On this page, Dr Boxer Wachler 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?

Dr. Boxer Wachler is not aware of a single report of anyone losing all their vision from LASIK, LASEK, LTK, or Intacs. Therefore, the chance of going blind appears to be about zero.

How much pain will I have?

The procedures are typically painless due to the powerful numbing drops we use.

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. We have over 40 years of study and the results are outstanding in patients who were good candidates before the procedure. The lasers were developed and studied in the 1980s. We have excellent long-term results from the lasers.

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, you can expect an excellent result. However, 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?

Modern day LASIK is one of the safest procedures in all of medicine as long as an experienced eye surgeon performs it after meticulous preoperative evaluation. 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. Boxer Wachler has advanced diagnostics and each patient must pass each of these tests in order to be deemed a good candidate.

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 no need to worry about ever having to wear the same prescription again in the future. Once the eye heals, it is healed and doesn't change. There can be rare exceptions years later, but those types of changes are small and can be fine-tuned with a light laser treatment.

If I move, will the laser burn my skin?

Our laser uses the most advanced eye-tracking system and it's the only one documented by the FDA to improve vision results. 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. Boxer Wachler?

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. Boxer Wachler'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 very quick and easy, usually less than 5 minutes for each eye.

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.

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 if that is desired.