Baltimore Eye Surgeon Answers Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Surgery

BALTIMORE, MD--(Marketwired - Mar 15, 2016) - Thanks to numerous technological advances and the proven efficacy of treatment, LASIK surgery remains one of the most popular vision correction procedures performed nationwide each year, states Dr. Jay C. Grochmal, an ophthalmologist in Baltimore. This trend also proves to be true at Grochmal Eye Center, he explains, as patients both young and old seek the refractive procedure to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Due to its popularity, Dr. Grochmal says he hears a number of similar inquiries regarding LASIK surgery, some of which include:

• Can LASIK provide better vision than glasses or contacts?
• Does LASIK surgery hurt?
• Is it okay to undergo LASIK while pregnant?
• How long does LASIK last?

According to Dr. Grochmal, the degree to which patients' vision can be improved with LASIK surgery will depend on the shape and overall health of their corneas, the severity of their specific visual impairment, the skill of their eye surgeon, the technology employed, and a variety of other factors. That said, he notes most individuals can expect their vision to be at least as good as, if not a little better than it was when wearing corrective eyewear prior to LASIK. In the rare occurrence this is not the case, he adds that the majority of individuals should still not require contacts or prescription glasses to perform most everyday activities.

In regard to potential discomfort associated with LASIK surgery, Dr. Grochmal states that patients at his practice typically report experiencing little to no pain at all throughout the entire treatment process. "Although you may feel some slight pressure as the flap is created," he explains, "this sensation is generally not considered painful and will be relatively brief in duration." Following surgery, he notes that some sensitivity to light and mild irritation may occur, though these symptoms generally subside within a few days.

Concerning LASIK surgery and pregnancy, the Baltimore eye surgeon recommends waiting until after the baby is born and breastfeeding has ceased before undergoing treatment. "From an accuracy standpoint," he writes in a recent blog post, "the hormonal fluctuations that often accompany pregnancy can sometimes affect vision, ultimately making LASIK results significantly less predictable and necessitating an enhancement in the future." He goes on to say anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications often prescribed to aid in the healing process may be harmful to a child both before birth and during the nursing stage, which is why he also advises women to wait.

Lastly, in reference to how long the results of LASIK last, Dr. Grochmal says the visual improvement achieved with the refractive procedure is typically permanent, especially when the surgery is performed by a qualified surgeon who uses the most advanced laser technology available. However, he adds, there are rare instances in which LASIK patients will notice some degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism returning long after their procedure. Should this be the case, he notes that a secondary LASIK surgery or a different laser vision correction procedure can usually be performed for individuals who are bothered enough to seek additional treatment.

Ultimately, Dr. Grochmal strives to ensure that every patient interested in LASIK surgery fully understands all aspects of the refractive procedure, and he encourages prospective individuals to ask as many questions as possible prior to making such an important, life-altering decision.

About Jay C. Grochmal, MD

Dr. Grochmal is an experienced eye surgeon practicing in Baltimore, Maryland. At Grochmal Eye Center, he offers a comprehensive range of eye care and vision correction services, including LASIK and laser assisted cataract surgery, PRK, refractive lens exchange, glaucoma treatment, oculoplastic surgery, and more. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and he is currently on staff at some of Baltimore's most esteemed hospitals, including St. Agnes Hospital and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Outside of his practice, Dr. Grochmal routinely "gives back" to impoverished communities through various international humanitarian missions.

For more information, visit grochmaleye.com or facebook.com/grochmaleye. Dr. Grochmal is available for interview upon request.

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