Finding out more about the health of your eyes and your specific refractive error is your first step toward visual freedom. Should we determine that your refractive error is within the corrective range of LASIK, more comprehensive tests may be necessary. This information will help you and Optical 2000 determine if LASIK is in your best interest.
Q: Is laser vision correction permanent?
A: Yes, laser vision correction results in a permanent change to the shape of the cornea. However, laser vision correction will not prevent age related conditions such as presbyopia (the need for reading glasses) or cataracts. These conditions would still be treated in their normal manner.
Q: When can I return to work and normal activities?
A: Most patients notice dramatic improvement within the first day or two following the LASIK procedure and are able to drive and return to work the next day. The speed of visual recovery ultimately depends on personal healing patterns, but patients are usually back to their normal activities the next day.
After LASIK the restriction on activities are minimal and these will be covered in detail prior to the procedure.
Q: What are the long-term effects of laser vision correction?
A: Laser vision correction has been performed since 1987. The FDA has approved the use of the excimer laser and recognized laser vision correction as being safe and effective for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism in eligible patients. In the United States alone, close to two million procedures have been performed. A lot of patients don't realize that for over 30 years a variety of techniques have been utilized to reshape the surface of the cornea.
The first patient ever treated with laser vision correction in the United States was in 1987. That patient achieved 20/20 vision following treatment and still has 20/20 vision more than 12 years later.
Experts worldwide are confident that they will discover no long term problems with laser vision correction and the procedure has become the most commonly performed refractive surgery in the world.
Q: What if I currently wear contact lenses?
A: Prior to LASIK it is important that the curvature of the corneas return to their natural shape. The only way to ensure this is for contact lens use to be discontinued. For most patients who wear soft contact lenses the cornea will return to its natural shape within 3 to 4 days prior to the procedure. Thirty days without contact lenses is generally required to reach corneal stability for patients who wear rigid (hard) or gas permeable lenses.
Q: What can I expect my vision to be after LASIK?
A: As with any surgical procedure, results cannot be guaranteed. The results of laser vision correction have been overwhelmingly successful in eliminating or reducing the dependence on glasses or contact lenses. In a recent review of our patients treated for nearsightedness, farsightedness and /or astigmatism, 95% achieved 20/20 vision following surgery. 99% of patients achieved 20/40 or better after LASIK, meaning they can drive legally, play sports and join the police or fire departments without depending on corrective eyewear.
Ultimately, how well a person sees and how quickly their vision improves depends on the degree of their prescription and their particular healing pattern. During your complimentary consultation we will discuss the range of probable outcomes based on your prescription.
Q: Is LASIK painful?
A: There is no pain during the procedure. Eye drops are used to numb the eyes. No needles or injections are required. After LASIK post operative discomfort is minimal. However, it is common to have some eye irritation the first few hours.
Q: Are both eyes treated the same day?
A: Yes, both eyes are treated the same day. The LASIK procedure can also be performed unilaterally.
Q: What are the risks of LASIK?
A: No surgical procedure is without risks. Complications from LASIK are very uncommon. The chance of having an issue arise with LASIK is much less than 1%. Understanding potential risks allows you to make an informed decision before undergoing LASIK. We will discuss potential risks in greater detail and answer any questions you may have during your consultation.
Q: How long does it take to perform the procedure?
A: The actual laser time for nearsighted patients is usually 40 seconds or less. For farsighted patients it is typically under two minutes. A person will be in the laser suite only 15 minutes for the actual procedure. The total time spent in the laser center is generally one to one and a half hours. Most people are ready to leave the laser center within about 5 minutes after their procedure.
Q: Can laser vision correction eliminate the need for reading glasses?
A: Yes and no. The need for reading glasses usually begins at age 40 to 45, and is caused by a loss of elasticity of the natural lens inside the eye. This loss of elasticity results in an inability to focus on small print or objects at near. This condition is called presbyopia.
LASIK cannot restore the elasticity to the natural lens inside the eye. However, there is a technique that is commonly used with contact lenses called monovision in which both eyes are fit with contacts to help with distance, but one contact is fitted to purposely undercorrect one eye to aid with some close-up activities. This technique can also be used with LASIK. Our patients love a small amount of this, but if a larger amount is desired (to allow for even more close-up vision), it is recommended that contact lenses be tried first.
It has been our experience that monovision is helpful for near tasks such as reading a watch, menu or price tags, but not for reading fine print or prolonged close work. It is important to understand that even with some monovision almost everyone will still need reading glasses at some point. For people with active lifestyles, who play golf, tennis, or drive a great deal at night, a larger amount of monovision is not recommended.
It is very important for people who are nearsighted, and who are over the age of 40, to understand that prior to LASIK it is possible to remove their glasses and see objects at near without corrective eyewear. However, after LASIK, if both eyes are treated for distance vision then more than likely reading glasses will become necessary in order to focus on near objects.
We will discuss this in more detail with you during a consultation.
Q: Does insurance cover LASIK?
A: Generally laser vision correction is considered elective and is not offered by many health insurance plans. However, some companies have started covering portions of the procedure. Our staff will be happy to call your insurance carrier to determine if laser vision correction is an included benefit.
Cafeteria or flex spending plans are eligible for laser vision correction.
Q: Is there financing available?
A: Yes, our office provides monthly payment plans that make laser vision correction easily affordable.
We look forward to hearing from you and to assisting you through your laser vision correction process. Thank you for your interest!
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