On this page, Dr Brian answers questions about the safety of LASIK, Custom Wavefront LASIK and other refractive surgery procedures.

I rely on my eyes. What is the chance of going blind?

The chance of complete blindness is extremely remote.

Will it hurt?

We use powerful numbing drops we use, but there can be some temporary discomfort.

Someone told me there are no long-term studies on LASIK. Is that true?

The basic flap-making element, which is the foundation of LASIK, dates back to the 1960s. There are over 40 years of study and the results are good in patients who were good candidates before the procedure. The lasers were developed and studied in the 1980s. We have long-term results from laser treatment.  With any procedure there is an element of risk, so it's important to consult an eye doctor about being a candidate and discussion of details of a procedure..

Should I wait until something else comes along?

The decision to have the procedure done is yours. If you are determined to be a good candidate, your expectation is to be happy with the results, however it is not possible to make any guarantees.  If you are not comfortable, then we would not want you to have anything done.

Do I have to give up my workouts for a few weeks?

Patients usually resume working out 2 days after the procedure. We advise refraining from swimming or water sports for 2 weeks.

I saw a scary news show about LASIK a few years ago. How safe is LASIK?

Like any surgical procedure, there is some potential risk. The key to reducing the risk is to be thoroughly evaluated to be sure you are a good candidate. Dr. Brian (himself a LASIK patient over 10 years ago) has advanced diagnostics and each patient must pass each of these tests in order to be deemed a good candidate by him.

In a few years, will my vision revert back and need to use my old contacts and glasses all over again?

In good candidates, there is typically no need to worry about ever having to wear the same prescription again in the future. Once the eye heals, it typically does not change.  If it does change afterwards, vision may lessen but may be improved with another procedure pending results of evaluation at that time.

If I move, will the laser burn my skin?

Our laser uses an advanced eye-tracking system.  The laser follows the eye even if the patient moves which assures that only the eye is treated. The laser energy is so gentle that it cannot even be felt on the skin.

I live outside of Los Angeles and don't like to drive a lot. Doesn't that make me ineligible to have the procedure with Dr. Brian?

Actually we have a number of patients who come from outside of Los Angeles as well as outside the state and country. It is no problem to have a qualified colleague of Dr. Brian's assist in the after surgery care if that is what you prefer or is more convenient. We are happy to coordinate your aftercare and assist you with local hotel accommodations if desired.

Does the procedure take a long time to perform?

The procedure itself is typically quick and typically easy. Duration typically is: 5 min/eye for LASIK, PRK, and CK, 10 min/eye for Visian ICL and Intacs, 20 min/eye for I-Brite, 30 minutes for C3-R.

Will I have to miss weeks of work and stay in bed?

Most patients take about 1 day off from work as "medical leave". Patients typically drive and go back to work the day after the procedure, depending on the type of procedure though..

I heard that you could never wear contact lenses again (such as colored ones) after surgery. Is this true?

You certainly can wear contact lenses after the procedure in most cases if that is desired.

DO YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?  THEN PLEASE: