Vision Correction FAQ
Published by on August 24, 2016
Vision Correction procedures allow you to live without glasses and contact lenses are liberating and life-changing. At Kugler Vision in Omaha, NE, we hear the same questions from people every day. Below are answers to these common questions so that you can confidently move forward with this life-changing decision:
1. Does Laser Vision Correction Wear Off?
In the majority of cases the results do not wear off over time. There is a small percentage, around 3%, of patients who benefit from an enhancement procedure years later. But for the other 97% of people, a single laser procedure to correct distance vision lasts indefinitely. This can be confusing for people because when we enter our 40’s a different part of the eye starts to undergo a transition. At this time, the natural lens inside our eye changes, causing near vision changes which is why we have the need for reading glasses. This process is called DLS and may be corrected with other technologies such as KAMRA inlay or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE).
2. Can Astigmatism be corrected?
Yes. Many years ago, when laser technology was in its infancy, astigmatism was difficult to fix. Today this is no longer the case! Modern laser systems can effectively treat astigmatism with excellent results.
3. How long is the recovery process of vision correction?
Vision correction has a fast recovery time. Depending on which procedure is right for you it could take between a day to a few weeks. For a few hours after LASIK your eyes may burn or itch, but those symptoms resolve quickly. Most people can drive and go back to work the very next day after having a vision correction procedure!
4. My vision is still changing, can I have vision correction?
Most eyes become ocularly mature, meaning they are no longer developing, in our late teens between the ages of 18-21. A smaller percentage of people continue to have some change in their 20’s. We encourage you to come in to see us as soon as you are considering vision correction so that we may measure a baseline to help determine whether you are stable or still changing.
5. Is vision correction a pricey procedure?
No. The value of vision correction is much greater than the cost. Vision correction allows you to stop throwing away money on glasses or contacts, and is one of the best ways possible for you to save money. It is also very affordable compared to other common expenses. Try our online calculator to help put this into perspective.
We also have financing options to allow you to easily fit the procedure into your budget. Learn more about finances here.
6. Is Vision Correction Safe? 
Numerous clinical studies of Laser Vision Correction have shown that the risk of serious complication is extremely low, less than 1 percent! Numerous studies suggest that Vision Correction procedures, such as LASIK, have less complications than wearing contact lenses. Read more here.
7. Can I have vision correction before I am done having kids?
Laser vision correction is an option before, between, or after having children. The only time we do not recommend laser vision correction is during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnancy can bring temporary changes to existing eye conditions. Vision goes back to normal after pregnancy.
8. Is there data on long-term side effects?
There is excellent, consistent, repeatable data going back to the late 80s and early 90s confirming excellent long term results. The patient satisfaction rate of LASIK is over 97% meaning that it the most satisfactory procedure in all of medicine.
9. How will I keep my eye open during the procedure? What if I blink?
We use a device that gently holds your eye open, so it’s impossible for you to close your eye during the procedure. We keep the surface of your eye lubricated with drops, so it does not get dry, and you will not feel the need to blink. There is nothing that a patient can do to “mess up” the procedure. The laser uses a sophisticated tracking system that measures the position of your eye a thousand times per second. It follows your eye at the same speed and is therefore always perfectly centered. So, no need to worry about keeping your eye open or moving your eye during the procedure.
10. Is laser technology still progressing quickly enough that there is a benefit in waiting?
At good quality vision correction centers, our outcomes are so good now that there is no need to wait for anything. There are always small improvements over the years, but currently there is nothing significant worth waiting for.
11. Does the type of laser used matter?
Lance Kugler, MD is certified on several lasers, and can say that yes, the technology is important. Modern laser systems are much more consistent with refined treatment technology that achieves incredible results.
More questions?
This list is a small sample of some of the most common questions our patients ask. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you with your specific vision needs and goals.Call 402.558.2211 today!
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
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