The practice of performing LASIK on both eyes at the same time is popular because of patient convenience (fewer office visits) and more rapid restoration of optical balance between the two eyes. In fact, the vast majority of our patients choose this option. However, there are a few patients who simply prefer to have one eye done at a time, and there are also some clinical circumstances in which we may advise you to have one eye done at a time.

The decision to perform LASIK on one or both eyes at the same time is made on an individual basis during your consultation.

The reasons to have LASIK on ONE eye at a time may include:

1. ACCURACY:
The healing process and visual recovery in the first eye is monitored and this information may be used to make subtle modifications to the treatment plan for the second eye.

2. SAFETY:
Both eyes would not simultaneously be subjected to certain surgical risks such as infection, retina damage, or other adverse reactions which, although very rare, could lead to significant loss of vision in both eyes.

3. VISUAL RECOVERY:
Although the vast majority of LASIK patients experience a rapid recovery in their vision, the recovery can at times be delayed. Please realize that even a temporary loss of vision quality in both eyes is extremely disruptive. If the eyes are operated on separately, you can function with the fellow eye while the first eye fully recovers. This is especially true if you are able to wear a contact lens in the untreated eye.

4. SATISFACTION:
You will be given the opportunity (before proceeding to the second eye) to determine whether the LASIK procedure has produced satisfactory visual results without loss of vision quality or other uncommon undesirable side effects such as glare, ghost images, or increased light sensitivity. If you are over age 40, you will have an opportunity to experience the change in your close vision. This could influence your decision on whether or not to fully correct your other eye to maintain some degree of close vision without the need for glasses (monovision).

After you and your surgeon are satisfied with the results of the first eye, we will proceed with LASIK on the second- eye usually one to two weeks later. To maintain balanced vision, a contact lens is often used in the untreated eye until the second eye is treated.