cost for this type of lens implant varies depending on the surgeon and the region of the country.

Considering EVO ICL for vision correction in Long Beach? At Lucent Vision, we understand the importance of clear, precise vision and the impact it has on your daily life. Our expert team is dedicated to providing top-tier care and personalized treatment plans. In this article, we will break down the costs associated with EVO ICL to help you make an informed decision. Schedule an appointment with Lucent Vision today for a comprehensive eye examination and consultation and find out if EVO ICL is right for you. How much does EVO ICL cost in Long Beach? The cost of an EVO ICL procedure in Long Beach can vary greatly. Factors influencing the cost include the type of lens used, the surgeon’s experience and skill, the procedure location, the patient’s current eye prescription, and other medical factors, such as the health of the cornea and other ocular tissues. Typically, UV-protective intraocular lenses alone cost between $1,000 and $1,500 per eye. When factoring in the surgeon’s time, materials, facility fees, eye exams, and follow-up appointments, the total cost will be higher. It’s important to consider that discounts might mean corners are being cut, potentially affecting quality and safety. At Lucent Vision, we aim to make eye surgery more affordable without compromising patient safety or the quality of care. We offer various payment options, including interest-free payment plans, and accept cash, check, credit card, HSA, FSA, HRA, or MSA. Our experienced eye care professionals will always provide honest and transparent pricing information during your consultation. While the EVO ICL procedure typically costs more than laser-based vision correction due to the advanced technology of the lenses, it represents a long-term investment in your eyesight. Schedule your consultation with Lucent Vision today to learn more about the costs and benefits of EVO ICL. 6 Factors that influence the cost of EVO ICL in Long Beach The cost of EVO ICL in Long Beach is influenced by several factors: Surgeon’s experience and skill: More experienced surgeons with extensive knowledge in refraction and corrective lens implants may charge higher fees. Geographic location: Costs can vary depending on the area, with potential regional surcharges. Type of ICL implant: Toric ICLs for astigmatism correction are typically more expensive than non-toric ICLs. The use of advanced phakic intraocular lenses also affects the price. Procedure setting: Whether the surgery is performed in an office or a surgical center can affect the cost. Pre- and post-operative care: Some practices bundle these services into the overall cost. Financing options: Many providers offer payment plans, which can affect the total cost over time. The average cost of EVO ICL surgery typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per eye. This is a one-time cost that can potentially save money in the long run by eliminating or reducing the need for glasses and contact lenses. To get an accurate quote for EVO ICL in Long Beach, schedule a consultation with Lucent Vision. They can provide a personalized cost estimate based on your individual needs and circumstances. How does the staff’s experience and expertise influence the cost of EVO ICL? The expertise of the staff and surgeon directly influences the cost of EVO ICL because clinics with highly trained and experienced personnel often reflect these qualities in their pricing. High-quality care and thorough patient interaction before, during, and after the procedure are crucial for achieving the best outcomes. At Lucent Vision, we invest in advanced EVO ICL technologies and highly skilled staff to provide comprehensive vision correction solutions. Dr. Pathak, a board-certified refractive surgery specialist, leads our team with exceptional expertise, performing numerous successful vision correction procedures each year. This dedication to excellence ensures the highest level of care and results for our patients. How can EVO ICL save you money? EVO ICL can save you money in various ways. With EVO ICL, a one-time procedure, you can reduce or eliminate the need for the recurring expenses of glasses and contact lenses. Additionally, you won’t need to purchase contact lens supplies such as solutions, cases, and other maintenance items. While annual eye exams are still recommended, you may not need prescription updates as frequently after EVO ICL. Although EVO ICL has a higher upfront cost than glasses or contacts, it offers long-term savings by eliminating these ongoing expenses. Improved visual acuity without the dependence on glasses or contacts can also lead to greater productivity and career opportunities, indirectly saving or earning you money. At Lucent Vision, we view the initial cost of EVO ICL as a long-term investment in your visual perception and overall quality of life. This advanced procedure can correct refractive errors, reducing or eliminating the need for other corrective lenses. Your exact savings will vary based on your prescription, lifestyle, and other factors. See the Savings with EVO ICL Investing in EVO ICL can transform your vision and save you money over time. By eliminating the ongoing costs of glasses, contacts, and associated supplies, EVO ICL offers long-term financial benefits. Additionally, the improved vision can enhance productivity and career opportunities. Ready to explore how EVO ICL can improve your vision and save you money? Schedule a consultation with Lucent Vision today and discover the benefits of this advanced vision correction procedure. Our experienced ophthalmology team is here to guide you every step of the way. FAQ’s About How Much Does EVO ICL Cost In Long Beach What is the average cost of EVO ICL in Long Beach? The average cost of EVO ICL in Long Beach ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per eye. This price includes the lens, surgeon’s fees, facility fees, pre-operative exams, and post-operative care. At Lucent Vision, we provide transparent pricing and a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation. Are there financing options available for EVO ICL at Lucent Vision? Yes, Lucent Vision offers several financing options to make EVO ICL more affordable. We provide interest-free payment plans and accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, HSA, FSA, HRA, and MSA. We also proudly offer Alphaeon (hyperlink to https://goalphaeon.com/applyvision) as a healthcare credit card with flexible terms that can fit into any budget. Our team will work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget. Does insurance cover the cost of EVO ICL? EVO ICL is usually considered an elective procedure, meaning most insurance plans do not cover it. However, Lucent Vision can assist you in exploring other payment options and financing plans to make the procedure more affordable. Are there any additional costs associated with EVO ICL? In addition to the procedure itself, there may be costs for pre-operative and post-operative care, follow-up appointments, eye examinations, and any necessary medications such as eye drops. At Lucent Vision, we provide a comprehensive cost estimate during your consultation, so there are no surprises. How does the cost of EVO ICL compare to other vision correction procedures in Long Beach? While EVO ICL typically costs more than LASIK due to the advanced technology of the implantable collamer lens, it is often a better long-term investment for certain vision conditions, like severe nearsightedness. However, EVO ICL can be a better long-term investment than laser vision correction for patients with different types of vision conditions. Lucent Vision will help you understand the costs and benefits of each procedure during your consultation. Is the consultation fee included in the cost of EVO ICL? The consultation fee is typically separate from the cost of the procedure. However, at Lucent Vision, we offer detailed and free consultations to provide you with all the necessary information, including a personalized cost estimate and payment options. Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for EVO ICL at Lucent Vision? Yes, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for EVO ICL. These accounts can help you manage the cost of the procedure using pre-tax dollars, making it more affordable and manageable, especially when combined with credit options such as a credit card or Alphaeon healthcare credit cards. What are the benefits of paying more for EVO ICL at Lucent Vision compared to advertised discount options? Paying more for EVO ICL at Lucent Vision means you receive high-quality care from experienced professionals using advanced technology. Cheaper options might cut corners, potentially compromising the quality and safety of the procedure. Our commitment to excellence ensures the best possible results for your vision. What factors influence the cost of EVO ICL at Lucent Vision? Several factors influence the cost of EVO ICL vision correction surgery, including the type of lens used, the surgeon’s experience, the procedure location, and the patient’s specific vision needs, such as correcting refractive errors like myopia, astigmatism, or farsightedness.

Cataract surgery for the treatment of visual impairment from a cataract is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States today. Patients who have health insurance such as a PPO (preferred provider organization) or Medicare may be responsible for a deductible and/or a co-insurance on the total cost of the standard cataract procedure. The patient responsibility amount may vary from $0 to $1,500 per eye, depending on the insurance provider and any previous medical services that have been used during the calendar year. We now have the ability to improve visual perception after cataract surgery with the help of advanced technology intraocular lens options that range from $1,250 to $6,500 per eye in out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance companies. How much does cataract surgery cost? In Southern California, the cost of cataract eye surgery varies from $0 to $6,500 per eye depending on your insurance coverage and the type of visual acuity result you hope to achieve. What factors affect the cost of cataract surgery? The main factors that effect the cost of cataract surgery are the type of insurance you have, the type of facility used for the procedure, and the type of lens implant that is used at the time of cataract surgery. Your medical coverage will likely afford you benefits in the field of surgical ophthalmology, and those benefits are explained further in the next section. We perform cataract surgery at an outpatient surgery center located in Long Beach California since this lowers potential cost for patients compared to having surgery performed in a hospital setting. Lens implant technology has improved dramatically in the last decade in this medical specialty. Insurance providers will typically only cover the most basic lens options. Upgraded lens implant options will require an out-of-pocket investment on the patient’s part. Our surgeon offers premium lens implant technology that will help you reach your vision goals. These lens options include toric lens (for astigmatism correction), extended depth of focus lens (to increase the range of your vision), and trifocal lens (to reduce your need for reading glasses). This lens technology has the capability to correct astigmatism and reduce your dependence on corrective lens or reading glasses. At Lucent Vision we believe in personalization of our surgical plans so that our patients can attain the excellent visual perception they need for their everyday life. Patients who have had LASIK in the past may need the upgraded technology in these lenses to maintain the high level of vision they are accustomed to. Will My Medical Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery? Yes. Most major medical insurance carriers, including Medicare, offer the benefits of standard cataract surgery in their plans. Medical insurance plans generally cover the medical exam to establish the medical diagnosis of cataracts, the physician and facility fees for the actual procedure, the anesthesia, and a standard lens implant. Even if cataract surgery is a benefit offered by your insurance plan, you may still have a share of cost that is associated with the cataract surgery experience. These expenses are dictated by your insurance plan and include copayment (co-pays), deductibles, and co-insurances. On the day of your eye examination our highly trained staff will be able to answer any of your questions regarding your share of cost for the procedure. More FAQ’s About How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost In Long Beach What is the average cost of cataract surgery in Long Beach? The average cost of cataract surgery in Long Beach will range from $0 to $6,500 per eye. This cost includes any deductible, co-pay, co-insurance amounts, as well as any out-of-pocket expenses for upgrades to your lens implant technology. It is also important to note that if you do not have medical insurance, or if you are a part of an HMO plan that is not accepted at our clinic, Lucent Vision offers competitive cash-pay prices to undergo cataract surgery. Does the cost of cataract surgery in Long Beach vary between clinics? Yes. There are a number of reasons why the cost may vary between different clinics. These differences include: There are many newer imaging tests that may allow for better surgical planning. These tests can help us evaluate the human eye from the cornea in the front of the eye to the retina in the back. Not all clinics will have these tests, and not all of these tests are covered by insurance. The intraocular lens implant technology varies based on the clinic. Skill level and surgical experience may vary based on the surgeon. Surgeons with better skills, technology, and experience may charge more in out-of-pocket expenses. Are there any insurance plans that cover cataract surgery? Cataract extraction with artificial lens implant is covered my most major medical insurance plans including Medicare part B. Cataract removal for vision correction in patients with a medical diagnosis of cataracts is usually considered a medically necessary treatment. Insurance providers will typically require documentation of your signs and symptoms of blurry vision resulting from cataracts. If you have a diagnosis of glaucoma in addition to cataracts, your insurance plan may also cover the cost of a pressure-reducing implant in the eye known as an iStent. This type of a stent can be placed at the time of cataract surgery with minimal risk and a possible benefit of reducing the need for glaucoma medicine after the surgery. How much does laser cataract surgery cost in Long Beach compared to traditional cataract surgery? Using laser energy to assist in parts of cataract surgery is more expensive than conventional cataract surgery without laser. In general, using laser technology during cataract surgery will add $750 to $2,500 to the cost of the procedure. In both laser cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery a technique called phacoemulsification using ultrasound energy is used to safely remove pieces of the cataract. At Lucent Vision we do not recommend laser cataract surgery because it is not in the patient’s best interest. Here are the specific reasons we do not recommend laser cataract surgery: There is no data that using laser energy to assist with cataract surgery reduces the risk of complications. Laser cataract surgery is not safer than traditional cataract surgery. There is no evidence that laser cataract surgery leads to better outcomes. Multiple large studies have been done in the ophthalmology literature that have demonstrated that visual outcomes are essentially the same between laser cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery. Adding laser treatment to the cataract surgery adds unnecessary time, discomfort, and cost for the patient. Since there is no added value to patients with laser cataract surgery, we do not recommend it to our patients. You can see the study results on laser cataract surgery from the British Journal of Ophthalmology by cutting and pasting this link into your browser: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32699049/ Are follow-up visits and medication included in the total cost of cataract surgery? Yes. Most health plans and surgeons include post-operative care up to 90 days after the procedure in the original cost. The frequency of follow-up visits may depend on your particular course of healing. Medicated eye drops may be needed after your cataract surgery to control pain, reduce the risk of infection, and accelerate your healing. These medicated eye drops may be covered by your drug plan, especially if the drops are a generic variety of the medicine. Not all surgeons use the same eye drops; as a matter of fact, some surgeons do not use medicated eye drops at all. Is financing available for cataract surgery? Yes. Financing is available for any out-of-pocket costs that are associated with premium cataract surgery as well as cash-pay cataract surgery. At Lucent Vision we offer Alphaeon as our primary financing partner and most patients are approved for health care financing. With the help of our financing partner we are able to make out-of-pocket costs more affordable by providing patients with a monthly payment arrangement that better fits their budget. It is important to note that financing options are not available for costs that are incurred from your insurance coverage such as copayments, deductibles, or co-insurances. How do the costs of cataract surgery in Long Beach compare to nearby cities or states? The costs of cataract surgery in Long Beach California are similar through out the Southern California region. Costs may be higher in certain regions such as West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Newport Beach. The costs of cataract surgery in the state of California are higher than those in surrounding states much like other services and goods.

