Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are Candidates for Laser Vision Correction?
Candidates' nearsightedness and astigmatism must have stabilized. Generally
we prefer patients to be over 21. Age 18-21 is borderline. There is no upper
age limit. Eyes should be physically healthy and free of disease. Very large
pupils, very dry eyes and abnormal corneal structure may make some patients
poor candidates. LASEK may still be possible. Some general conditions such
as severe rheumatoid arthritis or lupus may be contraindications. Our VISX
Star laser can treat: -1 to -12 diopters of myopia; up to 4 diopters of astigmatism;
+1 to +6 diopters of hyperopia. Intacs treat -1 to -3 diopters of myopia.
Can I Afford LASIK?
These procedures are considered elective and are seldom covered by medical
insurance. However, we have financing programs to make it more affordable
for you. Payments can be stretched as long as four years and can be as little
as $40 per month per eye. Your employer's flexible benefit plan may allow
you to pay with pre-tax dollars. Be sure you know what's included in the fee,
and what's not. Our laser vision fees include all procedure-related visits
for a year. Sometimes low advertised prices turn out to be no bargain.
Are All Laser Centers and Surgeons Alike?
Selection of an experienced surgeon, in whom you can place your trust and
confidence, is the most important Lasik decision you will make. The entire
laser team and the practice's philosophy are also key factors. Meet and evaluate
your surgeon before the day of your procedure. Be sure you know the qualifications
of the people providing your pre-op evaluation and post-op care. Dr. Jacobs
will personally see you at every visit. Find out who is available nights and
weekends for urgent problems. Dr. Jacobs or the CEI doctor on call is available
24/7.
What's the Best Laser?
We feel our VISX Star is the most versatile and widely used laser. VISX
frequently upgrades our laser as technology progresses. However, there are
several excellent lasers, all slightly different. Think what's "the best
car" - BMW, Mercedes or Lexus. There are many opinions and no single
"best." In any case, don't get too hung up on technology, since
your surgeon is more important to your final result.
What Are the Potential Complications?
The complication rate for laser vision procedures is low. Infection could
potentially scar the cornea, but this is uncommon with use of antibiotic drops.
Wrinkling of the flap could cause a drop in best corrected vision, but this
usually clears with time. LASEK eliminates flap problems. Some people may
be either over or undercorrected. Enhancement procedures can improve this,
and about 8% of patients may need enhancement for their best result. Glare
and halos are noted but fade as the eye heals. Generally these are no worse
than with contacts or glasses. A few people with very large pupils may have
more problems with glare. Intacs are removable.
How Successful is LASIK?
Barring complications, everyone sees better without correction. Of my patients
98% can drive without glasses (20/40). Depending on level of pre-existing
refractive error up to 95+% are very close to our goal of 20/20.
What Do I See During the Procedure?
You will look into a blinking fixation light in the laser. The light may
disappear, and vision may go black when the suction fixation ring is applied.
When the flap is lifted, and laser pulses begin, the fixation light will be
blurry. After treatment vision should be better, although for the first day
it may seem like you are looking under water.
Is There Any Pain?
The eye is anesthetized with drops. There may be some pressure or stretching
sensation when the eyelid separator and fixation ring are applied, but actual
pain is unusual. After the procedure most people experience only a mild foreign
body sensation for 12-24 hours. We recommend Tylenol and a nap when you get
home. Laser patients may have a little more pain.
How Soon Will My Vision Improve for Driving and Work?
Many people see very well and can drive and work the next day. Others take
a few days longer. Most treatments are done on Wednesdays, and people usually
return to work by Monday. LASEK patients take a bit longer and may experience
some blur for a week or so. INTACS patients see well early but may fluctuate
for a month or so.
What is WavePrint™?
Wave front technology was developed for space telescopes to reduce distortion
from distant objects in space. WavePrint scanning measures the unique fingerprint
of imperfections and nuances in each person's visual system. Many of these
imperfections could not be identified until WavePrint, which is much more
precise than standard refraction techniques.
What is CustomVue™ Personalized Laser Vision Correction?
Utilizing the diagnostic information from WavePrint, the doctor can now design
a customized treatment plan to correct each eye's unique imperfections. Many
of these cannot be corrected by glasses, contacts or standard laser vision
correction. CustomVue™ is like a custom-tailored suit compared to off-the-rack.
Is CustomVue™ Better
Standard treatment gives excellent results and is appropriate for many people.
If you have certain kinds and amounts of visual imperfections, CustomVue™
may be better for you. In general CustomVue™ gives a better quality and
crispness of vision. Night vision is better with fewer complaints of glare
and halos. More people can see better than 20/20 and better than they could
with glasses or contacts.
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