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Lasik: Frequently Asked Questions

What is LASIK?

With the LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) procedure, a thin layer of the cornea is lifted to create a “flap” that stays connected on the side. Next, the excimer laser sculpts the cornea with a cool ultraviolet light. Finally, the “flap” is returned to its original position for a quick natural recovery. It is used to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Lasik is a refractive procedure designed to reduce or eliminate your dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure involves first making a corneal flap and then performing laser ablation to change the shape of the cornea. The flap is then repositioned. This procedure has a relatively quick recovery time.

Is Lasik for everyone?

Lasik is not for everyone. The only way to know if LASIK is right for you is for you to come into our office for a free consultation with Dr. Sloane.
To be eligible for LASIK the eye must be in good health and vision must be stable. However, some people are better candidates than others and some may be better suited to another refractive surgery technique or a combination of techniques. Consultation with the doctor prior to surgery is important to determine estimated benefits and possible complications. Describe the LASIK technique LASIK uses a protective instrument, a microkeratome, to create and lift a thin flap of the cornea. ...

Is Lasik investigational?

The Excimer last has been approved in the United States for correction of nearsightedness, astigmatism and small amounts of hyperopia by the FDA. The making of a corneal flap with a microkeratome has been performed since the 1960s. Results have shown that 98% or better of qualified candidates have improved vision to 20/40 or better, which meets the driver’s license criteria in most states.
LASIK has been performed outside of the United States for approximately ten years and in U.S. clinical trials with excellent results since 1995. It is now the most commonly performed refractive procedure in the United States. Long-term studies indicate that LASIK is safe and effective. Please see our Bibliography for a complete listing of all studies cited. The US FDA provides a complete listing of the approval status of excimer lasers in the US on their LASIK website.
LASIK has been performed outside of the United States & abroad for approximately ten years and in U.S. clinical trials with excellent results since 1991. It is now the most commonly performed refractive procedure in the United States. Long-term studies indicate that LASIK is safe and effective.

Is LASIK Permanent?

The LASIK procedure is meant to be permanent. However, each person's eyes are different and have the potential to change over time. If you are concerned about requiring a second LASIK procedure, be aware that Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center offers additional corrections at no additional charge. It is important to note that LASIK does not eliminate the possibility for future eye conditions such as presbyopia (over-40 vision) or cataracts. ...
LASIK is considered to be a permanent procedure. In very rare cases, vision may regress and an enhancement may be needed; however, this is not common with today’s technology.

Is LASIK affordable?

The cost of the procedure is reasonable if one considers the costs associated with glasses or contact lenses over one's lifetime. Although many patients pay the costs up front, financing options are available. We will be more than happy to discuss financing and other payment options for laser vision correction. We are pleased to offer vision procedure financing, including interest-free plans, through Capital One. Click here for more information.
The cost of the procedure is reasonable if one considers the costs associated with glasses or contact lenses over one's lifetime. Although many patients pay the costs up front, financing options are available. We will be more than happy to discuss financing and other payment options for laser vision correction.

Is LASIK painful?

LASIK is not a painful procedure because the cornea is numbed with eye drops anaesthesia. However there may be mild discomfort and minimal pain during and after the procedure, depending upon the tolerance level of the patient.
It is not painful. Slight eye pressure may be felt during the procedure. It is generally performed with the patient under a light sedative for relaxation. It has not been necessary to provide any type of pain medication after the procedure.
Laser vision correction is almost completely painless. You are awake during the entire procedure; however your eyes are completely anesthetized with drops. Your eyelid is held open with a special instrument called a speculum. While the flap is being created, you may feel some pressure on your eye. The actual laser treatment takes less than one minute.
Throughout the entire procedure, your eyes will be numbed so that you will not feel any discomfort or pain. For approximately 1-3 hours after the surgery, you may experience mild tearing or a foreign body sensation, like an eyelash or a backward contact lens in your eye. This sensation disappears after sleeping and, if needed, a topical eye drop called Acular is supplied for use after surgery. Usually, any discomfort goes away after a few hours.
An anesthetic is used prior to surgery, so the actual procedure is generally painless. Also, because a protective flap of corneal tissue is left in place, the recovery period following LASIK is remarkably short. Some patients do report slight discomfort which is usually gone within 12 to 24 hours.

Is LASIK safe?

Just as with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications but these are very rare, and most complications can be properly treated by our doctors. Therefore good vision can still be achieved.
LASIK has been approved by the FDA as safe and effective treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Yes. Over two million people worldwide have successfully undergone laser vision correction with excellent results. The U.S. FDA has recognized laser vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and found the treatment safe and effective for eligible patients.
According to several large studies, there is approximately a 2% intra-operative and 3% post-operative complication rate. Most of these complications are minor and do not result in loss of 2 or more lines of best corrected visual acuity or interfere with vision long term. The rate of severe complications is substantially less than 1%. You should keep in mind, though, that LASIK is surgery, and there are risk with any surgical procedure.
The FDA has approved the LASIK procedure and considers it safe and effective. Studies suggest that there is 3%-5% chance of problems with nighttime glare and dryness, and a less then 1% chance of serious complications. There is no known cases of blindness resulting from a LASIK procedure.

What is the price for LASIK and CustomVue LASIK?

Contact our office for current pricing and more information. A member of our staff will be happy to assist you.

What is the difference between LASIK and CustomVue LASIK?

Conventional LASIK treats a majority of common aberrations or imperfections called 'lower order aberrations'. These aberrations are responsible for causing nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. CustomVue LASIK provides a more precise treatment for 'higher order aberrations', which we can now measure with the Wavescan aberrometer. This allows us to provide patients with a better quality of vision by measuring and addressing all of these aberrations as part of the treatment plan. Click here

What is the difference between Conventional LASIK and Custom LASIK (Wavefront LASIK)?

Custom LASIK, also called Wavefront LASIK, allows for a more customized treatment based on 3-dimensional measurements of your eye. The wavefront technology uses light to make a map of your eye. While two people can have the same eye prescription, no two people have the same wavefront measurements. Wavefront LASIK usually results in fewer "higher order" aberrations, tiny imperfections which affect your overall quality of vision, such as visual glare and halos. ...

IS LASIK UNSAFE?

No, but IntraLASIK has proven in numerous published reports and clinical studies to dramatically reduce the risk of complications reported with traditional LASIK and we feel that is very important for our patients.

Is LASIK guaranteed?

There is no such thing as a guarantee with any medical procedure. However with LASIK many physicians will offer you coverage for enhancements. An enhancement is simply a touch up procedure done after the original surgery if determined necessary by both the physician and patient.

Is LASIK scary?

You will be awake and fully aware during the procedure. As with any strange experience, you might be a little nervous beforehand. This is perfectly normal and a sedative will be available to help you relax. Most patients say that they found the whole experience to be ultimately enjoyable, and mention how comfortable they were.

Does PRK or LASIK hurt?

PRK and LASIK are generally considered to be "painless procedures. " Your eye is numbed with eye drops and you are awake and aware during the entire procedure. Some patients may experience what they describe as a slight discomfort, similar to feeling as if there is something in your eye, during the initial healing period of 2-3 days after the procedure is performed.

How successful is the LASIK procedure?

Including a small percentage of retreatments, 98% - 99% of patients should be able to achieve 20/25 vision or better when treated by our surgeons who use the highest quality equipment and proprietary program for programming our Visx laser .

Does insurance cover LASIK?

Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover this procedure. The patient will need to call his or her insurance company to see if this is a covered benefit. Some tax savings may be achieved with flex benefit insurance/medical reimbursement plans.
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