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (or LASIK) was approved by the food and drug administration in 1999 and is the most commonly performed refractive surgery in the United States today. As a matter of fact, LASIK has one of the highest rates of success of any procedure in ophthalmology. It is capable of safely and effectively treating refractive errors such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. The FDA approval for the LASIK procedure is for patients who are 18 years of age or older. At Lucent Vision we follow the FDA guidelines and require any prospective LASIK candidates to be at least 18 years of age. Is there a minimum age requirement for LASIK? The minimum age requirement for LASIK at Lucent Vision is 18. Below this age, we would defer to our colleagues in optometry to provide you with an accurate prescription for glasses and contact lenses until you are ready to be evaluated for laser vison correction. Although age plays a role in your candidacy for LASIK, there are other factors that your surgeon will also assess before recommending LASIK or any other form of vision correction surgery. These factors include: A stable eyeglass prescription over the last 1 to 2 years prior to your consultation. Corneal health as assessed by the shape and thickness of your cornea is an important factor. The presence of eye disease such as dry eye syndrome, cataract, glaucoma, or problems with your retina may play a role in your candidacy. If you wear contacts rather than glasses, you may be asked to suspend contact lens usage for a couple of weeks to allow for a more accurate eye examination to determine candidacy. Pregnancy may alter the properties of the corneal tissue; consequently, your eye doctor may ask you to return for a re-evaluation after you have completed your delivery. If you have underlying medical problems such as diabetes or autoimmune disease, you may still be a candidate. A careful evaluation of your medical history and a comprehensive eye examination would determine if laser vision correction would be a safe treatment for you. During your consultation we will use cutting edge technology that will allow us to assess your refraction (i.e. your glasses prescription) and the health of your eye from your cornea all the way back to your retina. What is the ideal age to have LASIK? Patients between the ages of 18 and 55 may potentially be great candidates for a LASIK procedure. In our experience, patients between the ages of 18 and 35 may benefit the most as they tend to more easily meet the criteria necessary to optimize visual perception. Patients in this age group have typically grown out of the developmental changes of the human eye that may still be occurring during adolescence. In addition, patients in the age group from 18 to 35 are more likely to have a stable prescription for their corrective lens. Once patients reach the age of 40 they will generally start to see some of the signs of presbyopia, which is the age-related stiffening of the natural lens that causes more visual impairment for near activities (such as reading). Having a laser vision correction procedure once you have already developed presbyopia may necessitate a blended vision arrangement in order to minimize dependence on glasses or contact lenses. For patients beyond the age of 40 a blended vision (or monovision arrangement) involves a far distance correction in the dominant eye, and a small amount of nearsightedness in the non-dominant eye. Your eye MD can discuss the benefits and drawbacks that this type of treatment can provide for your everyday life. Am I too old for LASIK? If you are over the age of 50, there may be better options than LASIK to correct your vision. Laser eye surgery in this age group tends to have a higher risk of dry eyes since we all make less natural tears after 50 (especially women). In addition, ageing causes a stiffening of the natural lens which typically results in presbyopia, or a progressive worsening of near vision starting in the 40s. For these patients, refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery are generally more effective means of re-establishing clear vision at all ranges of vision. Both of these procedures involve the replacement of dysfunctional natural lenses with artificial intraocular lenses that may can allow for great visual acuity and may reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses. If you are over the age of 18 and motivated to see the world clearly without glasses or contact lenses, visit us at Lucent Vision for a free consultation. We specialize in customized vision correction treatments for patients of all ages. Make your appointment now and see if you are a candidate! More FAQ’s About How Old Do You Have To Be To Get LASIK Eye Surgery In California How does the stability of vision affect LASIK eligibility? A stable eyeglass prescription is necessary to be considered a good candidate for LASIK. In this case, a stable prescription is considered a change of no more than 0.5 dioptres in your eyeglass prescription over the last 12 months. Without meeting this criteria, your LASIK surgeon would be chasing a moving target. The result could be an inaccurate treatment. What are the potential risks or complications of having LASIK surgery too young? Patients below the age of 18 may have eyes that are still developing. Some of this development may be related to hormonal changes that have not quite settled yet. If a LASIK treatment is done on an eye that is still developing, there may the the risk of an undercorrection that would necessitate a repeat treatment. In addition, if the eye has not completed its full development, there is a higher risk of a complication known as ectasia. This term refers to a progressive thinning of the cornea after LASIK that can lead to blurry vision that necessitates the use of contact lenses. Patients who have an underlying condition known as keratoconus are at a greater risk of developing ectasia after LASIK. Sometimes the signs of keratoconus are very subtle and not manifested before the age of 18. Why has the FDA not approved LASIK for individuals under 18? Teenagers below the age of 18 are more likely to have a eye that is still developing. This development, along with hormonal changes that may still be occurring at this age, may result in an eyeglass prescription that is still changing. LASIK is meant to be a permanent procedure, so to minimize the possibility of a second treatment in the future, most LASIK surgeons will patiently wait until the eye has stopped developing and the eyeglass prescription is stable. What is the significance of vision stability in determining LASIK eligibility? Regardless of age, all LASIK candidates must demonstrate vision stability with an eyeglass prescription that is within a 0.5 dioptre over the course of a year. If your eyeglass prescription does not show this level of stability, then having a LASIK procedure that permanently changes the shape of your eye may not be the best idea. If your surgeon is trying to treat a moving target then there is a higher risk of an incorrect treatment leading to blurry vision after your surgery, and the potential need for another vision correction procedure in the future. How is ocular maturity evaluated for LASIK candidacy? During your consultation a comprehensive evaluation of your eyeglass prescription, corneal health, and over all eye health will be conducted. A high powered microscope will also be used by the surgeon to evaluate your eyes. Your prescription can then be compared to old prescriptions of glasses and contacts to affirm that there is indeed stability in your eyeglass prescription. What alternative vision correction options exist for individuals younger than the LASIK age requirement? Teenagers below the age of 18 may benefit from eyeglasses or contact lenses for vison correction under the guidance of an optometrist. After the age of 18 a more thorough evaluation of candidacy can be performed to determine if LASIK is a safe option for the patient. What does the pre-LASIK evaluation process involve, and why is it important? The pre-LASIK evaluation process involves the assessment of your old eyeglasses prescriptions, a new evaluation of your eyeglass prescription, a topographic image of your cornea that provides wavefront data (i.e. the specific route that light rays use to go to your retina in the back of the eye), a tomographic image of your cornea (a three dimensional reconstruction of your cornea), and an evaluation of the retina and optic nerve in the back of the eye. Based on this thorough evaluation, a customized surgical plan will be created to optimize your vision. Options for vision correction include LASIK, PRK, Intraocular Collamer Lens implant (ICL), Refractive Lens Exchange, or Cataract surgery. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for vision correction. Your thorough pre-operative evaluation will allow your surgeon to confirm that vision correction surgery is a safe option for you. In addition, you will be able to gather all of the information you need and get all of your questions asked. We believe in a collaborative model where the patient is a partner in the journey to clear vision.

