Laser Vision Correction F.A.Q.'s |
Does it Hurt?
PRK and LASIK are generally considered to be "painless procedures" Your eye is numbed with eye drops and you are awake during the entire procedure. Some patients experience a slight discomfort during the healing period of 2-3 days after the procedure is performed.
Does it require stitches or shots? No
Is it an outpatient procedure? Yes.
How do I keep my eyes open?
An eyelid holder is used to hold your eye open during the procedure. How does laser vision correction affect the eye long term? Since the 1980s, clinical studies of laser vision correction procedures have not shown any long term negative effect to the eye. But significant data is not available for over 10 years. The procedure is permanent.
Can I wear contact lenses?
The PRK and LASIK procedures generally do not cause scarring which would eliminate your ability to wear contact lenses.
How well will I see after the surgery?
Ninety eight percent of all people will see well enough to pass a drivers license vision test without any correction. Having laser vision correction surgery is not a promise to never wear glasses or contact lenses again.
What are the risks?
As with any surgical procedure there are some risks and potential complication. Discomfort - often described as a slight stinging by some people Light Sensitivity - for several days you may need sunglasses Corneal Haze - generally resolves shortly after surgery. Under / Over Correction - Low amounts may require glasses. Higher amounts may require an enhancement. Infection Rate - risk is greatest within the first 48 hours. Antibiotics are used. The risk is considered to be about 0.2% Halos / Glare - If you normally experience glare and halos prior to the surgery, having the procedure may or may not affect this. Most of the time halos and glare decreases over time. Serious Vision Threatening Complication - less than 1%
Can I have both eyes done at the same time?
This is a decision made by the surgeon and patient. Having both eyes done on the same day is very common with LASIK.
Do I have to do anything special before or after the procedure?
A comprehensive eye health and vision evaluation is required. If you wear contact lenses, soft contact wear need to be removed about 7 days prior to the evaluation and the surgery. If you wear rigid lenses, the lenses must be removed at least 6 weeks prior to the initial evaluation. Post-operatively you will see your primary care eye doctor at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and every 12 months after.
How much time off work will it require?
Most people return to work after several days, depending on your visual recovery.
What are the long term affects?
PRK and LASIK are relatively new procedures. To this date , no long term risks have been discovered.
How much does it cost?
The cost of laser vision correction depends on the type of procedure chosen. Most fees run in the neighborhood of $2200.00 per eye. The fees generally includes the fees for the preoperative procedures, the surgery and the post-operative care. Laser centers generally have finance programs.
Is laser vision correction covered by insurance?
Because these procedures are considered elective,
the simple answer is no.
There are a few progressive companies that may provide coverage.