| The
following are some common questions (with partial answers) that
will help you more fully understand LASIK surgery. We strongly encourage
you to ask questions about the LASIK procedure, about us, and alternate
treatment options.
Answers
1. What is LASIK?
LASIK, short for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,
is a 15-minute laser vision correction procedure, which reduces
dependence on corrective lenses or eliminates the need for corrective
lenses altogether, depending on patient-specific variables. In the
procedure, the LASIK surgeon lifts a tiny flap of tissue on the
surface of the eye in order to reshape the underlying cornea through
use of a computer-guided excimer laser. The surgeon then repositions
the flap of tissue over the reshaped cornea. LASIK is a surgical
procedure that is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness
(myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
back to questions
2. What is an excimer laser and how does it work?
The excimer laser produces a high-energy, cold,
ultraviolet light beam in pulses and delivers the pulses to a surface
of the eye's cornea. These pulses break the bond between molecules
and tissue cells so that a controlled amount of tissue can literally
be vaporized away to reshape the cornea -- one microscopic layer
at a time. The excimer laser is computer controlled and programmed
to custom treat each individual eye with a high degree of precision.
For most cases, the thickness of the layer removed by the laser
is less than the thickness of a human hair.
back to questions
3. What results can I expect from LASIK?
The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is
to reduce or eliminate your dependence on corrective lenses –
so that you may freely enjoy activities without the encumbrance
of glasses or contacts. Our commitment to you is that we will not
perform laser vision correction on you or anyone we feel does not
have a good possibility of achieving independence from glasses and
contacts. There are three main variables that will influence vision
results: a thorough pre-operative evaluation to determine whether
you are a good candidate for LASIK, the experience of your LASIK
surgeon/team, and the equipment utilized. To ensure the best outcomes,
it is critical that you select your surgical team wisely. Honest
evaluation, surgical experience, and state-of-the-art technology
are crucial to the end result.
back to questions
4. What are the risks associated with LASIK?
As with any surgery, there are risks. Fortunately,
however, the risks are low and the patient satisfaction rate is
high. The informed consent will outline the risks more thoroughly
before you decide to have the procedure. Potential risks may include
the following:
- Halos - Some patients will
notice glare, halos or starburst around objects in low-light conditions.
For the vast majority, these symptoms are temporary. However,
others will continue to experience them for several months or
longer. During your pre-operative evaluation, we will determine
whether or not you are at high risk for seeing long-term halos.
- Dry eyes - There is increased
dryness of the eyes typically for several months following LASIK,
though some patients may experience dryness for a longer period
of time. It is important to use lubricating drops frequently.
If the eyes remain dry for prolonged period, there are other drops
or techniques that can help. Again, your pre-operative evaluation
will help determine whether or not you are a candidate for experiencing
dry eyes
- Infection -This is an extremely
rare occurrence, with a 1 in 2000-3000 chance (similar to any
eye surgery). Fortunately, as the LASIK technique has developed
over the years and proven to be of great benefit to millions of
patients nationwide, firmly established protocols now exist which
minimize dramatically the risk of infection.
back to questions
5. Is LASIK surgery right for me?
The best way to determine if you are a candidate
for LASIK is by an individual evaluation by our doctors. At that
time, we will verify whether you are a good candidate for LASIK
and answer any questions you may have. We will encourage you to
understand the procedure, the risks and benefits, and to harbor
realistic expectations.
In general, a good LASIK candidate is at least
18 years old, has healthy corneas, and has maintained a stable eye
prescription for the last 12 months. People with certain medical
conditions or women who are pregnant or nursing may not be good
candidates.
We believe that not everyone is a good candidate
for LASIK eye surgery. When it comes to your eyes, being discriminating
is appropriate. Only careful examination of your eyes and your individual
case/needs will determine whether LASIK is right for you.
back to questions
6. How important is the choice of surgeon?
In laser vision correction, complications rarely
occur. But, when they do, they are usually related to the surgeon's
experience and technique. Complications appear to be greatly reduced
by the surgeon's experience, training, and meticulous attention
to detail. Error rates that are less than one percent with a skilled
LASIK surgeon can rise rapidly in less experienced hands. LaserVue
surgeons have helped train many LASIK surgeons and co-managing doctors
through proctoring, lectures and seminars. Additionally, LaserVue
surgeons have designed several innovative LASIK instruments and
a popular LASIK surgical nomogram. Because of our vast experience,
hundreds of doctors, surgeons and other health care workers have
trusted their eyes to Drs. Bansal and Singh. We routinely are asked
to provide second opinions for LASIK complications experienced by
patients from other providers. Both Dr. Bansal and Dr. Singh have
performed many thousands of LASIK procedures.
