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How do I know if I'm a candidate for Laser Vision
Correction?
We recommend you come in for a free evaluation with our
refractive counselor. When you bring your glasses or
prescription, we'll determine which refractive procedure
will offer you the greatest benefit.
 What
is the difference between PRK and LASIK?
PRK was the first Excimer laser procedure approved for use
in the United States. With PRK, the surface of the cornea
(epithelium) is scraped or ablated along with the corneal
tissue underneath. This sculpting removes microscopic layers
of the cornea to correct refractive error. In contrast,
LASIK reshapes the inner layers of the cornea to correct
nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
A special instrument called the microkeratome creates a thin layer of the cornea that is
folded back . The Visx laser then precisely reshapes the
inner surface of the cornea to enable light rays to focus
more directly on the retina so images are in better focus.
LASIK is the most widely used refractive procedure performed
in the United States. Because the corneal surface is left
virtually intact, most patients report a very high comfort
level following the procedure and almost instantaneous
improvements in visual acuity.
Are all patients who wear glasses and contacts candidates
for LASIK?
Patients with virtually every degree of nearsightedness are
enjoying good outcomes with LASIK. We are able to treat mild
to moderate degrees of farsightedness and astigmatism. For
more extreme farsightedness, implantable contact lenses may
be an option. Our counselor will be happy to discuss this
procedure with you during your free evaluation.
How long have your doctors been performing refractive
surgery?
Dr. Singer has been performing refractive procedures since
1996. He has performed
thousands of LASIK procedures for patients from across the
country.
What kind of
laser do you use?
Investing in the most advanced technology is part of Eye
Care Surgery Center's commitment to provide our patients
with the highest level of patient care. That's why we were
the first to purchase the Intralase laser. We also use the VISX
STAR S4 IR ActiveTrak
Excimer Laser System that incorporates an active eye
tracking system, in addition to many other benefits.
 How
long will the procedure actually take?
You will be at Eye Care Surgery Center's Surgery Center
approximately two hours. The time in the surgery suite with
the doctor is 15 to 20 minutes. The actual laser treatment
time is approximately one minute per eye.
Is the
laser painful?
The procedure itself is not painful since medication is
administered to make you feel comfortable. Post operatively,
most patients experience little or no discomfort. After the
procedure, your eyes may feel scratchy, gritty, or watery.
These are temporary symptoms and are not a problem for most
patients.
What kind of vision can I expect the day after surgery?
Many patients notice improved vision immediately after the
procedure. Most patients are functional without their
corrective lenses at the one day post operative exam.
Patients continue to see a gradual increase in their visual
acuity during the first five to seven days after the
procedure.
Do you have financing
plans?
There are financing plans available and we'll work with you
to develop a flexible payment plan to meet your
requirements. Our counselors will be happy to go over the
details with you when you come in for your free evaluation.
Does
insurance cover refractive surgery?
Most insurance companies consider refractive surgery an
elective surgery and it is not usually a covered benefit.
However, it is certainly worth checking with your insurance
company and we encourage you to call them.
Can both
eyes be done at the same time?
Because of the advanced technology associated with laser
vision correction, both eyes are most often treated on the
same day.
Do the
results last?
Refractive surgery is considered to be a permanent
procedure. However, refractive surgery will not prevent any
age related conditions such as presbyopia or cataracts, and
they would be treated in their normal matter.
How much work will I miss?
Most patients return to their normal activities the day
after the procedure. The refractive counselor can give you
more details on what you can expect when you come in for an
evaluation.
What are
the risks of refractive surgery?
Again, the counselor can discuss with you the benefits,
risks, and side-effects of the surgery, and what you may be
able to expect from the procedure. However, steps are taken
to reduce the possibility of risks.
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