Patients who plan to undergo vision correction surgery, or refractive surgery, often ask if the result from laser vision correction is permanent. Below is a discussion on the long term effect of eye surgery on your visual perception. Even though LASIK can effectively correct refractive errors such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism, there can be a loss of the corrective effect over time. Can LASIK wear off? In the years following a LASIK surgery, the cornea may experience tissue remodeling. As the human eye changes its shape, there may be a regression, or return of refractive error resulting in blurred vision. The vast majority of LASIK surgeries do not result in this type of regression over time. This risk of regression is not the same for all patients who undergo laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Patients who are at greater risk include patients who have a larger eye glass prescription (i.e. over -6.00 diopters of myopia) or patients who wear a positive prescription in their corrective lens (i.e. hyperopia). Although the effect of LASIK can diminish over time for a small subset of patients, the visual acuity can be restored by your surgeon with an enhancement procedure. How long does LASIK last? For the vast majority of patients who get their eyeglass prescription corrected by LASIK, it is a permanent fix. For these patients the correction will last for many years without any signs of visual impairment. Eventually, as the human eye ages over the age of 45, there may be disease that can impact the visual acuity. These diseases include: Cataract formation that can make vision cloudy. Glaucoma that can impact peripheral vision and the eye’s ability to detect changes in contrast. Changes in the retina that can cause vision distortion. Changes in the flexibility of the natural lens can make it difficult to focus objects at a near distance (i.e. presbyopia) which can make reading more difficult. Who is a candidate for LASIK enhancements? In a small subset of patients who undergo LASIK, there may be a loss of effect over the course of a few years that is called regression. In these patients a secondary procedure known as an enhancement may be possible to regain the effect of the original laser surgery procedure. An eye examination done by your eye doctor can determine if your eye health and corneal health (determined by corneal topography) is appropriate for an enhancement procedure. Are there any underlying causes of poor vision after LASIK? Potential causes of poor vision after LASIK include: Dry eyes – There is a transient change in your tear production system after a laser vision procedure. Your tear production system usually returns to its normal level of function after several weeks. This dryness on the surface of your eyes can cause a fluctuation of your vision throughout the day. Undercorrection – Very rarely there can be an insufficient amount of laser treatment applied to your eyes at the time of the laser treatment. Each human eye is unique and may have an unanticipated healing response to the laser treatment. In our experience, less than 1% of patients may have some leftover prescription after the laser treatment. This residual refractive error can usually be treated with an enhancement procedure within a few months of the original treatment. Vision problems such as halos and glare after LASIK are rare side effects that can impact vision quality, especially in dimly lit conditions. The vision system in your brain will typically take some time to adjust to your eyes and these signs and symptoms will typically diminish over the first few months after laser vision correction. More FAQ’s about Can LASIK Wear Off Does LASIK correction fade over time due to natural ageing? Natural age-related changes of the eye can definitely cause problems that can limit the effect of laser vision correction. These age-related changes of the human eye include: Presbyopia – A stiffening of the natural lens over the age of 45 that causes a progressive symptoms of blurry vision for near activities. Cataract – A gradual opacification of the natural lens over the age of 55 that can cause visual distortion and fogginess. Dry Eyes – Many people over the age of 50 experience hormonal changes that can cause a decrease in tear production, which in turn can impact quality of vision. Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration – The risk of these age-related diseases of the eye increases over the age of 55. It is important to note that LASIK generally does not increase your chances of developing these ageing changes of the eye. These ageing changes could occur even if you elected not to get LASIK. Can regression occur after LASIK, and how is it managed? Regression is a loss of effect of the laser treatment over time due to remodeling changes of the cornea. The likelihood of having regression after any type of laser vision correction procedure is probably in the range of 15-20%. There are certain risk factors that can make regression more likely. These risk factors include larger refractive errors such as high myopia (i.e. more than a -6.00 prescription), as well as hyperopic treatments for patients with positive prescriptions (i.e. the eyeglass prescription starts with a + which denotes far-sightedness). Newer evidence in the ophthalmology literature also suggests that performing near tasks such as reading, computer work, or phone work for 8 cumulative hours a day may also increase the chances of regression in the years following laser vision correction. If you are noticing blurry vision in the years following LASIK, you should visit your eye surgeon for a problem solving eye examination. Your eye doctor will be able to measure your refraction and evaluate your eye health to determine if you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of regression. If your eye health permits, a quick and effective laser touch-up procedure may be possible to regain the effect of your original LASIK procedure. How often do patients need LASIK enhancements? A small subset of patients, usually less than 20%, may notice a visually significant loss of clarity in the years following LASIK. Some of these patients will elect to return to contact lens usage or eyeglasses. If eye health permits, some of these patients may choose to get a LASIK enhancement to regain the effect of the original LASIK procedure. Depending on their age, some patients may be better candidates for other procedures such as refractive lens exchange where a dysfunctional lens in the eye can be replaced with an intraocular lens that can restore vision at all ranges. Are LASIK enhancements common, and what do they entail? LASIK enhancements are not common. If there is evidence of regression, it is typically found several years after LASIK. In these patients, a touch-up or enhancement procedure may be possible to correct the vision. The procedure of choice for an enhancement is usually PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy. This is a quick and effective procedure where the surface of the LASIK flap is gently re-shaped to regain the effect of the original LASIK procedure. PRK generally produces excellent outcomes, but it has a longer recovery time than LASIK. After undergoing a PRK enhancement, patients will typically need a few weeks of healing time to recover excellent vision. Does LASIK permanently correct astigmatism, or can it return? LASIK is an excellent long-term treatment for astigmatism correction. Nonetheless, in less than 20% of patients, there can be a remodeling effect over several years that can blunt the effect of the original LASIK procedure. In this small subset of patients there may be a regression or return of some small amount of astigmatism which can reduce the sharpness of the visual acuity. What causes some people to need glasses after years of having LASIK? The most common reason why patients who’ve had LASIK wear glasses is because of ageing changes of the natural lens that make near vision more blurry over the age of 45. This age-related stiffening of the natural lens is called presbyopia and it tends to progress all the way out to the age of 65. Often times these patients still retain very good distance vision, but need readers or cheaters to look at small print. How does LASIK interact with the aging eye, particularly the onset of presbyopia? Presbyopia is an age-related stiffening of the natural lens in your eye. This reduction in the functionality of your natural lens results in having more difficulty with reading fine print at a near distance. It is important to note that having LASIK does not change the fact that nearly everyone develops these age-related changes in the eye. Even if you choose not to undergo LASIK, you will still develop the signs and symptoms of presbyopia at some point over the age of 45. Can lifestyle or environmental factors influence LASIK longevity? Newer evidence in the ophthalmology literature suggests that performing near tasks such as reading, computer work, or phone work for 8 cumulative hours a day may increase the chances of regression in the years following laser vision correction. This regression may manifest as nearsightedness, where things that used to be sharp at a distance are more fuzzy. Taking breaks when performing near tasks may have some protective benefit. What are the long-term studies showing about LASIK durability? The vast majority of LASIK patients maintain excellent vision for many years following their procedure. As such, there is a lot of evidence that the results of LASIK are durable and long-lasting. Less than 20% of patients (especially patients with prescriptions greater than -6.00) may notice regression, which is a partial loss of effect of the treatment due to remodeling changes of the cornea in the years following LASIK. Is there a difference in LASIK wear-off rates between high prescriptions and low pre...

Yes you can have LASIK even if you have been diagnosed with dry eyes. Dry Eye Disease is a common condition that we see in prospective LASIK candidates. As a matter of fact, dry eyes are one of the most common reasons that people seek out a specialist in ophthalmology. There are many different factors that can contribute to the signs and symptoms of dry eyes. Nonetheless, at Lucent Vision we address the risk factors associated with this problem and we also initiate therapy to improve the long term health of our patients eyes. Can I have LASIK if I have dry eyes? In summary, you can indeed have LASIK if you have dry eyes because of the following reasons: Contact lens usage suppresses tear production and promotes dry eyes. By ditching your contacts the health of your cornea can improve rapidly. This means more moisture on the surface of your eyes in the long term. If you have dry eyes, we can optimize your tears using behavior changes, eye drops, or other simple in-office therapies prior to your eye surgery. If you have an underlying autoimmune conditions that cause dry eyes, we can coordinate with your health care team to optimize your treatment strategies to maximize the health of your eyes prior to refractive surgery. It is possible that you may not be a good candidate for laser vision correction if your dry eyes cannot be brought under control. In this circumstance there may be other options that are available, such as ICL (implantable collamer lens). What are the symptoms of dry eyes? The most common symptoms of dry eyes include: Visual perception that fluctuates. Sharp and clear sometimes, and not so clear at other times. A sense of fatigue or eye strain when performing tasks that involve staring at screens. A scratchy, gritty, or burning sensation in the eyes that can also be accompanied with pain or redness. Watery eyes are a common symptom of dryness. When your eyes are dried out, there is a reactionary formation of excessive tears. What are the treatment options for dry eyes before LASIK? Your LASIK surgeon may use a combination of the following therapies to control your dry eyes before laser surgery: Lubrication of your dry eyes with over-the-counter artificial tears. Topical medications (i.e. prescription eye drops) that can boost your tear production and reduce inflammation. A simple and painless in-office procedure that takes five minutes can be done to occlude the tear drainage system to boost tear retention. We all have a small hole on the inner corner of the eyelid that normally takes tears from the surface of the eye down to the nose. This drainage system can be safely and effectively blocked with punctal plugs to improve lubrication on the surface of your eye. We all have small oil glands (also known as meibomian glands) along our eyelid margin that contribute oil to our tear film to help stabilize the tear film. Heat therapy can be used to improve the function of these glands. How common is dry eye after LASIK? Most patients will have a temporary reduction in their tear production system in the first 6 to 8 weeks after laser eye surgery. Dry eye symptoms can generally be controlled with lubricants during this time healing period. These dry eye symptoms tend to gradually improve as the cornea heals from laser eye surgery. Chronic dry eye syndrome that lasts more than a few months after surgery is very rare, and usually associated with other factors such as underlying medical problems, certain medications, and activities that promote dry eyes. More FAQ’s About Can I Have LASIK If I Have Dry Eyes How common is dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common reasons for people in the United States to seek the care of an ophthalmologist, or eye doctor. There are many risk factors associated with our modern lifestyles that may contribute to the large prevalence of dry eye disease. Does LASIK cause dry eyes? Although LASIK does not cause dry eyes, it has been associated with a transient reduction in tear production. LASIK (also known as Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) causes an anatomical change in the nerves that are found in the deeper layers of the cornea. This temporary interruption in nerve function leads to the symptoms of dry eyes after LASIK eye surgery. Over time, this network of corneal nerves regenerates and tear production improves and eventually stabilizes. Who is most at risk of developing dry eyes after LASIK? There are a number of pre-existing conditions that can give patients a higher risk of dry eyes after laser vision correction. These risk factors include: Women experiencing menopause may suffer from hormonal changes that can impact tear production. People who suffer from autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Sjogren’s Syndrome may already have decreased tear production as a result of their bodies difficulty with regulating inflammation. People who suffer from meibomian gland dysfunction may have a chronically unhealthy tear film composition. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common problem associated with abnormally thick oil secretions coming from the meibomian glands located at the base of the eyelashes. Environment and behavior both play a major role in your eyes ability to maintain a normal tear film. Air conditioning can lower the ambient humidity and cause tear film evaporation. In addition, spending significant periods of time staring at screens causes premature tear evaporation due to infrequent blinking. How are dry eyes diagnosed before LASIK surgery? Prior to your LASIK surgery, you will receive a comprehensive eye examination performed by our corrective eye surgery team. We use the best diagnostic technology available including corneal imaging (such as corneal topography and tomography) to assess the health of your eyes. Your surgeon will also personally evaluate the top layer of your cornea (known as the epithelium) with the help of a high-magnification microscope. This portion of the consultation will also allow your eye surgeon to evaluate the function of the meibomian glands (oil producing glands at the base of your eyelashes) which contribute to your ocular health. Based on the results of your consultation, you may be diagnosed with dry eye disease. Can treating dry eyes improve LASIK outcomes? Dry eye treatment can indeed improve LASIK outcomes because having a normal and healthy tear film on the surface of the human eye improves its ability to properly bend light rays to the proper location on the retina. By the same token, if there is an abnormal tear film, it may causes blurred vision because light rays are not reliably focused onto the correction location on the retina. Having enough tears that are composed of the correct proportions of water, oil, and mucus can maximize your visual acuity after LASIK. Is there an alternative to LASIK for patients with severe dry eyes? There are multiple good alternatives to LASIK for patients who suffer from severe dry eyes. Photorefractive keratectomy (or PRK), is a laser eye surgery that does not involve the formation of a “flap” on the cornea. By avoiding flap creation, corneal nerves may be spared, and this may substantially reduce the effect of dry eyes for these patients. Another great alternative that bypasses the cornea altogether is the implantation of an ICL (intraocular collamer lens or implantable contact lenses). Both PRK and ICL treatments are primarily used for near-sightedness (i.e. myopia) and astigmatism, and may have a lower long term risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK. How can I prepare for LASIK if I have dry eyes? Before you undergo LASIK you can optimize your own tear film by making a few minor behavioral adjustments. In particular you can: Start taking breaks when you spend time in front of screens such as cellphones, computers, and television screens. All of these activities promote drying of your eyes, so if possible, take a few minutes of break time for every hour that you are staring at a screen. Begin using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. These eye drops are also known as artificial tears. Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom or in the room where you do the most screen-based activities. If your ambient humidity is higher, you may lose less of your tear film to the environment. What are the long-term effects of LASIK on dry eyes? For the majority of people, the transient decrease in tear production associated with LASIK will cause temporary symptoms that subside gradually over the first three months after LASIK eye surgery. In addition, these symptoms can be treated with a simple regimen prescribed by your LASIK surgeon. Nonetheless, there may be the rare possibility of having more chronic symptoms of dry eye following laser eye surgery.

Since 2016, Lucent Vision has been committed to serving the diverse community of Long Beach and its surrounding cities. It is our mission to deliver the benefits of clear and unaided vision with a personalized experience. Before our arrival in Long Beach, there was no state-of-the-art facility in the region providing these services with our level of customization. We are located just a few blocks south of the traffic circle and adjacent to the “Big Rec” golf course on the east side of Long Beach. Our highly-rated team is lead by Dr. Nimesh Pathak, a board-certified ophthalmologist and vision correction surgeon who has been practicing in Long Beach since 2010. We look forward to being your guides on the journey to clear vision. We are located at: 5175 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 102 Long Beach, CA 90804 From Downtown Long Beach: Lucent Vision is conveniently located just 4 miles from the heart of Long Beach. Your drive to get clearer vision will be convenient and quick. (Directions from Downtown) From the Airport: The newly renovated Long Beach airport is less than 3 miles from our office, making it simple for patients to travel to and from our location. (Driving Directions from Long Beach Airport) Further south in Orange County, John Wayne Airport is only 22 miles from Lucent Vision’s state of the art vision correction center. (Driving Directions from John Wayne Airport) Well-known Employers in the Long Beach Area Include: Port of Long Beach Long Beach Unified School District Boeing Co. Cal State Long Beach City of Long Beach Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Verizon Long Beach City College United States Postal Service Veterans Affairs Medical Center Saint Mary Medical Center California State University, Long Beach DirecTV Lucent Vision’s Home Long Beach is a booming hub of industry and culture that is tucked along the sun-drenched coast with Los Angeles to the north and Orange County to the south. The Port of Long Beach acts as a major gateway for Us-Asian trade and generates about 100 billion dollars of economic activity a year, not to mention thousands of jobs. The city boasts 345 days of sunshine every year on average, and multiple beautiful outdoor green spaces, including El Dorado Park, to enjoy all that sunshine. Long Beach has been voted one of America’s “Most Walkable Cities,” and has eight distinct neighborhoods to explore. The city features a world-class university in California State University, Long Beach, as well as the most visited aquarium in the region, The Aquarium of the Pacific. And we haven’t even mentioned Long Beach’s most famous attraction, the Queen Mary! Those people who have visited Long Beach can attest that there is no other city like it. Be sure to visit these well-known Long Beach locations with your new and improved vision… The Queen Mary – This iconic ocean liner sailed the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967 before retiring to Long Beach. Not only are there fun and educational tours of the ship, but you can also stay overnight in its rooms and suites. But be careful, some people believe the ship is haunted! Aquarium of the Pacific – The aquarium has been a fixture of Long Beach for over 25 years. Come and see its various indoor and outdoor exhibits. The variety and beauty of its holdings is truly breathtaking. Don’t miss the recently opened Pacific Visions exhibit which features a state-of-the-art immersive theater, interactive art installations, and engaging multimedia displays. Downtown Waterfront – Take a walk along the waterfront. You can go whale watching or go shopping on Pine avenue. Or have drinks and dinner at Shoreline Village. This bustling waterfront has something for everyone, no matter the age. Recreation Park Golf Course, Heartwell Golf Course, El Dorado Park Golf Course – Enjoy the beautiful weather while playing golf at one of the cities beautiful golf courses. Lucent Vision loves calling Long Beach, California home!

