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5842 Edinger Avenue
Huntington Beach
California 92649 |
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ph:
714.840.2020
fx : 714.840.2025 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Laser Vision Correction (LVC) |
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What
is Laser Vision Correction (LVC)?
Laser vision correction is a precise,
computer
-controlled method of reshaping the cornea to
correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
It is like actually shaping a personalized
contact lens specifically for your eye.
During the treatment, a computerized laser
reshapes layers of tissue in the middle of the cornea.
As a result, the cornea is flattened (myopia) or steepened
(hyperopia)
the prescribed amount so the eye can focus properly. The
goal is to eliminate or reduce dependence on glasses or
contact lenses. |
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What
is involved in the treatment?
A surgeon, who has been specially trained to
evaluate patients for LVC procedures, performs a
comprehensive eye exam to gather the necessary information.
During the procedure, the patient reclines in a
comfortable chair while a series of drops are placed
in the eyes to ensure that the patient feels no
discomfort during the treatment.
The surgeon inserts an instrument (lid speculum)
to keep the patient from blinking during treatment.
After treatment, the PRK patient has a bandage soft
contact lens placed on the treated eye, and is then
free to go home. If the treatment is LASIK, no bandage
lens is used. In all cases, patients must see their
eye doctor for a one day post-op visit. You will
enjoy your new vision the next morning following
surgery, as the new tracking lasers (laser moves
with you if you move during the treatment) require
that the pupil be dilated,which blurs the vision
for a few hours. Most patients can drive the following
morning, and resume work in 2 days. |
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What
is the difference between laser vision correction
of near-sightedness (LASIK or PRK) and Radial Keratotomy
(RK)?
Both are treatments for nearsightedness that
flatten the cornea allowing the eye to focus on
images properly. However, RK is a surgical
technique requiring the doctor to make a series
of freehand incisions into the cornea.
In order to work properly the incisions must be
cut to nearly 90% depth. On the other hand, laser
correction (LASIK or PRK) is minimally invasive
treatment requiring a corneal depth of only 10%
to 20% (less than the thickness of a human hair)
for effective treatment.The computer driven excimer
laser precisely reshapes the surface of the cornea
according to the patients specific prescription.
Will
I be in pain?
The procedure is painless, though some patients
may experience eye pressure during the procedure.
Typically, patients experience some burning or a
"gritty" feeling during the first 3-4
hours after LASIK.
What
does the treatment cost? Will my
insurance pay for any part of the procedure?
Depending different insurance plans, the fee
both eyes starts at $3,600.These fees include the
pre-operative consultation and post-operative care
provided by your eye doctor, and any enhancements.
The post-operative care involves a minimum of six
visits including: 1 day po, 1 week po, 1 month po,
3 months po, 6 months po, and 1 year po. At this
time, several insurance companies are reimbursing
for laser vision correction, so be sure to ask your
benefits coordinator. |
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Why
do I have to be dilated for surgery?
In order for the tracking technology to work, it
has to have a unchanging reference point.
The tracker uses what we call the pupil/iris margin
as its reference point and dilation allows it to
stay still. If patients were not dilated, this margin
could possibly change through out the surgery, which
would not allow the tracker to accurately track
the eye. |
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Who
is a candidate for LVC?
The treatment is approved for patients who are 18
years or older. There is no upper age limit for
a healthy eye. Your vision must be stable for at
least one year, to minimize the chance of returning
for an enhancement procedure. Your eyes must be
healthy and your overall systemic health must also
be taken into consideration. (For example, women
who are pregnant or nursing should not have the
procedure done, until after delivery.) |
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What
are the side effects?
1.
The most common initial reaction is a "halo"
or haze effect. This may cause some glare around
lights,especially at night. However, these problems
are no more severe than what most initial contact
lens wearers experience. The hazing normally disappears
for most patients within the first few months after
surgery.
2.
Your eyes may require more artificial tears after
surgery due to dry eyes. Dry eye evaluation and
treatment will be included in your post-op surgical
care.
3.
Proper selection of patients is
critical for a great outcome. Some patients should
not have this surgery. If your cornea is too thin,
and you have surgery, a condition called ectasia
may develop, which distorts your vision. We will
be sure that if you are offered surgery, you are
not at an increased risk for this condition.
4. Permanent
glare and halos can occur if your laser treatment
area does not cover your entire pupil. Measurement
of your pupil size will be done during your pre-operative
consultation. Most lasers can cover even the largest
pupils and track your minor eye movements, dramatically
lowering this risk.
5.
Any eye can develop a retinal detachment, cataracts,
or
glaucoma, but none of these are known to result
from LASIK.
6.
The possible need for an enhancement or touch-up
procedure
results from the variability in healing of elastic
human tissue, from dry eyes, and when a patients
prescription is larger than average. Overall, it
is required in about 10% of patients who have LVC.
The touch-up procedure is usually done at the 3-6
months post-op period. |
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How
long does the treatment last? How long is the recovery
from LVC?
The treatment will last approximately 10 minutes
for each eye.
Candidates best suited for LVC tend to be patients
who are dissatisfied with their glasses or contact
lenses, given their occupation or recreational activities.
However, only a qualified eye doctor trained in
laser vision correction, can evaluate whether or
not you are a suitable candidate for the surgery.The
laser portion of the procedure will last for about
15-60 seconds, depending on the amount of correction
required. Both eyes are usually treated at the same
time, though this is the patients choice.Improvement
is noted immediately following surgery and will
continue to improve over 2-3 days following the
procedure. For the first two weeks, no pool, spa,
or Jacuzzi. You are required to wear protective
shields when sleeping for the firstweek. Ladies
are asked not to wear eye make-up for the first
week |
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What
is the success rate of the treatment?
Almost every patient is able to achieve the vision
they presently enjoy with glasses or contacts. In
fact, if you are not able to expect this outcome,
you may not be considered a candidate for the procedure.
Approximately10% of patients now ask for an enhancement
procedure in the early post-operative period to
refine their vision to its best potential, and
there is no charge for this additional fine tuning.
Most importantly, at the pre-operative consultation,
doctors at the center will discuss with you what
your expectations can be, depending on your eye
health and amount of vision correction. |
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Do
I need a driver on the day of surgery?
Yes. All patients are required to have a driver
on the day of
surgery. As a result of the surgery and dilation,you
will
experience some blurred vision, which would make
it difficult to
drive home.You should also have someone drive you
to your 1
day post-op appointment. At that visit, we will
confirm that you
have achieved legal driving vision, then you are
allowed to start
driving. |
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