Your vision will stabilize within one to three months after treatment. *In rare cases, a patient may experience a relapse of nearsightedness and his/her vision may worsen. Some patients may also fail to maintain the expected visual improvement; however, such cases can be treated by an enhancement procedure. (Touch-up, if necessary, is performed free of charge at the Kobe Clinic. However, there are cases in which the cornea is not sufficiently thick enough to support a follow-up procedure.)

The expected level of visual improvement will be determined for each individual after the consultation with a physician. Nearly all patients are satisfied with the improvement after treatment. (Most patients whose vision is correctable to 20/20 using eyeglasses or contact lenses can have their vision corrected to at least the same level after treatment.)

In the fastest cases, improvement is seen on the day of the procedure. In most cases, vision improves within one day to one week following the surgery.

Myopia (nearsightedness) of up to 14D (diopters) and astigmatism of up to 6D can be corrected. (However, an examination must be performed for each individual case to determine whether an individual is a good candidate for LASIK procedure.)

LASIK procedure is performed only on the surface of the cornea. The procedure is relatively safe, and should not cause a loss of vision. The excimer laser is computer controlled and activated by a surgeon. Statistically, there is a remote possibility of loss of vision due to corneal infection, which we address by maintaining sterile conditions in the procedure suites, and by instructing you to use antibiotic drops for a few days after the procedure. We will also examine your eyes the day after the procedure to rule out this remote possibility.. At the Kobe Clinic, we perform a detailed examination and evaluate all of our patients individually, and only perform LASIK treatment on those determined to be good candidates for LASIK.

LASIK can be performed on any suitable patient over 18 years old. Patients under 20 years old require the permission of a parent or guardian.
*LASIK cannot be performed on patients under 18 years old as the eye continues to grow throughout adolescence.

There are a number of possible post-surgical developments, which are explained to each patient in detail prior to the procedure. In nearly all cases, the condition will improve naturally over time or via treatment by prescription. Some of the potential complications include dry eyes and myopic relapse.

Follow-up exams are performed the day after the procedure, one week, one month, three months, six months and one year after surgery. The fees for all of these exams are included in the cost of the initial surgery.

Nearsightedness and astigmatism are not considered to be illnesses or diseases, and are therefore not currently covered by most medical insurance plans. LASIK is not covered by health insurance in Japan, but you may be able to receive some reimbursement through a life insurance surgical benefit, or to claim the costs as an income tax medical deduction. Please consult with your life insurance provider or local tax office for details.