At Lucent Vision in Long Beach California we offer a unique approach to laser eye surgery where we pair state of the art technology with an outstanding patient experience. The prospect of having LASIK surgery can be a scary thing. We provide patients with a personalized journey to better vision with an experienced and caring team as their guide. Do you only offer LASIK, or do you offer the full portfolio of refractive vision correction procedures? At Lucent Vision we offer a broad range of refractive surgery to help you ditch your glasses or contact lens. You may have heard of LASIK, which uses an excimer laser to reshape the surface of the cornea to improve vison. Some patients may not be good candidates for this procedure and may be better candidates for a different procedure called Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) which employs the same laser to improve vision with a slightly different effect on the tissue biology of the cornea. As patients reach their mid-forties, an age-related problem called presbyopia can make visual perception for near objects more difficult, in addition to blurry distance vision. For these patients, a different procedure called Refractive Lens Exchange may be a better option. Furthermore, patients that are in their late 50’s and beyond may achieve visual freedom with cataract surgery with a customized intraocular lens. Dr. Pathak is an expert in many different types of vision correction surgery. Your eye examination and eyeglass prescription will help us determine the best procedure for your eyes. Who will be performing the surgery, and what is their training? Your surgeon, Dr. Pathak, will be your personal guide throughout your LASIK journey. Not only did he complete an ophthalmology residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, but he also completed his cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, one of the top ophthalmology programs in the United States. An accomplished physician, Dr. Pathak has been performing vision surgery including laser-in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) since 2006. He has earned the respect of other eye care professionals and surgeons by being nominated as one of Castle Connolly’s top doctors in 2023. Patients also love his approach. He is one of the most highly rated ophthalmologists in the region and has earned a stellar reputation on Yelp and Google. What kind of results should I expect? In our experience, over 95% of patients who have LASIK will achieve a visual acuity of 20/20 or better. Furthermore, over 99.5% of patients typically see at a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. As a reference, the 20/40 line is used by the DMV to test vision for driving. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within the first day after surgery. What does the LASIK cost include? The cost of LASIK will include all your pre-operative scans, your procedure, your post-operative medicated eye drops, as well as any of your post-operative vision care up to a year after your procedure. In the very rare circumstance that there is an undercorrection of your treatment, any touch-ups will be included free of charge and are typically performed within the year of your original procedure. We are transparent with our pricing and you will be given your cost up front during your free consultation. Furthermore, our most updated costs can be found on our website. What type of LASIK technology do you use? The best technology underpins your entire LASIK journey at Lucent Vision. During your consultation, we use a wavefront aberrometer, a corneal topographer, and a corneal tomographer to learn about all of the facets of your human eye down to the micron. All of these devices help us to precisely determine your prescription, the shape and thickness of your cornea, as well as the over all health of your eye. In the surgical suite, we use to different types of lasers to quickly, safely, and effectively perform your LASIK procedure. Our first laser if a Ziemer femtosecond laser that helps us to create a thin and precise flap on your cornea without using any blades. After this flap is created, a second laser, an Alcon Allegretto excimer laser, is used to precisely re-shape your cornea using light beams to precisely customize your treatment. Finally, in your post-operative care package you will be given an eye drop that has no preservatives and has been made specifically for you. By using these cutting edge technologies, at Lucent Vision we have perfected the art of safely and effectively delivering clear vision to our patients. Am I an ideal candidate for LASIK? Ideal candidates for LASIK are typically over the age of 18 with a stable refractive error that is made up of some combination of near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism. Other important factors include the shape of your cornea which can be assessed by a corneal topography, as well as the thickness of your cornea. A larger prescription in your corrective lens may require more corneal tissue to treat, so an adequate corneal thickness is important when assessing your candidacy for LASIK. Other types of eye disease such as dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, and cataracts can also impact your candidacy for the procedure. During your consultation we will perform a thorough eye exam, refraction (to determine your most current prescription), as well as multiple types of painless imaging of your eyes. By the end of your 30 minute consultation we will have a good idea of which procedure, if any, is safe and ideal for your vision correction goals. Will my results last for a lifetime, or will I need another procedure? The effect of LASIK on the cornea is intended to be a permanent and long term change. Nonetheless, a very small percentage of patients may regain some of their nearsightedness or farsightedness over the course of several years as their eye ages. In some of these patients, a touch up procedure may be necessary to bring the vision back to its target. There are other age-related changes that occur to the human eye in the mid-forties as well as in the late fifties that may impact your vision. In the mid-forties we all experience a problem called presbyopia where the natural lens inside of the eye becomes more stiff and loses its flexibility. Patients in this age range may find themselves using reading glasses to see objects that are at a near distance. Patient in their late fifties and beyond may start to have further age-related changes in this natural lens of the eye that may cause more cloudy vision. This clouding of the natural lens is called a cataract. An outpatient procedure is usually needed to remove cataracts and replace them with an artificial lens to regain clear vision at all distances. Both of these age related phenomenon, presbyopia and cataracts, are not related to LASIK. Having the LASIK procedure will neither prevent nor cause these two age-related problems of eye health. What if I’m not a good candidate for LASIK? If your are not a good candidate for LASIK, there may be other technologies that are available to safely deliver clear vision. An alternative procedure known as PRK can often be a safe alternative to LASIK in patients who have a cornea that is either abnormally shaped or too thin for LASIK. Patients who undergo PRK can usually attain the same types of outstanding outcomes as LASIK patients, but they will have a longer recovery time after their procedure. Some patients may not be candidates for either LASIK or PRK, and there may be the possibility of a procedure known as ICL, or implantable collamer lens. The ICL procedure involves the implantation of a lens inside of your eye (in front of your natural lens) to correct your refractive error. We will thoroughly assess your eyes during your free consultation to determine which procedure is the safest for you. Your Path to Clearer Vision: Next Steps in Choosing Your LASIK Surgeon in Long Beach The process of finding a LASIK surgeon and considering vision correction surgery can be stressful. At Lucent Vision we have an experienced team that is dedicated not only to excellent outcomes, but also to the patient experience. The first step is knowing your options and gathering all of the information you can about the LASIK procedure. During your free consultation our team can evaluate your eyes and give you all of the information you need to make your decision. Our process is transparent and personalized because we truly believe in delivering the benefits of clear unaided vision. Schedule a free consultation today to lean more about LASIK!

We understand the thought of any procedure involving your eyes can be unsettling. Our eyes, after all, are among our most treasured assets, granting us the gift of visual perception. The decision to undergo LASIK surgery often comes with a flurry of emotions—excitement for the potential of clearer vision, relief from refractive errors, and the hope of living life free from the restraints of glasses and contact lenses. But, understandably, there’s also apprehension. One of the most common concerns is, “Does LASIK hurt?” You’re not alone in this. Many patients, just like you, have walked through the doors of ophthalmology centers across the United States with the same question in mind. At Lucent Vision, your comfort, experience, and visual acuity are at the heart of what we do. Sure, we are a passionate team dedicated to the art and science of ophthalmology, but above all, Lucent Vision is all about you. We’ve created a spa-like environment to make you feel at ease. We believe that a serene atmosphere is crucial, especially when discussing and addressing concerns like potential discomfort during a LASIK procedure. And that’s why we’re dedicated to making sure you’re not just another name on an appointment sheet, but a human, with feelings, questions, and valid concerns. We’re here, ready to spend ample time addressing each of your questions, ensuring that you’re armed with all the information you need. In this article, we’ll talk about how LASIK works and what you might feel during and after the procedure. We want you to understand everything, have your questions answered and alleviate any nervousness as you embark on this life-changing journey. So, let’s go through it step by step and answer the big question: Does LASIK hurt? 10 Reasons Why LASIK Eye Surgery at Lucent Vision Doesn’t Hurt Numbing Eye Drops: Before LASIK begins, Lucent Vision uses local anesthetic eye drops. Using anesthetic eye drops ensures you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. Experienced Surgeon: Our expert surgeon, Dr. Pathak prioritizes your comfort before, during and after your LASIK procedure. Dr. Pathak’s experience ensures the procedure goes smoothly with little to no discomfort. Advanced Technology: Lucent Vision uses the latest technology for LASIK. It’s designed for accuracy and to keep the patient comfortable. Short Duration: LASIK surgery at Lucent Vision is quick. The entire process usually takes between 10-30 minutes for both eyes, reducing the chance of discomfort. Pressure Sensation, Not Pain: Some patients might feel a slight pressure when the corneal flap is made, but it’s not painful. No Stitches or Bandages Needed: Because LASIK creates a flap that reseals itself, there are no stitches required. This means less discomfort after the surgery. Post-Surgery Medication: Lucent Vision provides patients with eye drops after surgery to help lessen any irritation or dry eye feelings. Mild After-Surgery Symptoms: Some people might feel a bit of dryness or irritation after LASIK. However, these sensations don’t last long and can be managed easily. Quick Recovery: After undergoing LASIK at Lucent Vision, most people get back to their regular activities in a day or two. This shows that any symptoms after LASIK surgery aren’t too bothersome. High Patient Satisfaction: The vast majority of patients are very happy with their LASIK results from Lucent Vision. They feel that any minor discomfort was worth it for the clearer vision they now enjoy. Why Lucent Vision is the Best Choice for LASIK Expert Surgeon: At Lucent Vision, our ophthalmology team consists of a highly-skilled surgeon who has vast experience in LASIK procedures. Dr. Pathak’s expertise ensures that every patient gets top-notch care. Advanced LASIK Technology: We employ state-of-the-art laser technology for precision and safety. Our modern techniques correct refractive errors with ease, allowing patients to say goodbye to glasses or contacts. Your Comfort is Our Priority: Our office environment feels like a spa. This ensures that you, the patient, have a relaxed experience both before and after surgery. We believe that a calm patient is a happy patient. Tailored Procedures: No two eyes are the same. Lucent Vision offers custom LASIK procedures tailored to meet each patient’s unique visual needs. Whether you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, we have a solution for you. Minimal Wait Times: Your time is valuable. We’ve structured our office schedule to limit wait times, ensuring that you get the attention you deserve without the long waits. Post-Surgery Care: From protective eye shields to guidelines on wearing sunglasses to protect against glare, we have a comprehensive post surgery eye care plan. We also provide eye drops to minimize potential side effects, such as dry eyes or inflammation. Easy Appointments: For your convenience, Lucent Vision offers online appointment scheduling. Whether you want to call, text, or e-mail, we’re here for you. Financing Option: Worried about LASIK eye surgery cost? At Lucent Vision, we understand that finances can be a concern. We offer various financing options to make LASIK accessible for everyone. High Success Rates: With a track record of satisfied patients and improved vision, our success rates speak for themselves. Most patients experience clear vision with minimal discomfort during the procedure. Full-Service Care: From initial LASIK consultation to post-operative check-ups, Lucent Vision provides comprehensive eye care services. We’re with you every step of the way. Your surgeon will be involved in each and every step of your journey to better vision. Choosing Lucent Vision for your LASIK eye surgery is not just about improved vision; it’s about experiencing world-class care. Let us guide you on your journey to perfect vision. Will I feel any pain during or after my LASIK procedure? During the LASIK procedure at Lucent Vision, the first thing you’ll experience is the use of numbing eye drops. These are administered to ensure you don’t feel any pain. While the corneal flap is being created, you might experience a light sensation of pressure, but rest assured, it isn’t painful. If you’re feeling anxious, Lucent Vision prioritizes your comfort and can provide an oral sedative to keep you calm throughout the surgery. Immediately after the surgery, it’s typical for patients to have slightly blurred vision. This usually improves in just a few hours. We’ll also provide you with a protective eye shield to wear, which helps to prevent accidental rubbing and ensures your eyes remain protected as they begin the healing process. It’s not uncommon to feel a bit of light sensitivity following the procedure, so wearing sunglasses can be beneficial during this time. As you move into the recovery period, some patients report mild dry eye symptoms. To counter this, Lucent Vision offers artificial tears or prescribed eye drops to alleviate any dryness or irritation. It’s also not unusual to feel a mild discomfort or a slight burning sensation in the first few hours post-surgery. This generally subsides quickly, especially with the use of the provided eye drops. It’s crucial during recovery to avoid rubbing your eyes for a few weeks, as this ensures they heal correctly. Most of our patients are thrilled to return to their regular activities within a day or two, although we recommend holding off on contact sports for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes further. In the long run, most patients are elated with the clear vision they achieve after their LASIK procedure at Lucent Vision. The initial discomfort, if any, is a small price to pay for the ability to see clearly without the constant need for glasses or contact lenses. We believe in comprehensive post-surgical care, which is why we schedule follow-up appointment eye exams to monitor your eye health and ensure your eyes are healing as they should. At Lucent Vision, we recognize that the thought of eye surgery can be daunting. That’s why, with our team’s expertise and the latest technology, we’re committed to making your LASIK journey as smooth and reassuring as possible. From start to finish, we’re here to guide, support, and answer any questions you might have. Your vision and comfort are our top priorities. Benefits of LASIK at Lucent Vision At Lucent Vision, we believe that choosing LASIK offers numerous advantages that can enhance both your visual perception and your quality of life. Vision Improvement: The central aim of LASIK surgery is to refine and elevate your visual acuity, minimizing or even removing the need for corrective lens, whether they be glasses or contact lenses. A significant number of our patients revel in the delight of achieving 20/20 vision after their LASIK procedure. This transformative change means they can engage in many activities with a newfound clarity. Aesthetic Benefits: Beyond just the technical advantages, there’s a personal, emotional component to consider. Many individuals find that freeing themselves from the constant dependence on glasses boosts their self-confidence. They feel rejuvenated and more content with their appearance, embracing a world where they’re no longer tethered to frames. Convenience: Imagine a life where you can dive into a swimming pool, enjoy an intense game of basketball, or simply engage in daily routines without the constant worry of glasses slipping off or contact lenses causing irritation. LASIK grants you this liberty. No more concerns about the unexpected expenses of broken glasses or the inconvenience of misplaced contact lenses. Life becomes simpler and more spontaneous. Longevity of Results: One of the standout features of LASIK is the lasting nature of the results. The enhancements made to your vision are not just fleeting. They persist, and for many, they stand the test of time. Some of our patients at Lucent Vision find that they might never need any form of vis...

