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Corrective Eye Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Corrective Eye Surgery?

Laser Vision Correction is a surgical procedure to reshape the cornea to treat: • nearsightedness, • farsightedness and • astigmatism. These vision disorders are caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea and length of the eye. Corrective eye surgery is performed in our state-of-the-art laser suite near Springfield, Massachusetts in Northampton. back to top >>

What Are The Risks Involved With Corrective Eye Surgery?

All surgical procedures involve some risk. At the Balin Eye & Laser Center we offer free vision correction screenings to completely educate you to all the possible benefits and risks associated with all refractive surgeries.

Where Is The Corrective Eye Surgery Performed?

All laser vision correction surgeries are performed by LASIK eye surgeon Nancy Balin, MD, FACS, in Western Massachusetts at our state-of-the-art laser suite located in Northampton. Dr. Balin uses the latest generation of VISX Star S4 Excimer laser, which is an FDA approved laser for the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The VISX Star S4 laser is equipped with the most advanced eye tracker available.

Is corrective eye surgery (LASIK, Radial Keratotomy) eligible for reimbursement?

Yes. You want to make sure you are a candidate for the surgery before funding it in your account because if for any reason you can't have the surgery in the Plan Year, you will not be allowed to lower your election.
Yes, corrective eye surgery is an eligible expense. (See IRS Publication 502. ) Be sure to check with any insurance coverage you have so you will know if you have coverage available under the plan. Also, be sure you are a candidate for the surgery before funding your account. If you find out you cannot have the surgery, the IRS does not allow you to reduce your election.

What types of vision disorders can corrective eye surgery treat?

There are three types of vision disorders that exist. LASIK eye surgeon Nancy Balin, MD, FACS, performs laser vision correction in Western Massachusetts to treat these visual disorders: Myopia (Nearsightedness) An elongated eye causes light rays to be focused in front of the retina resulting in blurred distance vision. Astigmatism The shape of the eye is uneven like a football as opposed to a sphere. The uneven shape causes light rays to be focused unequally to different points in the retina causing distorted vision. ...

Does Corrective Eye Surgery Cause Any Pain?

Because numbing drops are used during the vision correction procedure, the surgery itself is painless. Immediately following the surgery, some patients report mild to moderate discomfort usually described as a slight stinging sensation. This discomfort is temporary and usually disappears within 24-48 hours. To find out if you would be a good candidate for vision correction, contact LASIK eye surgeon Nancy Balin , MD, FACS, in Western Massachusetts to schedule a free screening today.

How Long Until My Vision Improves After Corrective Eye Surgery?

With LASIK, most patients experience improved vision immediately following the surgery. However, for some individuals it may take until the next day. Patients who undergo PRK usually experience improvement within the first several weeks following the surgery. However, some PRK patients may experience minor changes up to six months following corrective eye surgery.

Do you accept applicants who have had corrective eye surgery?

The decision to undergo corrective eye surgery is a personal one. On the date of your application you must: Meet our minimum vision standard. Be able to verify that your corrective eye surgery was completed a minimum of six months prior to applying. Be able to verify you have experienced no visual health problems during the past six months.

Can I still apply for Special Agent or Uniformed Division if I've had corrective eye surgery?

Yes. Lasik, ALK, RK and PRK corrective eye surgeries are acceptable eye surgeries for special agent or Uniformed Division applicants provided specific visual tests are passed. The following are the waiting periods before visual tests are conducted after the surgery: Lasik surgery – three months; PRK – six months; and ALK and RK – one year. The waiting periods are required to ensure the surgery has healed without complications. ...

Can I get corrective eye surgery prior to entering the Naval Academy? Will this enable me to fly?

All forms of surgical, laser, and mechanical procedures performed to improve vision are disqualifying for admission. Extremely few waivers have been granted for students who have received this type of medical treatment. In general, it is prudent to delay all refractive surgery procedures until after the progression of nearsightedness associated with growth in eye size has ceased (beyond age 21 for many people). ...
Source: www.usna.edu

I have had laser corrective eye surgery (LASIK). Can I apply for OCS?

As long as the examining physician indicated on your physical that you are qualified for appointment, you can apply for OCS.
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