|
How can I tell if I am a candidate or not for LASIK?
Most people who require glasses or contacts
to see well at distance are candidates if the prescription falls within a certain range. An evaluation by our surgeon can confirm if you are in that range.
Who is an IDEAL candidate?
In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK is over 18 years of age and
has healthy corneas. Candidates must not have had a significant change in their vision prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates
for LASIK.
What conditions are treatable with Laser Vision Correction?
Patients suffering from Myopia (Nearsightedness), Astigmatism, or Hyperopia (Farsightedness) are candidates for LASIK.
Who does your evaluations, is it the surgeon or someone else?
Our surgeon does all his own evaluations, including optical measurements which determine the correct programming of the laser being used to correct your vision problem.
How long does the initial evaluation take?
You should allow approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How soon can I have an evaluation?
Usually within 48 hours; we try to adapt to your schedule.
Any instructions for people who wear contact lenses?
Yes, if you wear soft contact lenses, we prefer you to
take them out 3 (three) days prior to your initial evaluation in order to obtain an accurate reading for the laser. If you wear hard, gas permeable or even soft astigmatic contacts, studies show that 3 or more weeks
are necessary for the eye to stabilize. In these cases, we try to put our patients in soft disposable lenses for 3 weeks and then reevaluate after two weeks with no contact lenses.
Is high Astigmatism correctable in Myopic patients?
Yes, we can correct high regular astigmatism in patients with Myopia.
Who performs the follow-up exams? Is it the surgeon or someone else?
Our surgeon prefers to perform all of his follow-up evaluations.
How many follow-ups are there?
We like to see our patients the morning after surgery, and subsequently at one week, one month, 3 months, 6 months and a year.
Are all the follow-up visits covered under the initial fee for the surgery?
Yes, all these follow-ups are included in the initial fee; there are no extra charges.
Do you have any financing plans?
Yes, through Hillside Patient Financing, you can finance 100% of the fee
with no down payment, low, fixed interest rates and monthly payments for up to 48 months with no prepayment penalty. You can complete the Hillside Patient Information form in the 'Links' section of our web-site. We
also offer a financing plan without interest which requires half down and the balance paid over 6 months.
Does insurance cover this procedure?
No, insurance does not cover this procedure as it is considered primarily cosmetic!
Is there any pain involved during the surgery?
LASIK is an essentially painless procedure. Our surgeon takes you through each step of the procedure, making you feel comfortable and at ease.
Are there any LASIK pre-procedure instructions?
Yes. The operating room is kept at a low temperature of 68
degrees, so wear warm clothing (jeans and long shirt e.g. would be fine). No eye make-up, hair spray, perfumes or jewelry should be worn on the day of surgery. There are NO restrictions on eating, drinking or taking
medications the day of surgery. However, alcohol and medications which may produce drowsiness should be avoided. Sedation with Valium is offered, but not required.
How long does this procedure take?
We ask you to arrive at our Laser Center at least half an hour
prior to the surgery. During this time you will be prepped, local anesthetic drops will be instilled in your eyes, and, if desired, you will be given medication for anxiety.
Can I drive home after the surgery?
No, you will need a designated driver! For the first couple of hours your eyes will be sensitive to light, so you should wear the special dark glasses which we provide.
Can I go to work the next day and drive?
Yes, most patients can drive the following day and go directly to work after being evaluated in our office. That visit typically takes only about 15 minutes.
Can I see immediately after surgery?
Yes, but your vison may be slightly blurry. As the day goes on, most patients experience a gradual clearing. It is a wonderful experience! Most patients see very well the next day.
I have to take any special precautions after surgery?
Yes. For the first 4 nights after surgery you will be given eye shields to
be worn overnight. Avoid vigorous rubbing of your eyes for at least two weeks. Getting water in your eyes during a shower is not a problem. You will be given special lubricating eye drops to use should you
experience any discomfort after your procedure.
Are there any medications to be used following LASIK?
You will be given an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory eye drop to use for 4 days, as well as a lubricating eye drop to use as needed for several weeks.
How long has this procedure been available?
LASIK was first performed in 1989 and that patient is still 20/20 without
glasses or contacts. LASIK has become common in the United States with FDA approval of the excimer laser for vision correction in 1996.
|