The recovery process after LASIK eye surgery is typically smooth and quick. Nonetheless, success in the healing process will depend on following the instructions of your eye doctor. Although your visual perception will improve within hours after LASIK, you will still benefit from the guidance and care plan of your Lucent Vision team. Having eye surgery can be a scary experience. Not only will we provide you the aftercare tips, medicine, and risk management advice needed for a successful recovery, but we will also be right there with you to provide compassionate care during your recovery timeline. You can always lean on our experience and our desire to show you that we care. How the Right LASIK Surgeon Can Improve Your Recovery Times and Results Dr. Pathak and his surgical care team have guided thousands of LASIK patients through their recovery process. When it comes to postop care, we know what to expect and we are always available in between your follow up appointments. Dr. Pathak is a member of the Refractive Surgery Alliance and is regularly updating his knowledge and protocols to maximize wound healing and recovery time. You will benefit from his experience and his willingness to stay up-to-date with the best protocols in laser surgery. At Lucent Vision we pay meticulous attention to details from your pre-operative visit, all the way through your last post-operative visit. Minimizing the risk of complications is the best way to accelerate your recovery to clear vision. Timeline of What to Expect in Your LASIK Recovery Surgery Day Following your LASIK procedure, we will place a pair of protective goggles over your eyes to protect your eyes. You will also receive a care package that has all of your medicated eye drops as well as lubricating eye drops. Most patients will experience tearing, irritation, and scratchiness over the first few hours. You will also receive an oral medication that will allow you to sleep. Typically, patients will be able to nap for a few hours, and most of their symptoms will be significantly improved upon awakening. You will be asked to break from your normal routine and avoid screens such as your phone or computer for this day. The more you keep your eyes closed, the quicker the corneal tissue of your eye can heal. Very rarely, patients may choose to take an oral analgesic such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen if they have any pain or headache following the laser procedure. One Day After LASIK Initial Check-Up: Patients generally have their first post-operative appointment to assess immediate recovery and the state of the flap that was created on the cornea. Reduced Blurriness: A noticeable reduction in blurriness and foggy vision should be apparent, though final corrected vision is not guaranteed at this stage because the eyes are still healing. At this stage patients typically have very minimal blurred vision that can be noticed as a fuzziness around the edges of images. Temporary Symptoms: Mild symptoms like itching, burning sensation, and a feeling of having something in the eye may be present. Use of Eye Drops: Introduction of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops as per the doctor’s prescription. You will also have artificial tears to help lubricate your eyes as needed. Eye Shield: Requirement to wear a protective eye shield while sleeping to prevent accidental rubbing or pressure during the first few days of your recovery. Limited Activity: Restrictions on physical activities. In general, you will be advised to avoid rubbing the eyes, swimming, strenuous activity, and contact sports. Notably, you can take a shower and wash your face. If you get soap or water in your eyes, don’t fret about it. Just try not to rub the eyes. You can gently dab around your eyes as needed. Two Days After LASIK Improvement in Visual Acuity: Continued clearing of vision, though still not at its final clarity. Some fluctuations are expected. Typically, you can return to work on day two. For those who work on a computer, take breaks frequently to avoid eye strain, and continue to use prescribed eye drops. If your job requires working in dirty environments, Dr. Pathak will provide guidance. Likewise, if you need perfect vision (pilot, etc.) Dr. Pathak will provide return to work instructions and vision checks.  Reduced Sensitivity to Light: Light sensitivity, if present initially, usually starts to diminish but may still require wearing sunglasses indoors. Continued Eye Drops: Ongoing use of medicated eye drops to minimize infection risk and control inflammation. Halos and Glare: While diminishing, symptoms like halos around lights or glare may still be present. Don’t fret, these will rapidly diminish in the coming days.  Limited Screen Time: Continued caution advised when it comes to screen time. Using a computer or watching TV should be kept to a minimum to prevent eye strain. Reduced Irritation: Lessening of initial signs and symptoms of dryness such as itching or a sensation of having something in the eye. No Rubbing Policy: Continued strict instructions to avoid rubbing the eyes to prevent flap displacement. Daily Activities: Resumption of non-strenuous daily activities is generally allowed, but any action that risks eye injury or strain is discouraged. Hydration and Nutrition: Continuing a balanced diet rich in hydration to support healing. Sleep Precautions: Continued use of an eye shield while sleeping to protect the eyes from accidental rubbing or pressure. One Week After LASIK Vision Stabilization: Patients may experience clearer and more stabilized vision compared to the first day. Reduced Dependency on Eye Drops: While still important, the frequency of certain eye drops may be reduced. Decreased Redness: Any redness or bloodshot appearance starts to diminish. Return to Work: By now, almost all patients are cleared to return to work, especially if it doesn’t involve strenuous physical activity. Avoid Water Activities: Continued caution against swimming or using hot tubs to prevent infection. One Month After LASIK Near-Final Vision: Vision should be close to the final expected result, although minor fluctuations can still occur. Activity Resumption: Patients often can return to strenuous activities and sports, albeit with some precautions like eye protection. Reduced Eye Drop Usage: Though medicated eye drops may have been long discontinued, lubricating drops may still be advised to reduce the symptoms of dryness. Follow-Up Assessment: A thorough eye examination to assess healing and visual acuity. Three Months After LASIK Stable Vision: Vision should largely be stable and reach a point where it’s consistent for long periods. Reduced Dry Eye Symptoms: For many patients, dry eye symptoms begin to decrease or may be completely resolved. Finalized Prescription: Any changes in the eyeglass or contact lens prescription (i.e. your refractive error) are usually finalized at this stage. About 99% of our patients will hit their target after their first LASIK procedure. An assessment of your prescription is essentially a way for us to continue to track our results. Annual Follow-ups: Initial planning for long-term, usually annual, follow-ups. Five Years After LASIK Long-Term Stability: Vision should be stable and clear unless affected by natural aging (late 40’s or early 50’s) or other health conditions. Retreatment Assessment: A small minority of patients may require or opt for a retreatment for further vision correction. Long-Term Monitoring: Continued annual check-ups for vision and ocular health. Remember that your general eye health extends beyond just seeing clearly. Don’t skip these.  Your Role in Aiding Your LASIK Recovery Follow Your LASIK Surgeon’s Instructions Take your medicated eye drops according to the provided instructions. Don’t miss your follow up appointments with your vision care team. Avoid the temptation to touch or rub your eyes early in the recovery process. Don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions or concerns. Our team is available around the clock, and we want you to have all the support that you need. Nutrition for Faster Healing Staying hydrated may limit some of the uncomfortable symptoms that can be associated with your healing process. Eat a healthy and balanced diet and get plenty of rest. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages on the day of your procedure. Enjoying Your New Vision After LASIK Congratulations on your new vision! After you have recovered from your LASIK surgery, you will be able to do so many things without your glasses or contacts, such as: Drive Spend time with your loved ones Play sports Go for a hike Watch TV or movies You stand to gain so many benefits from LASIK surgery. Although there are many important aspects to the recovery process, at Lucent Vision we have guided thousands of patients from a world of blurry vision to clear vision. We know what to expect, and even more importantly, we will be there to s Remind the reader how awesome it is going to be to see clearly (use some specific examples). Give a conclusion to the article and a call to action. Frequently Asked Questions about LASIK Recovery and Aftercare Does the Food and Drug Administration approve the LASIK procedure? The FDA approved the LASIK procedure in 1999 after more than a decade of research and development performed by multiple ophthalmologists and engineers. In the last quarter century, we have seen significant improvements to the original LASIK procedure. Millions of people have benefited from the procedure, and it remains the most frequently performed vision correction surgery in the United States. What’s the difference between LASIK and other procedures like PRK or evo ICL? Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can contribute to blurry vision. There are multiple different forms of vision correction surgery that can be done to correct refractive errors. P...

