Lasik Surgery
Is Laser Vision Correction safe?
The FDA has determined that Laser Vision Correction is a safe and effective means of treating myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.
What are the long-term effects of LASIK?
Excimer laser procedures have been prevalent in many countries around the world since the late 1980’s. Many clinical studies have investigated the long-term effects (15 years) of the Excimer laser on the cornea. All of these studies, without exception, have failed to demonstrate any long-term negative effects on the integrity of the eye. Drs. Driscoll and Driscoll have been assisting patients with laser refractive surgery since before it was performed in the U.S. Many of those patients achieved 20/20 vision after their procedure, and today, they are still 20/20 without any difficulties. Patients who require an enhancement procedure or develop a complication will typically do so within the first few months following the procedure, not years later.
It is essential that you understand as much as possible about the risks associated with the Excimer laser procedure. The risk of having a serious vision-threatening complication is less than 1%. The Excimer laser procedure, however, like all surgical procedures, has limitations and risks. The Doctors will go over all of these risks in great detail with you and will encourage you to ask questions. Please ask our eye doctors any questions you may have after reviewing this information.
Will I have perfect vision after the procedure? Will I still need my glasses?
Experience has shown us that Laser Vision Correction has been overwhelmingly successful in significantly reducing nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. While vision improves significantly following the procedure, the degree of improvement may vary from individual to individual. Overall, studies have shown that 98% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better after one procedure (i.e. before any enhancements) which means they can drive legally, enjoy sports, and join the police or fire departments, all without their glasses.
Does the procedure hurt?
No, the procedure is painless. Most patients experience only some irritation (usually reported as a burning sensation), light sensitivity, and watering of their eyes for a day or two.
Why should I go to Total Eye Care for my Laser Vision Correction?
Drs. Driscoll and Driscoll have over 30 years of experience in eye care. They have assisted thousands of patients with their refractive needs. Drs. Driscoll and Driscoll are constantly monitoring the surgical results of many surgeons and laser centers, and can give you straightforward, honest answers to your questions. They only work with the very best surgeons and lasers. They can also recommend different procedures if that is what is best for you. For example, you may be better suited for a reversible procedure such as corneal Intacs, or implantable contact lenses. Or, you may opt for a non-surgical method of correction such as orthokeratology or 30 day extended wear contact lenses.
Why shouldn’t I go directly to the surgeon for the LASIK? Why consult my optometrist?
A patient that elects to go directly to the refractive surgeon will most likely receive the pre and post-op care from a technician. One of the most important pieces of data calculated during the pre-op evaluation is your prescription. Your prescription is the cornerstone to achieving a good result. Yes, technicians can be taught to determine your prescription, however, this key piece of data is probably best left to someone with considerable experience in managing a patient’s refractive needs, that is, Drs. Driscoll and Driscoll.
Since our practice is independent of the laser centers, we are your advocates. Our goal is to collect the most accurate refractive data for programming the laser and then take you to a laser center that will follow through on our mission of providing you the best possible chance of a successful outcome. We also keep abreast of all the latest refractive surgical techniques so as to provide our patients the latest, most advanced procedures available.
Can anyone have LASIK? Am I a candidate?
LASIK and PRK will not work for everyone, however, most nearsighted patients are candidates as well as many patients with astigmatism and farsightedness. Call us at (817) 416-0333 for a no-cost consultation. You can also make an appointment online. We will help you determine if Laser Vision Correction is right for you.
Does insurance cover the costs of Laser Vision Correction?
Typically no, very few insurance companies will cover refractive surgery. Insurance companies usually look at refractive surgery as an elective procedure. However, many employers have “flex accounts” or cafeteria plans for unreimbursed medical expenses. A flex account allows you to use before tax dollars to pay for medical expenses that were either not covered by your insurance plan. Flex plans cover Laser Vision Correction as a reimbursable expense.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, the cost of LASIK can be as little as $100 per month with no down payment and no prepayment penalty.
What is included in the fees?
The fees for Laser Vision Correction include:
- A personal counseling session
- Pre-procedure care, including corneal topographical mapping
- The Wavefront Excimer laser procedure
- All post-procedure eye care examinations for a period of 12 months
- Enhancements for 12 months
Can I wear my contact lenses before the procedure?
The use of contact lenses directly affects the shape and hydration of the cornea. Therefore, it is necessary to remove contact lenses prior to both the pre-operative eye exam and prior to your surgery.
Soft and Toric contact lens wearers should remove their contacts one to two weeks prior to both pre-operative exam and surgery.
Rigid contact lenses (gas permeable and standard hard lenses) should be removed approximately six weeks prior to both the pre-operative examination and surgery. Many patients are unwilling to wear glasses for this long, therefore, we can usually fit patients with soft contact lenses to help with the transition.
What is presbyopia? (or, why do I need reading glasses or bifocals?)
As we mature, the crystalline lens of the eye loses its elasticity, thus reducing your ability to focus on near objects. You will notice this as your “arms get too short”. This change is called presbyopia. This means you need a different correction for your close work than you need for your distance vision. Presbyopia usually occurs in the early to mid-forties. Laser vision surgery will not affect the progression of presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses may be a good treatment option for patients over 40 that want to see at distance and near without glasses.
If you are in your forties or older you will most likely require reading glasses after surgery. The need for reading glasses would be present regardless of whether you have Laser Vision Correction surgery or not, however, when we are nearsighted we get around the need for reading glasses or extend the time before reading glasses are necessary by removing our glasses to read.
