LASIK Guide

Your comprehensive guide to laser eye surgery

If you're considering LASIK in Williamsburg, VA, and the surrounding areas, our surgeons are here to guide you through every step of your journey to better vision. We've created this comprehensive guide to laser eye surgery to provide you with essential facts and help you ask the right questions. Choosing a trusted provider for your vision care is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and we're committed to helping you make it with confidence.

Choosing the Right LASIK Center

What To Consider

Technology

There are several lasers now approved for refractive surgery. However, there is a difference in technology that is important to be aware of so you can make the best choice for you.

You Deserve a Customized Procedure - While traditional LASIK has been an effective procedure, Custom LASIK offers patients the potential to see better than 20/20 by capturing the tiny imperfections in your vision that standard measurements used in traditional LASIK cannot. In fact, with the CustomVue technology that our surgeons use, the measurements we use for the procedure are 25x more accurate than standard measurements used for glasses and contacts. All laser means the opportunity for crisper, clearer vision than with your previous methods of correction.

All-Laser Means 100% Personalized - At Cullom & Farah Eye & Laser Center the outdated metal blade used in the first step of the procedure has been eliminated and has been replaced with a computer-guided cool beam laser – giving you an unprecedented level of safety, superior outcomes, and a new sense of assurance and peace of mind.

Thanks to this increased precision, the option for a blade-free or all-laser procedure makes LASIK an option for more people. This advanced technology also allows an experienced surgeon like Dr. Anthony Farah the ability to treat patients with higher prescriptions, astigmatism or thin corneas.

In a clinical study, 4x as many patients were very satisfied with their night vision after their procedure with CustomVue, compared to their night vision before with glasses or contacts.

Surgeon Experience

No matter how advanced LASIK technology may be, a surgeon still performs the LASIK procedure and an experienced surgeon can truly make the difference between excellent results and complications. Experienced surgeons achieve better results and can have fewer problems. For example, board-certified surgeons like Anthony Farah, MD, have been helping patients in Williamsburg, VA, for over 20 years and are trained to avoid complications, resulting in better outcomes for our patients.

Patient Care

When choosing a center, be sure you are receiving the careful, unhurried personal attention you deserve. The experience and care of not only the doctors, but the staff as well, can improve your chances of the best possible results and a positive experience.

On-Site Laser Suite

A dedicated laser suite that houses a 100% on-site laser can improve your chances of excellent results. Constant calibration of the laser is vital for optimal safety and accuracy.

“My vision remains sharp 8 years after Dr. Cullom corrected my vision with LASIK. Not having to deal with contacts or glasses is a major bonus, especially since I do a fair amount of outdoor activities like bike riding and water sports. So grateful….thanks”

- Robert Netsch

“I had Lasik eye surgery on both eyes. My prescription prior was so bad, my glasses would actually weigh on my face and sometimes hurt by the end of the day. Contacts were no longer an option as they would cause swelling of my cornea. Dr. Farah did my surgery and was very good. I see better than perfect now! I should have had it done years go. Excellent choice for Lasik!”

- Tessa McGowan

What To Ask

Is the laser you are using on the site permanent?
What are your results?
What is included in my fee for LASIK?
How many procedures has the surgeon done?

Taking Your First Step to Better Vision

Step 1: Schedule Your Free Consultation

Determine if you're a candidate for laser vision correction through a LASIK consultation or exam.
With Cullom & Farah, your initial consultation is free.
Call now to schedule your appointment!

Step 2: Prepare for Your Visit

Remove your contact lenses as instructed when scheduling your appointment.
- Why? Contacts can alter the shape of your eye, which may affect the accuracy of our measurements.
Plan to be at the center for 1 to 1½ hours.

Step 3: What Happens When You Arrive

You'll be greeted by a highly trained technician who will:
- Take your detailed ocular history
- Check your vision
- Measure the curvature of your cornea

Step 4: Meet Your Surgeon

Unlike many centers, you'll meet your surgeon at your initial consultation.
The surgeon will:
- Review your test results
- Discuss personalized recommendations based on your visual goals
- Offer alternative treatments if LASIK isn't right for you

Step 5: Meet with a Patient Counselor

If you’re a good candidate for LASIK, you’ll sit down with one of our friendly patient counselors who will:
- Guide you through the LASIK process
- Answer your questions and ease any concerns
- Review financing and payment options
- Help you select your procedure date

What to Expect the Day of Your Procedure

Before the Procedure

Arrive 1 hour early for pre-operative prep, which includes:
Antibiotic and anesthetic eye drops
Oral medication to help you relax
A review of post-op medications and activity guidelines
Time for any final questions

During the Procedure

You'll be in our state-of-the-art laser suite for around 15 minutes
The actual procedure takes about 10 minutes total
You’ll remain awake and be walked through each step by Dr. Farah
A gentle device keeps your eye open
Advanced lasers track and center on your eye in real-time

After the Procedure

A friend or family member should drive you home
Plan to relax for the rest of the day

The Days, Months, and Years After LASIK

The day after your procedure, your vision is significantly clearer. You will have a postoperative appointment to examine your eyes and to discuss any questions you may have. Most patients are able to drive and return to work the next day.

You can resume most normal activities such as driving, working, walking, and exercising the day after your procedure. For women, eye makeup cannot be worn for three days. Swimming or contact sports such as basketball or racquetball should be delayed for one week.

As time passes, your eyes continue to heal as you enjoy your new vision free from glasses or contacts.

For over two decades, Cullom and Farah Eye and Laser Center has become the trusted name in laser vision correction on the Virginia Peninsula. If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, give us a call to schedule a consultation. With our surgeons, you're in good hands.

Schedule a Free LASIK Consultation

Take the first step toward better vision today. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Cullom & Farah Eye & Laser Center located in Williamsburg, VA. During your initial exam, meet the LASIK team, explore the state-of-the-art facility and LASIK suite, address queries with your surgeon, and discuss budget-friendly LASIK options with a personal patient counselor.

Schedule a consultation by calling 757-378-5028 or completing our contact form.