Welcome to Lucent Vision, the beacon of clarity in the vast landscape of eye treatments and laser eye surgeries. Under the meticulous care of our esteemed refractive surgeon, Dr. Nimesh Pathak, we’ve pioneered advanced LASIK procedures that have transformed the lives of countless patients. As more and more individuals express concerns over common eye issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, the desire to say goodbye to glasses or contact lenses intensifies. At Lucent Vision, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality LASIK eye surgery to ensure you can “See clearly now.” Our journey in refractive surgery is underpinned by a commitment to not just vision correction but to the overall eye health of our patients. With advancements like custom LASIK, advanced surface ablation, and photorefractive keratectomy, the future of LASIK is brighter than ever. This article seeks to clarify the safety measures, benefits, and innovations in LASIK surgery. So whether you’re contemplating trading in your reading glasses for improved vision or simply wish to understand the dynamics of LASIK procedures, we invite you to delve into this informative piece on LASIK’s safety and its promising future trajectories. With a legacy rooted in ensuring patient satisfaction and an eye always on the cutting edge of technology, Dr. Pathak and the entire team at Lucent Vision aim to be your trusted guide in the world of laser vision correction. Join us as we explore the transformative power of LASIK, its unmatched success rates, and why it might just be the best treatment option for your eye conditions. Low Enhancement Rate: The Promise of Lasting Clarity with LASIK at Lucent Vision At Lucent Vision, where we have perfected the LASIK surgery technique under the guidance of Dr. Nimesh Pathak, one of the most reassuring aspects of our laser vision correction procedures is the notably low enhancement rate, which is less than 1% of patients. What does this mean for our valued patients? Simply put, the initial LASIK treatment is so precise and customized that the necessity for additional enhancements or touch-ups after the refractive eye surgery is relatively rare. Over the years, our advanced LASIK treatments have incorporated technology like Contoura vision and in-depth corneal topography assessments, ensuring each procedure is tailored to the unique shape of the cornea of every individual patient. With the combination of our state-of-the-art laser eye equipment and Dr. Pathak’s expertise, the result has been a higher success rate, with most patients achieving their desired visual outcomes shortly after their LASIK treatment. Our eye clinic’s meticulous pre-operative evaluation process ensures that issues like dry eyes, uneven tissue removal, or other potential complications are proactively addressed, minimizing the chances of post-surgery enhancements. At Lucent Vision, our goal isn’t just vision correction; it’s about achieving the highest standard of visual acuity for our patients. While refractive errors like near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism can indeed be challenging, our advanced LASIK procedures promise an efficient solution with lasting results. Investing in LASIK at Lucent Vision means giving yourself the gift of clear vision, reducing the chances of frequent visits for touch-ups or enhancements. Say goodbye to the constraints of glasses and contacts, and step into a world where seeing clearly now is a lasting reality. No Scarring: The Art of Seamless LASIK Procedures at Lucent Vision One of the many reasons patients are drawn to LASIK as a preferred laser eye surgery option is its promise of maintaining the natural, untouched appearance of the eyes. At Lucent Vision, with Dr. Nimesh Pathak leading our team of experts, our advanced LASIK procedures are artfully designed to ensure that the delicate surfaces of the cornea remain free from visible scarring. It’s not just about improving vision; it’s about doing so in a way that remains in harmony with your natural beauty. The foundation of our no-scarring approach lies in the precision of our lasers and the expertise of our surgical team. By delicately reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors, our LASIK laser, especially the femtosecond laser, focuses on microscopic layers of the corneal tissue without causing surface abrasions. This non-invasive technique, combined with our meticulous post-operative care, including the prescription of specific eye drops, ensures that the healing process is smooth, reducing risks of inflammation or infections that could lead to scarring. Moreover, the corneal flap created during the LASIK procedure heals naturally, without the need for stitches, preserving the eye’s pristine appearance. Choosing Lucent Vision for your LASIK treatment means placing your trust in a team deeply committed to preserving not just your vision, but the natural allure of your eyes. With our state-of-the-art technology and the unwavering expertise of Dr. Pathak, you can be confident that post-LASIK, your eyes will radiate clarity, both in vision and appearance. Dive into the world of scar-free vision enhancement and experience the seamless magic of LASIK at Lucent Vision. Safer Than Contact Lenses: The Long-Term Assurance of LASIK at Lucent Vision Many individuals rely on contact lenses to navigate their world, yet few realize the potential risks that prolonged contact lens use can bring. At Lucent Vision, led by the visionary Dr. Nimesh Pathak, we often find ourselves educating our patients on an intriguing fact: over the long haul, LASIK may present fewer risks than the daily use of contact lenses. Beyond the freedom from the daily routine of inserting, removing, and maintaining contacts, the overarching health benefits of LASIK are compelling. Contact lenses, while revolutionary in their own right, are not without complications. They have been associated with increased risks of eye infections, particularly when wearers become complacent about lens hygiene or overuse their lenses. Such infections can sometimes lead to serious corneal complications. In contrast, LASIK, being a one-time surgical procedure, eliminates these ongoing risks. Moreover, patients who opt for LASIK no longer face the troubles of contact lens-induced dry eye syndrome or the potential dangers of sleeping in contacts. A single LASIK procedure at our eye clinic offers a long-term solution, reducing the perpetual exposure to potential risks that come with contacts. Choosing LASIK at Lucent Vision is more than an investment in clear vision; it’s an investment in your eye health. With our commitment to patient education and the comprehensive pre-operative eye exams conducted at our facility, we ensure our patients make informed decisions. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Pathak, and armed with advanced LASIK technology, Lucent Vision is proud to offer a vision correction alternative that is not just convenient, but also potentially safer in the long run than a life tethered to contact lenses. Embrace a future where clear vision and eye safety go hand in hand. Compatibility with Future Procedures: Embracing LASIK Today without Compromising Tomorrow at Lucent Vision As the world of ophthalmology continues to evolve, patients are often faced with the question of whether their decisions today might limit their choices in the future. At Lucent Vision, under the stewardship of Dr. Nimesh Pathak, we believe in future-proofing your vision. One of the standout features of our LASIK procedures is that they seamlessly integrate with potential future eye treatments, ensuring patients retain a wide range of options as they age and their eye health needs evolve. A common concern among those considering LASIK is its compatibility with cataract surgery, a procedure many might require later in life. It’s reassuring to note that undergoing LASIK does not exclude patients from future cataract surgeries or other advanced eye treatments. In fact, the pre-operative data and topography assessments collected during LASIK can provide invaluable insights for future procedures. For conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma, the foundational work done during LASIK can be instrumental in guiding subsequent treatments or surgeries. This is an integral part of the patient satisfaction and success rates observed at our clinic. With the unwavering commitment of Dr. Pathak and the entire team at Lucent Vision, patients can embark on their LASIK journey with the confidence that they aren’t closing any doors. Opting for LASIK today doesn’t just offer the immediate benefits of improved vision; it ensures a future where every possibility, from cataract surgeries to newer innovations in ophthalmic surgery, remains within reach. With Lucent Vision, you’re not just securing clearer vision for today, but also preserving your eye health choices for tomorrow. Embrace Clarity: Your Journey to Perfect Vision Starts with Lucent Vision In the ever-evolving realm of ophthalmology, it’s paramount to align oneself with an eye specialist who is not only adept at leveraging current technologies but also looks ahead to the future of eye health. At Lucent Vision, Dr. Nimesh Pathak and his dedicated team epitomize this forward-thinking approach. With the perfect blend of expert knowledge, state-of-the-art technology, and a genuine concern for patient well-being, Lucent Vision stands as a beacon for those seeking to correct refractive errors, combat symptoms of dry eyes, or simply gain a clearer understanding of their eye conditions. The road to better visual acuity and visual perception doesn’t have to be riddled with uncertainty or concerns about compatibility with future treatments. Whether it’s mitigating the early signs of presbyopia, navigating the challenges of astigmatism, or reshaping the cornea for optimal light refraction, the solutions lie within the walls of our esteemed eye cli...

Welcome to the next chapter of our eye-opening series exploring the numerous benefits of LASIK vision correction with Lucent Vision. We’re excited to guide you through the transformative influence LASIK can have on multiple aspects of your day-to-day life, from career to leisure. Lucent Vision operates with a singular focus: you. We are dedicated to making high-impact LASIK refractive surgery accessible, offering comprehensive options, clear responses, and unwavering support throughout your journey. When you step into our soothing, spa-like environment, you’ll understand what sets us apart. What is LASIK? Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, is a pioneering laser eye surgery designed to correct prevalent vision problems such as near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, thereby vastly enhancing visual perception. LASIK improves vision by modifying the cornea—the transparent front part of your eye— to ensure incoming light is correctly focused onto the retina. This rapid, minimally invasive procedure offers a path to significant vision improvements, liberating countless people from dependence on glasses or contacts and enabling them to perceive the world with fresh clarity. At Lucent Vision, our team of experienced professionals harnesses the power of advanced LASIK technology to deliver optimal results, dramatically improving your lifestyle and quality of life post-procedure. Experience an Improved Quality of Life with LASIK Minimized Dependence on Vision Aids A major advantage of LASIK eye surgery that becomes evident immediately post-procedure is the reduction in reliance on vision aids. This new-found freedom from glasses and contact lenses heralds an era of unprecedented comfort and convenience. Imagine waking up to perfect vision, exercising without the bother of slipping glasses, or evading dry eye syndrome or allergies often triggered by wearing contacts. The joy of pristine, unaided vision can elevate ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Enhanced Self-Esteem Improved vision can also have a significant positive impact on your self-confidence. Numerous LASIK recipients report a boost in confidence in both social and professional environments post-procedure. Seeing the world in sharp focus without the need for glasses or contacts can enrich your interpersonal interactions, allowing your self-assuredness to shine. Long-Term Financial Benefits LASIK procedures are a smart financial decision, too. The recurring costs associated with glasses and contact lenses—including maintenance and routine replacements—can pile up over the years. Conversely, LASIK is a one-time expense that can result in substantial long-term savings. Consider it an investment in a future devoid of visual impairment. Elevated Professional Performance For many professions, vision is more than a basic requirement—it’s critical for peak performance and safety. Clear sight without the burden of glasses or contacts can significantly enhance your professional efficiency. LASIK provides a durable solution for refractive errors, offering an added perk of increased confidence, streamlined tasks, and potentially expanded career opportunities. Let’s delve into how LASIK can enrich various professional fields. Compatibility with Professions LASIK is about more than clear sight—it’s about elevating your performance. Many professions, from healthcare to emergency services, require sharp, dependable vision. Surgeons, firefighters, police officers, and many others have reported an improvement in job efficiency and safety after LASIK. Likewise, roles such as pilots, athletes, and military personnel benefit from LASIK’s precision vision, enabling them to navigate, compete, and serve with enhanced clarity and focus. Outdoor Activities After LASIK Engaging in outdoor adventures is a pleasure for the active individuals among us. However, the need to constantly adjust glasses or the discomfort of wearing contacts can detract from these experiences. LASIK surgery offers a solution, eliminating these obstacles and enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the outdoors. Let’s explore how LASIK can revolutionize your outdoor adventures, from water sports to hiking, skiing, and beyond. Water Activity Freedom Water activities such as swimming and surfing become even more enjoyable with clear, unaided vision. Say goodbye to the hassles of prescription goggles or the risks of swimming with contacts. Post-LASIK, you can dive in and freely explore underwater with pristine vision. Ease in Outdoor Adventure Adventure enthusiasts can experience newfound freedom post-LASIK. No more worrying about losing your glasses on a hike or damaging your contacts. With LASIK, you can focus on the beauty of your surroundings. Begin Your LASIK Journey with Lucent Vision At Lucent Vision, we’re committed to offering a top-tier, personalized patient experience. Our proficient team, led by a renowned LASIK surgeon, ensures a seamless journey from your initial consultation to post-operative care. Are you ready to discover the life-changing benefits of a LASIK procedure? We invite you to take the next step in transforming your vision with Lucent Vision’s LASIK services. Contact us today for a thorough eye examination and consultation. We value your time and convenience, offering online appointment scheduling and prompt service to minimize waiting times. Frequently Asked Questions About Improving Your Lifestyle and Quality of Life with LASIK at Lucent Vision Can undergoing LASIK at Lucent Vision improve my performance in professional and leisure activities? Absolutely. LASIK offers a more stable, clearer vision that can substantially enhance your performance in a wide array of professional and recreational activities. How does LASIK offer long-term financial benefits? LASIK, a one-time cost, eliminates the ongoing expenses linked with glasses and contact lenses, such as costs for frames, lenses, contacts, and cleaning solutions. Therefore, LASIK could lead to significant long-term financial savings. What makes Lucent Vision’s approach to LASIK surgery unique? At Lucent Vision, we distinguish ourselves by merging top-notch technology with a dream team lead by an expert eye doctor to deliver personalized vision correction treatments. We highly prioritize patient education and comfort, assuring an unmatched experience from the initial consultation to the recovery phase. Can LASIK surgery remove the inconvenience of managing glasses or contact lenses during activities like camping or hiking? Definitely. LASIK provides clear, unaided vision, eliminating the need to carry spare glasses or contacts, or to handle the hassle of cleaning lenses during outdoor activities such as camping or trekking. How can LASIK surgery at Lucent Vision improve my quality of life? Undergoing LASIK at Lucent Vision can augment your quality of life in myriad ways. It reduces your dependence on eyewear, boosts self-esteem, presents long-term financial advantages, and enhances your performance in numerous professional and recreational activities. When can I return to my regular routines following LASIK surgery at Lucent Vision? Typically, most LASIK patients can resume their usual activities within a few days post-LASIK surgery. However, this can vary from person to person based on their individual healing rate and the kind of activities they engage in. What safety measures should I take while participating in outdoor activities post-LASIK surgery? After LASIK surgery, it’s essential to protect your eyes from dust, wind, and direct sunlight using sunglasses. We advise against vigorous activities for a week and water activities involving submersion for at least two weeks. Can I fly soon after undergoing LASIK surgery? Yes, typically, you can fly shortly after the procedure. However, it’s recommended to attend your initial post-operative checkup at Lucent Vision before embarking on a lengthy trip. Will I be capable of driving at night or in poor weather conditions after LASIK? The majority of our patients report an enhancement in their night driving post-LASIK. Although some might experience temporary halos or glare around lights, these issues generally resolve over time. How does LASIK impact outdoor sports and activities? LASIK can significantly enhance your outdoor activities experience by providing clear, unassisted vision. However, we recommend avoiding activities that may expose your eyes to potential injury (like basketball or tennis) for at least a month post-procedure. When can I apply makeup after LASIK surgery? You should avoid makeup, especially eye makeup, for a few days after surgery to prevent possible infection. At Lucent Vision, it’s all about you. Experience the difference today. Improve your quality of life with LASIK. Welcome to the future of vision correction. You can conveniently schedule your online appointment and find out what we can do for you. Call, text, or e-mail us today!

