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What is refractive
surgery?
Refractive surgery is a procedure to reduce or eliminate
the dependency on corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses)
for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Refractive
surgery includes RK, PRK, LASIK, LASEK, CLE, and Phakic Implants.
Surgical remedies are being evaluated to treat presbyopia also.
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What are the goals
of refractive surgery?
The goals of surgery are to reduce or eliminate the need
for glasses and contact lenses.
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What is the difference
between LASIK, LASEK, and PRK?
In all procedures, the excimer laser is used to sculpt the
cornea. The differences remain in how the surgeon gains access to
the corneal tissue. During LASIK, the surgeon creates a corneal flap
using an instrument called a microkeratome, then uses the laser on the remaining corneal tissue. During LASEK, the surgeon
loosens the epithelial layer using an alcohol solution to help with
removal, after the laser treatment the surgeon replaces this layer
of tissue; during PRK, the surgeon removes and discards the epithelium
(surface skin layer), vaporizes the tissue and then covers the eye
with a contact lens that acts as a bandage until the tissue regenerates.
LASIK is the most widely used of the procedures, while LASEK and
PRK tend to be reserved for select patients who are less suitable
candidates for LASIK.
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Does LASIK hurt?
The actual procedure does not hurt. Your eye(s) will be
numbed with anesthetic drops. Some patients experience a slight
pressure sensation during the procedure. After the procedure, patients
may experience discomfort such as scratchiness, mild irritation,
and dry eye.
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Is LASIK an FDA-approved
procedure?
We use the VISX Star S4 excimer laser, which has been approved
by the FDA for LASIK.
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What are the side
effects?
With any surgical procedure there are possible side effects:
the most common is dry eye. However, Dr. Kent uses an instrument
which can significantly decrease this problem. Other side effects
include sensitivity to light, night glare, and mild irritation.
Most side effects are temporary and should subside over time.
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How long will I
be off work?
Most of our patients return to work the next day.
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What if I am currently
wearing contact lenses?
When you schedule your pre-operative appointment, it is
important to discontinue the use of hard or gas permeable contact
lenses for at least one month for every decade of contact lens use
prior to your exam in order for your corneas to be in their natural
shape. (Please contact our office for more specific instructions.)
Soft lenses must be out for at least two weeks.
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Are both eyes done
at the same time?
Usually, but they can be done separately. This is an issue
you may want to discuss with Dr. Kent.
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What are the complications?
Complications that can result after refractive treatment
include infection, inflammation, flap irregularity, and/or dry eye.
During your consultation, our staff will explain these conditions
in more detail and answer any questions that you may have.
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Which laser do
you use?
The VISX Star S4 laser which is used by close to 70 percent
of the industry and is the most advanced laser on the market. The
VISX laser has significant benefits when compared with other excimer
lasers. The VISX laser can treat a wider range of prescriptions
therefore enabling more patients to experience life without glasses
or contacts.
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What
do I need to do in order to undergo LASIK?
The first step a patient takes for LASIK is scheduling a complimentary
screening. At this 20 to 30 minute appointment, you will meet our
staff; have all your questions answered; and preliminary testing
will take place to determine if you are a good candidate.
If you are a good candidate, you can then schedule your pre-operative
appointment. During this appointment we will take more extensive
measurements of your eyes including refraction, measuring the width
of your pupil and the thickness of your cornea. Dr. Kent has performed
refractive surgery on many of our staff members; feel free to ask
about their experiences!
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What
should I expect on the day of surgery?
Patients are given numbing drops as well as oral sedatives to relax so they
are more comfortable. Once Dr. Kent’s assistants have prepped
your eyes, you will be taken into the surgical suite. Dr. Kent will
create a flap on the surface of the cornea and apply the laser treatment
that will gently sculpt the surface of your cornea to your given correction. After approximately 20 to 30 minutes the procedure
is complete and you will be taken to an observation room. Dr. Kent
will take one more look at your eyes before you can go home. Once
at home, patients will take a sleeping pill that we provide in order
to take a 4 to 6 hour nap. Many patients can see an improvement
in their vision when they walk out of the surgical suite. After
the nap, patients will notice even more improvement in their vision
and most patients can drive themselves to the post-operative appointment
the next day.
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With
multiple LASIK surgeons in the area, why should I choose Dr. Kent?
Dr. Kent has been involved with refractive surgery since 1996.
He implemented the LASIK program in 1999 and since then has performed
over several thousand procedures. He is dedicated to surgical excellence and
can offer a patient oriented practice; having had refractive surgery
he understands the patient perspective. Along with Dr. Kent, many
of our staff members have had LASIK and are always happy to share
their experiences with our patients.
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Is
LASIK Affordable?
LASIK is an excellent investment for your personal well-being,
and for this reason we believe that financial considerations should
not be an obstacle. Patients can choose one of several affordable
payment options.
Make Payments as Low as $51 Per Month
- No initial payment
- Payments as low as $51 per month
- Pre-payment can be made at any time with no penalty
- Fast, confidential service by phone: 1-877-837-2272
- Apply on secure website: www.visionfeeplan.com
Flexible Spending Accounts
Take advantage of flexible spending accounts that may be offered
through your employer. This can be a great way to reduce your out-of-pocket
expense.
Medical Savings Accounts
You can use a medical savings account to assist in paying for
your procedure. We encourage you to come in for a complimentary
screening prior to committing to a specific amount for the year.
In the event that you are not a good candidate, some providers will
not refund the money which were set aside.
Pricing Includes:
- LASIK Screening
- Comprehensive LASIK Evaluation
- All Pre-operative Testing
- LASIK Surgery
- Post-operative Care for One Year
- Enhancements during the First Twelve Months
- Visx Star S4 Smoothscan Excimer Laser
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