It is crucial to select your surgeon wisely. Our
goal at LaserVue is to communicate clearly to our patients what
they can expect during their laser experience, and what their results
are likely to be. We pledge to you, always, our honest evaluation
and complete dedication.
back to questions
7. Isn't all laser vision correction the same?
No. Many of the discount LASIK centers want you
to believe that LASIK should be purchased like a commodity and that
surgeon experience, laser and diagnostic technology, and follow-up
care do not matter. Laser vision correction will affect the way
you see for the rest of your life. You should make your decision
to have laser vision carefully, not quickly. We encourage you to
visit other laser centers and compare them to us. Our website provides
detailed information about our surgeons,
our laser technology, our advanced
diagnostic technology, and what you should expect for the money
you spend.
back to questions
8. Can I have both eyes done at once?
Absolutely. We perform LASIK on both eyes on the
same day in the overwhelming majority of our patients. There are
pros and cons to this approach but most people would like to minimize
any postoperative discomfort and time off from work.
back to questions
9. Is LASIK painful?
The procedure is painless. Your eye is anesthetized
with numbing eyedrops. You will be awake and comfortable throughout
the procedure. Most people experience 4-6 hours of mild irritation
after their LASIK procedure and can return to work the next day.
back to questions
10. Will my eyes look different after LASIK?
No. Your eyes will look exactly the same.
back to questions
11. Will I need reading glasses?
Most normally sighted patients require readers in
their mid-forties. This is caused by the normal weakening of the
focusing muscles of the eye known as presbyopia, which usually starts
around the age of 40 – 45. This condition occurs with or without
LASIK. Those patients who currently have bifocals will still need
reading glasses after the surgery unless they opt for a treatment
plan called monovision, wherein one eye is corrected for distance
and the other for near vision.
back to questions
12. What is monovision?
If you are presbyopic, monovision is an option to
help correct both your distance and near vision. The monovision
procedure corrects the focus of one eye for distance vision and
the other eye for near vision. Monovision is a compromise of both
distance and near vision. Depth perception is also affected. For
people with high visual demands like sports or constant near work
(i.e., reading), we recommend full distance correction with glasses
for near vision. A trial period with contact lenses or glasses may
help determine if monovision would be a good option for you.
back to questions
13. Will my vision remain stable long after the procedure?
The vision correction is permanent. However, your
vision may change naturally with time and LASIK does not affect
visual conditions that may develop with age. Also, LASIK does not
prevent presbyopia and the eventual need for reading glasses. Depending
on the cause, retreatment may be a viable solution to later vision
changes, and other treatment options also exist.
back to questions
14. Do I need to have my contacts out prior to my initial exam?
Yes. We recommend that you discontinue soft contact
lens wear at least 3 days before your initial exam. For soft toric
and gas permeable/rigid contact lenses, we recommend that you discontinue
wear for a minimum of 3 weeks prior to your initial exam.
back to questions
15. How much should I pay for laser vision correction?
The cost of vision correction varies among practices,
based on surgeon experience, technology, and what the center includes
in the fee. We are not the least expensive provider. We have invested
heavily in staff training and technology. Our advanced laser and
diagnostic technology are second to none. This investment is extremely
important to surgical results and our patients tell us they can
see the difference. We encourage you to visit other laser centers
and compare.
It's only natural to want to get the best price,
but remember, quality, personal service, attention to detail and
results are extremely important when it comes to your eyes. Your
vision is one of your most important assets.
back to questions
16. Will my insurance cover LASIK surgery?
LASIK is an elective procedure, which means that
the surgery is optional. As a result, only a few insurance companies
pay for all or part of vision correction procedures - you can check
with your plan administrator, or we will be happy to make a copy
of your insurance card and check coverage for you. In some cases,
the fees can be covered by medical flex/cafeteria plans that allow
pretax dollars to be set aside - please ask your employer if they
offer this type of benefit. Vision correction also may be tax deductible
as a medical expense (check with your financial advisor).
If you do not have insurance coverage, we do offer
affordable payment plans. It is easy to apply
online and receive credit approval before you schedule an appointment.
back to questions
17. Should I be nervous about the procedure?
Eyes and vision are very precious. It is perfectly
natural to be nervous about having the procedure. Much of this comes
from fear of the unknown. Drs. Bansal and Singh and their staff
spend a great deal of time describing exactly what's involved in
the procedure and what sounds and sights you will experience. We
will "walk you through the process" to make you as comfortable
as possible.
It's always wise not to rush into something you
know very little about, especially when it comes to something as
precious as your vision. We encourage you to bring friends or family
members with you to your laser vision evaluation so that we can
educate them, as well as you, and answer any questions they might
have. It may be comforting to know that LaserVue surgeons televise
on closed-circuit monitors your surgical procedure for your loved
one to view “live”. We are very proud of our surgical
techniques and protocol.
back to questions
18. What's the next step?
Schedule
a FREE, no obligation LASIK evaluation.
Call (800)-263-2078.
back to questions
//terms
of use
_______________________
Copyright © 2003 LaserVue Medical Associates
Developed by Einstein
Medical
|
