FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LASER VISION CORRECTION
- What are the most important factors in Laser Vision Correction?
- How do I know if I am a candidate for Laser Vision Correction?
- LASIK or ASA--Which is right for me?
- Can LASIK correct my vision?
- Are there risks associated with Laser Vision Correction?
- When will I be able to return to work?
- How much does Laser Vision Correction Cost?
- Does Insurance cover Laser Vision Correction?
- What About Nighttime Vision Problems After LASIK? Will This Affect Me?
- Does It Hurt?
- Can Both Eyes Be Treated at the Same Time?
- Do the results last?
What Are the Most Important Factors in Laser Vision Correction?
In order to ensure the best results from your procedure, your eyes need to be "back to normal". Contact lenses actually reshape your eye somewhat. Therefore, you should allow for time without contacts—and yes, this means wearing glasses for several weeks—before your laser vision procedure. Your eye doctor can best advise you how long you should avoid wearing your contacts before your procedure.
It is also important to allow time for several appointments prior to your procedure. You should have several refractive measurements taken by your eye doctor to make sure the laser will be programmed to give you the optimal treatment.
How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate for Laser Vision Correction?
Patients who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism can most likely be treated with one of our laser techniques. The only way to truly know if you are a good candidate is to schedule a consultation with us to evaluate your individual situation. From there, we can help you to find out if this is the right procedure for your visual needs. We have the technology to quickly and easily check your current prescription and perform some important corneal measurements and mapping of the surface of your eye. There are some medical conditions that affect the advisability of having Laser Vision Correction, which your doctor will discuss with you.
LASIK or ASA—Which Is Right for Me?
While LASIK has been the most common laser procedure for several years, ASA has recently become the procedure of choice in some cases. Patients who want a procedure without creating a flap, whose corneas are too thin for LASIK, or whose occupations or vision requirements may preclude them from having the LASIK procedure, choose ASA. In the procedures outlined above, the latest generation excimer laser provides a clear advantage over the older forms of laser eye surgery performed just a few years ago.
Can LASIK correct my vision?
LASIK can be used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, and can now be used to correct astigmatism. By completing an Advanced Diagnostic Test, your eye doctor will be able to discuss these options with you and determine which approach might be best for you.
Are There Risks Associated with Laser Vision Correction?
Laser Vision Correction is a surgical procedure and thus has some risk. When Laser Vision Correction is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon in a professional setting, the risks are minimal. Your postoperative care with your eye doctor is critical for early diagnosis and treatment of complications so you can maintain your good vision. It is very important to follow your doctor's postoperative instructions completely. Complications may include loss of best-corrected visual acuity, reduced contrast sensitivity, glare, dry eyes, and infection. This is not a complete list of possible side effects and complications. It is very important to discuss the potential risks with your doctor prior to consenting to surgery.
When will I be able to return to work?
Many patients can return to near-normal activities the day after the procedure. Your eye doctor will advise you of any activities you should avoid during the immediate postoperative period. LASIK patients usually return to work in 2 days. ASA patients take a few days longer.
How Much Does Laser Vision Correction Cost?
The fee will depend upon the type of treatment that best suits your visual needs. The fee includes all of your preoperative care, the surgery itself, and your postoperative care at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year (or more often if needed). The fee also includes any enhancements or touch-ups you may need for up two years at no additional cost.
Does Insurance Cover Laser Vision Correction?
Most insurance companies still see Laser Vision Correction as an elective procedure. A few insurance companies have added Laser Vision Correction to their benefits. You can contact your insurance company to determine if your policy contains a Laser Vision Correction benefit.
What About Nighttime Vision Problems After LASIK? Will This Affect Me?
Glare, halos and ghosting (which may become most noticeable at night) were not uncommon side affects of many laser procedures early on with the use of older technology. Most likely, if you did not have any glare, halo or ghosting issues before Laser Vision Correction, you will most likely not have those issues after the procedure. Modern lasers have very much reduced this problem. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.
Does It Hurt?
Laser Vision Correction is not painful since anesthetizing eye drops are used during the procedure. After surgery, most patients experience little or no discomfort. Your eyes may feel scratchy, watery or dry, and your vision will be foggy at first. These symptoms are temporary and are not a problem for most patients. These symptoms usually disappear within 2-3 days
Can Both Eyes Be Treated at the Same Time?
Due to the advanced technology used to perform Laser Vision Correction, both eyes are usually treated on the same visit, one right after the other.
Do the results last?
Laser Vision Correction is considered to be a permanent procedure. However, it will not prevent any age-related conditions, such as presbyopia or cataracts. They would need to be treated in the usual manner. Some patients can experience some regression of the effect over many years.