Welcome to our comprehensive exploration of customized LASIK procedures and their transformative potential, with a focus on the unique treatments provided at Lucent Vision. We are at the forefront of the Long Beach, CA, area, committed to utilizing the most advanced laser technology to significantly enhance your visual acuity and liberating you from the constraints of glasses and contact lenses. LASIK: A Journey into Precision LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, employs cutting-edge technology to correct prevalent vision issues like myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism. Here at Lucent Vision, we’re passionate about individualized LASIK treatments, firmly believing that each eye is an exclusive world, requiring a tailored strategy for optimal results. While you relax in our comfortable office environment, we put our expertise and cutting-edge technology to work, tailoring LASIK therapy to meet your unique visual needs. Your time is precious, and so is your vision; therefore, we ensure that each step of your LASIK journey is punctuated by precision, personalization, and a deep respect for your unique needs. Demystifying LASIK Technology In order to truly appreciate the transformative potential of LASIK vision correction, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental technology behind it. At its core, LASIK uses an ultra-precise excimer laser to reshape the cornea, ensuring accurate focus of light onto the retina. Standard LASIK, endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, employs a holistic corrective approach to the entire eye. The Conventional LASIK procedure, developed in the 1990s, successfully treats astigmatism, nearsightedness, and other refractive errors. It shares a process similar to getting a corrective lens prescription. Initially, the eye doctor performs a refraction on the patient, testing various lenses to determine the necessary degree of correction. Next, a femtosecond laser creates a small flap in the cornea, allowing for the cornea to be reshaped with an excimer laser, enabling the retina to function optimally. Previous LASIK techniques were limited to reshaping eyes based on the current eyeglass prescription, resulting in identical treatment for all patients with the same prescription. However, LASIK technology has been evolving continuously. The original conventional method, which used a microkeratome blade to create a flap in the cornea, has largely been replaced by all-laser methods, which are safer and more precise. Innovations like corneal mapping and Wavefront technology enable customized treatments that can drastically improve results. Customized Treatments for Your Unique Eyes The human eye is a remarkably intricate organ, composed of multiple components, each playing a crucial role in vision. The cornea, the eye’s clear, dome-shaped surface, refracts or bends light to help focus it onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. The curvature and thickness of the cornea can significantly vary among individuals. Some may have a cornea that is steeper or flatter than average, leading to myopia or hyperopia, respectively. Others may have an irregularly shaped cornea, causing astigmatism, a condition that distorts or blurs vision at all distances. Moreover, variations in the eye’s lens can lead to conditions like presbyopia that affect focusing ability, especially for close-up tasks. Embracing Advanced Technologies for Custom LASIK Treatments The uniqueness of each person’s eye structure emphasizes the necessity for custom LASIK treatments, and this is where the latest laser technology plays a pivotal role. Corneal topography, a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool, provides an intricate view of the surface of the cornea. It meticulously captures and records numerous minuscule elevation points, leading to the construction of a finely detailed 3D corneal model. This precision allows us to identify any minor anomalies that could potentially interfere with your vision. The concept of personalization is further enhanced with wavefront-guided LASIK. In this process, refractive surgeons initiate the procedure by directing a harmless light beam into your eye using specialized wavefront equipment. Subsequently, this light wave is reflected off the interior of your eye, exiting through the pupil to be captured by an aberrometer. The received wave of light creates a unique pattern, enabling the measurement of not just lower-order, but also higher-order aberrations. An all-encompassing 3D image, known as a wavefront map, is then generated from these extensive visual metrics by the WaveScan system. This amassed data is electronically transferred to the laser and precisely matched to the eye’s position, permitting the eye surgeon to adapt the LASIK procedure to your distinct visual requirements. Another cutting-edge approach that contributes to the customization of your treatment is topography-guided LASIK. This method formulates a comprehensive map of the corneal surface, highlighting even the slightest irregularities. The laser is guided by this topographical map, thus enabling us to rectify specific issues that might go undetected with conventional LASIK procedures. Understanding LASIK and Its Evolution When we talk about LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, we are referring to a sophisticated type of refractive eye surgery that corrects common vision issues such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. In its basic form, LASIK involves the use of a highly precise excimer laser that alters the shape of the cornea—the clear, front part of the eye. This change in shape allows light entering the eye to be focused accurately onto the retina, thus rectifying vision issues. Traditional LASIK, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, offers a ‘blanket’ approach to eye correction, treating the entire affected eye. This was a revolutionary procedure in the 1990s and effectively treated conditions like astigmatism, nearsightedness, and other refractive issues. However, it lacked the customization and precision that current advancements in LASIK technology offer. Originally, LASIK techniques would correct the eye based on a patient’s current glasses or contact lens prescription. This meant that everyone with the same prescription received identical treatment, with little consideration given to individual differences in eye anatomy. However, as the field of ophthalmology has advanced, LASIK has too. Today, we use all-laser methods that offer enhanced safety and precision, largely replacing the original technique which involved creating a flap in the cornea with a microkeratome blade. The advent of sophisticated technologies like corneal mapping and Wavefront technology have ushered in an era of personalized LASIK procedures, offering more significant improvements in vision than ever before. The Power of Customization The complexity and uniqueness of the human eye cannot be overstated. Various components contribute to our vision, each playing a critical role. The cornea, a clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, refracts (or bends) light to help focus it on the retina, which is a light-sensitive tissue lining the back of our eye. Significant variation can be observed in the curvature and thickness of the cornea from one person to the next. This variation results in differing vision conditions. For instance, a cornea that is steeper or flatter than average may cause myopia or hyperopia, respectively. Similarly, an irregularly shaped cornea can result in astigmatism, a condition that blurs or distorts vision at all distances. Moreover, even the lens inside the eye can show variations, leading to conditions like presbyopia that affect our ability to focus, especially on close-up tasks. Enter Advanced Technologies: Customizing LASIK The varied anatomy of individual eyes necessitates personalized LASIK treatments. This is where advanced laser technology shines. One such technology, corneal mapping, provides an in-depth view of the cornea’s surface. It captures thousands of tiny elevation points to create an accurate 3D image of your cornea, allowing us to identify subtle irregularities that might affect your vision. Wavefront-guided LASIK is another advanced technique that takes personalization to the next level. By creating a unique ‘wavefront map’ of your eye, your refractive surgeon can tailor the LASIK procedure to your specific visual needs. This information is electronically relayed to the laser, which is then computer-matched to the eye’s position, offering an unprecedented level of customization. Topography-guided LASIK is a further technology that helps in customizing your treatment. This technique generates an intricate map of the cornea’s surface, revealing even minor irregularities. This topographic map is then used to guide the laser, allowing us to correct very specific issues to maintain the narrative, thus enabling us to provide you with a highly customized and more effective LASIK treatment. The result of these advanced technologies? A procedure that is exceptionally tailored to your unique visual needs. This customization reduces the possibility of side effects often seen with traditional LASIK, such as glare, halos, and problems with night vision. Patients can now expect a higher quality of vision post-surgery than ever before and can also improve quality of vision, particularly contrast sensitivity and fine detail perception. Moreover, advancements in technology have also made the LASIK procedure safer. The use of an all-laser method eliminates many of the risks associated with the original technique that used a blade. This modern method employs a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, which is far more accurate, reliable, and less invasive. Monovision Option A condition known as presbyopia that of...

At Lucent Vision, our mission is to deliver the benefits of clear unaided vision with a personalized 5-star experience. We want you to see how wonderful life can be when you don’t have a passing thought about your glasses or contact lens. With refractive surgery, you can own clear vision rather than just renting it. Is reduced dependence on glasses a benefit of LASIK? What percent of people need glasses after LASIK? A review from 2016 in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery demonstrated that about 99.5% of patients were able to see well enough to pass the DMV test without glasses after laser eye surgery. A visual acuity of 20/40 is needed to see well enough to drive, according to most DMV branches. Nonetheless, this review was done even before the most recent developments in laser surgery. Our own data show that over 99% of candidates do not feel the need to wear glasses after the LASIK medical procedure. Do you still need readers after LASIK? Patients over the age 40 may require the use of reading glasses after LASIK surgery. People in this age group have usually been diagnosed with a condition called presbyopia which can be found on a routine eye examination. Presbyopia refers to a progressive difficulty with seeing near objects due to an age-related stiffening of the natural lens inside of the human eye. The most common signs and symptoms of presbyopia include a difficulty with reading texts on your phone, or difficulty with performing your work on a computer. The need for an eyeglass prescription can can be minimized if you are suffering from presbyopia. The first option to address this problem is performing a blended vision LASIK procedure where one of your eyes is intended to be stronger with far distance targets while the other one is stronger for near distance targets. For most candidates this may result in a more broad range of vision and a reduction in reading glasses use. The second option is a procedure called Refractive Lens Exchange (hyperlink to Refractive Lens Exchange Page). This form of vision correction surgery uses cutting edge lens technology to correct refractive errors such as astigmatism, far-sightedness, and even presbyopia. Please visit our Refractive Lens Exchange FAQ for more information. Does LASIK improve vision more than glasses? Many candidates for laser vision correction wear glasses to reduce the blurry vision that is caused by near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. These refractive errors can be corrected to some degree by glasses. But your visual perception is also influenced by other factors such as trefoil, spherical aberration, and other “higher-order aberrations” that are errors in light transmission that occur at the level of the cornea. With our modern wavefront LASIK technology we are able to correct these “higher-order aberrations” with a high degree of accuracy and precision. Research shows that patients with these advanced laser treatments report an improvement of their vision even more than their glasses prescription would allow. Do bladeless LASIK and wavefront-guided LASIK improve your LASIK outcomes and lessen your need for glasses? In the previous generation of conventional LASIK, many surgeons were using a microkeratome (a type of small blade) to perform LASIK eye surgery. In addition, these treatments were based on a refraction that was performed in the office. A refraction is a measurement of the glasses prescription needed to give you more more clear distance image. With all laser LASIK, an FDA approved femtosecond laser is utilized to create a very precise flap on the corneal tissue. Then the excimer laser gently alters the corneal shape to fix any refractive errors. As it tracks your pupil, the excimer laser uses wavefront technology to correct any of the imperfections, or “higher-order aberrations” in your cornea. This combination of lasers delivers the best outcome with minimal risk. Do LASIK patients experience reduced dependence on contact lenses? Does LASIK give you better vision than contacts? Contact lenses can temporarily correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. But there are other corneal imperfections called “higher order aberrations” that cannot be properly addressed with contact lens use. When modern all laser LASIK is performed at Lucent Vision, these “higher order aberrations” are corrected during your procedure. Most patients who are accustomed to wearing contact lenses find that their vision following LASIK is even better than their previous vision in contacts. Of note, chronic contact lens use can compromise your eye health and predispose you to dry eye syndrome and eye infections. Does wearing contacts affect LASIK? Chronic contact lens use can artificially warp the shape of your cornea. During your pre-operative evaluation, we will perform a corneal topography and tomography to build a three dimensional model of your cornea. You may not be a good candidate for laser vision correction if your cornea appears to be abnormal in shape or if you have signs of dry eye syndrome. In order to optimize your eye health for the procedure, your surgeon may ask you to refrain from contact lens use and you may also need dry eye treatment. We also ask that you refrain from contact lens use for at least 1 to 2 weeks prior to your vision correction procedure. The shape of your cornea needs to be in its natural state in order for our wavefront technology to accurately treat your cornea. How have advanced LASIK techniques improved outcomes and patient satisfaction while reducing dependence on contact lenses? Corrected vision from custom LASIK (also known as wavefront-optimized or wavefront-guided LASIK) allows our patients to have excellent outcomes that make contact lenses unnecessary. Our current LASIK technique involves a very thin corneal flap, which allows for a rapid healing process and a lower risk of complications. During the actual laser treatment, the interaction of your eye with light rays is analyzed in real time by the Alcon Wavelight laser. Every eye is like a fingerprint, and the laser treatment is customized to fit the “fingerprint” of your eye. This type of customized treatment delivers excellent distance vision, along with a reduction in night vision problems that has been seen in conventional LASIK treatments in the past. You will also be provided the medicated eye drops that will accelerate your recovery. Is LASIK considered a low maintenance alternative to contact lenses or glasses? Does LASIK need maintenance? If you wear contact lenses or glasses for your visual impairments, an annual eye exam with an eye doctor is usually necessary to update your glasses. Patients will typically need to commit time and money to this type of maintenance. If you are considering LASIK, you should know that your outstanding laser vision correction results will usually last for many years. As your eyes age over time, there may be a change in your vision over the course of several years. Occasionally, if these changes make you feel blurry, you may benefit from an enhancement procedure to address any of this blurred vision. How does LASIK provide freedom from the limitations imposed by glasses or contact lenses during physical activities or sports? If you are an athlete, then you know all to well how the use of glasses can make physical activities more challenging. Your glasses can fall off your face, they can get fogged up, or they can make it harder for you to see at certain angles or shades of light. Even though contact lenses may be better for some physical activities, they too have their limitations and drawbacks. If you are a swimmer, the contact lenses can be lost underwater. Contact lenses can also cause irritation and dryness on the surface of your eyes that can make it harder for you to focus on your physical activities. Many physical activities such as running, biking, hiking, and weightlifting can be resumed within a few days after LASIK. We typically recommend avoiding swimming and contact sports for the first week after your actual procedure. Many LASIK patients tell us that they truly enjoy playing sports without the restrictions of glasses and contact lenses. Is it better to wear glasses or contacts or get LASIK? A recent article in the American Academy of Ophthalmology journal found that compared with contact lens wear, modern LASIK delivered higher levels of satisfaction and improved night vision at 1, 2, and 3 years of follow-up. Contact lenses have their own potential risks. Clinical studies down in ophthalmology clinics over the last 25 years have shown that long-term contact lens use can increase your risk of corneal infections that can cause pain and vision loss. The risk of a serious corneal infection is many times less with LASIK than with chronic contact lens usage. Not only is LASIK a safe surgical procedure that can give you freedom from vision correction devices like contact lenses and glasses, but in the long term, it is a safer option than contact lens usage. Experience the Benefits of Improved Vision with LASIK in Long Beach at Lucent Vision

Delivering the benefits of clear vision with a personalized experience is our mission at Lucent Vision. Whether your visual impairment includes near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism, we will perform a refraction during your consultation to determine the state of your visual perception. Once we understand your eye health and your visual demands, we will develop a laser treatment plan that is tailored to your eyes and your lifestyle. Improved Vision From LASIK in Long Beach Does LASIK improve visual acuity? Visual acuity is an objective measurement of how well the human eye can focus light rays correctly to the back of the eye. Your surgeon can obtain this information by seeing how well you are able to read letters at a particular distance. You have a very high chance of improving your visual acuity with LASIK laser vision correction. How does LASIK change depth perception? Depth perception is your ability to create a three dimensional view of the world. Your brain is able to create this three dimensional model by using all of the visual data that it receives from your eyes. Patients who have refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism may have difficulty with depth perception even if they are wearing their glasses or contacts. Studies have shown that eliminating refractive errors and improving the eyesight in each eye can lead to better depth perception after laser eye surgery. If each eye is able to deliver a clear image to the brain, then the brain is better able to superimpose these images to create one focused image with three dimensionality. Will LASIK help me see colors better? Color vision is handled by an area of your retina that is called the macula. This region of the retina transmits information through the optic nerve to the vision center in your brain. Color blindness is an uncommon deficiency in perceiving colors that is usually genetic in origin. Unfortunately, Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, is not an effective treatment for color blindness. Is binocular vision improved after LASIK? Many patients who use corrective lenses can develop eye strain when performing near tasks such as work on a smartphone or a computer. This type of eye strain is related to the way the vision system has to coordinate the muscles around your eyes, the size of the pupil, and your neck positioning so that the the images from the two eyes can be aligned properly. LASIK can improve binocular vision and reduce this eye strain. Does LASIK improve range of vision? Depending on your eyeglass prescription, LASIK can indeed improve your range of vision. For patients suffering from nearsightedness, LASIK can give you the benefits of improved far vision. Conversely, for patients who are far-sighted, LASIK can give you the ability to see things at a near distance as well. High Success Rate for LASIK in Long Beach What is the success rate of LASIK surgery in general? In the United States, LASIK is probably the most consistently successful medical procedure in the medical field, let alone in ophthalmology. In a recent review in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery () that included about 68,000 eyes confirmed the excellent success rates we see with laser surgery. Over 99.5% of patients had a final distance visual acuity of 20/40 or better; as a reference, a visual acuity of 20/40 would allow you to pass the DMV’s vision test. In our own experience at Lucent Vision, over 95% of patients achieve outcomes in the 20/20 or better range. Adding to this success rate is the fact that LASIK has a low risk for complications. How well does LASIK perform in terms of patient satisfaction? In the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery article referenced above, approximately 96% of patients reported satisfaction with their visual outcomes after LASIK. In our own experience, the most common thing our patients will say after having their procedure is: “I wish I had done it sooner!” How does a customized treatment lead to better eye results? Much like a fingerprint, each human eye is unique. With our modern technology we are able to create accurate maps of your cornea, called corneal topography. We can also precisely trace the trajectory of light rays through your visual system which takes into account your pupil size and any other minor anatomical abnormalities in your visual system. A customized laser treatment profile is then used to precisely treat your corneal tissue. Precision and customization allow us to deliver better visual outcomes with LASIK than ever before. Is there a correlation between using a skilled Long Beach LASIK surgeons and an increase in the success rate? At Lucent Vision we have already delivered the benefits of clear unaided vision to thousands of patients over the last decade. Dr. Pathak is one of the very few Long Beach LASIK surgeons who has completed an extra year of training in corneal vision correction procedures. We rely on our vast experience and extra training to deliver an even higher success rate than a typical LASIK surgeon. In addition, each surgical plan and experience at Lucent Vision is customized; this extra attention to detail cannot be found at the LASIK corporate chains. What kind of effect does the utilization of proven technology have on the effectiveness of LASIK procedures? Better technology directly impacts the reliability of your outcome, the risk of complications, and your personal experience. Before your procedure a thorough evaluation of your eye’s health is critical to confirm that you meet the safety criteria for LASIK. We employ proven technology for screening candidates that includes corneal topography, wavefront scans, corneal tomography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The Alcon Wavelight laser that is used to precisely shape your cornea has a proven track record of excellent outcomes along with being the fasted LASIK laser of its kind. All of these improvements in technology allow for a LASIK procedure without pain, faster healing times, and a lower risk of complications. Are the success rates of LASIK getting better as a result of ongoing advancements? Ongoing advancements include the ability to use wavefront technology to detect unique aberrations (imperfections) in your cornea that can be precisely treated with our Alcon Wavelight laser. This wavefront technology has allowed us to more consistently hit 20/20 or better visual outcomes. In addition, the technology has reduced the occurrence of halos and glare in night time conditions which was seen in earlier laser systems. This laser system also has an eye-tracking feature so that any small movements of your eye during the laser treatment can be detected and accommodated. Long-Lasting Results for LASIK Patient in Long Beach What duration of results can you anticipate after LASIK eye surgery? In a recent study found in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, about 95% of patients did not require the use of distance glasses after five years had passed from their procedure date. The changes made to your cornea during laser vision surgery are permanent and the results will last you for many years. After LASIK, what kind of stability of prescription should you anticipate? The effect of reshaping your cornea with LASIK is permanent. Nonetheless, it is possible that your eyes may change as you age. Most people over the age of 40 begin to suffer from presbyopia, which is a difficulty with seeing near objects. Presbyopia is caused by a progressive loss of elasticity in the natural lens inside of your eye. Laser eye surgery will not prevent presbyopia, nor will it worsen presbyopia. Patients in this age group may need to start wearing reading glasses to see things at a near distance. Nonetheless, we now have an eye drop called Vuity that can help with this problem. We also have surgical methods of correcting this presbyopia, even if you had LASIK in the past. Can you expect minimal regression after LASIK? Much like any other part of your body, your eyes can change over time. The underlying refractive errors (i.e. myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia) that you had prior to your LASIK procedure can progress over time and can make your vision less than crisp. Generally speaking, the possible need for an “enhancement” procedure to sharpen the vision increases about 1% per year after the procedure. The good news is that laser eye surgery can be repeated as long as your surgeon determines that you are a good candidate for an enhancement procedure. Better Night Vision After LASIK, do patients have improved night vision? Many patients with refractive errors such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism struggle with vision symptoms that are more prominent in dimly lit environments. These symptoms may include halos around lights and glare which result from microscopic imperfections in your cornea called aberrations. With the Alcon Wavelight laser that we use for LASIK we are able to treat these aberrations and improve or eliminate these bothersome signs and symptoms. After having LASIK, can I anticipate reduced glare at night? After LASIK you may have an initial increase in glare at night. Nonetheless, these symptoms will rapidly improve over the course of the first few weeks after your laser eye surgery. Our Alcon Wavelight laser treats imperfections or aberrations in your cornea to reduce your perception of glare in night time conditions. Nonetheless, glare at night can be caused by other conditions as well, such as dry eye syndrome. Your eye doctor will evaluate your eyes prior to LASIK to see if there is any underlying and treatable reason for your symptoms of glare. After LASIK eye surgery, will there be reduced halos when I drive at night? Many patients who seek LASIK suffer from halos in night time conditions. Often these halos are related to higher order aberrations which cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, or medic...

Lucent Vision is all about you. We’ve created an office environment that looks and feels like a spa so that you can have a relaxed experience. Our surgical plans and techniques are tailored to meet your daily visual needs. Your time is valuable, and that’s why our office schedule is built to limit wait times and to allow the doctor to spend ample time with you. We offer online appointment requests for your convenience. So call or e-mail us and find out what we can do for you!