Eye Associates - LASIK FAQs

LASIK FAQs

Am I a candidate for laser vision correction?

Most people with refractive errors can benefit from LASIK, as it is now our procedure of choice for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. You must be at least twenty years old and have healthy eyes. You must not have had a significant increase in your glasses or contact lens prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant or nursing may not be good candidates If you would like to reduce or eliminate you dependence on glasses and contact lenses, LASIK may be an excellent option for you. If not you may be a candidate for one of the non-laser options for correcting your refractive error such as the corneal ring(Intacs™) or the soon to be FDA approved implatable contact lens.

What is monovision, and why might I want it?

People over the age of forty may need two separate prescriptions to see clearly, one at the distance and a different one for reading. The only options for Laser Vision Correction are to either correct both eyes for good distance vision and wear reading glasses or to elect for a monovision correction. In a monovision correction, your dominant eye would be corrected for distance vision and your non dominant eye would be corrected for reading or intermediate vision. Monovision does not work for everyone, and it is always best to try it in contact lenses before doing it surgically. If it does work, it usually allows that person to function at most times without glasses for most distances, although some patients will want "night driving" glasses, "sewing glasses", and many will eventually have to wear some reading glasses as they continue to age.

Is the LASIK procedure painful?

Your eye is completely anesthetized with eye drops so there is no pain during the procedure. Later that day some people report a slight “scratchy” sensation for a few hours which is similar to an eyelash in the eye. Although patients vary in their sensitivity to pain, the overwhelming majority of our patients experience minimal discomfort.

Where is the procedure done?

We do our LASIK procedures at our well -appointed Laser Vision Correction Center located adjacent to our Vineland office. We also at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and the Wills Eye Surgical Center in Cherry Hill, NJ.

What happens during the actual procedure?

After your eyes are numbed with drops you lie on a reclining chair under a microscope. An instrument called a speculum will be placed between your lids to keep your eye open. The opposite eye is shielded. A suction ring device is next placed over the open eye to steady it as the microkeratome creates the corneal flap. This part of the procedure takes about 30 seconds and your vision will be temporarily dim. After the flap is created, it is lifted up so the laser can be applied. You will be looking at a target during this time, and you will hear the snapping sound of the laser. The length of this segment varies according to your prescription. Once the laser is done, the flap is returned to its original position and allowed to seal into place for two minutes. At the conclusion of the procedure you are given antibiotic drops, and usually the second eye is done a few minutes later. Once the second eye is completed, you will be asked to sit in the recovery area for approximately fifteen minutes so Dr. Tyson can check your flaps before you leave. Click here for a graphical representation of LASIK.

What happens after the procedure ?

After your procedure, you will be encouraged to go home and keep your eyes closed. Take frequent naps and avoid reading and watching TV. You will wear sunglasses home. Following surgery, for the first few nights, you will be asked to wear these protective transparent shields over your eyes at bedtime; so you don't inadvertently rub your eyes while sleeping. You will be asked to use prescription eye drops and artificial tears for several days, and will be encouraged to avoid rubbing your eyes. Women are instructed not to wear mascara for two to four weeks to avoid disturbing the flaps. LASIK patients should avoid water sports for several weeks following the procedure to permit healing. You will be asked to return for a check-up by Dr. Tyson the day after surgery. Plan to bring your drops with you. At that visit, Dr.Tyson will check your vision, and monitor how your eyes are healing. The same steps will be done at follow-up visits 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and at 1 year after surgery. Visits with your local referring eye doctor can be arranged after your first postoperative appointment with us. Of course, we encourage you to come in whenever you feel it is necessary.

When can I return to work?

Most of our patients have good enough vision and are comfortable enough to return to work and drive the next day. Healing can vary however from person to person so it is a good idea to maintain some flexibility in your work schedule immediately after your procedure.

What are the risks involved with LASIK?

As is true with any surgical procedure, there are some risks of refractive surgery. The most common side effects are temporary and include glare from bright lights, slight fluctuation of vision, and a dry feeling of the eyes. These usually resolve completely within a few weeks. More serious risks, though rare, include over and under correction, induced astigmatism, scarring, and infection. Your surgeon will review the risks fully with you at the time of your consultation.

What outcome can I expect after surgery?

Although no results can be guaranteed, our goal is to correct you to between 20/20 and 20/40 (legal driving vision) without glasses or contacts. At Eye Associates, we are meticulous in tracking our outcomes and analyzing them statistically. This attention to detail allows us to create reproducible, excellent outcomes. Our patients are very happy. Because people heal differently, outcomes can vary so it is important that your expectations are reasonable, and this will be discussed with you during you consultation. If you are over 40 years old you may need to wear reading glasses afterwards, as presbyopia naturally occurs in this age group.

What happens if I don't achieve my full correction?

Although the vast majority of our patients will achieve excellent vision without glasses or contacts, some will have a small residual refractive error, leaving them still slightly nearsighted or farsighted. Most of these patients can see fine for most of their daily activities, and use a thin pair of glasses for such tasks as nighttime driving. If you would like this residual refractive error corrected, an enhancement laser procedure can be performed under your flap after three months. There is no charge for enhancements. The enhancement rate in our practice is less than 1%.

Does insurance cover LASIK?

LASIK and other types of refractive surgery are considered “cosmetic” by insurance companies and are usually not covered by insurance at this time. However there are some exceptions and It is advisable to call your individual insurance carrier directly if you have any questions regarding your coverage. Please call our office at (800)922-1766 or (856)691-8188 to discuss pricing and payment options with our laser vision coordinator. Many of our patients are able to take advantage of flexible spending accounts at work, and pay for their procedure with “pre-tax dollars.”

How can I schedule a personal consultation and what does it involve?

If you are interested in refractive surgery you are invited to come to either of our four offices for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Tyson. We will check your eyeglass prescription, discuss your surgical options with you, and answer all of your questions. We will give you additional reading material and a video to take home. Once you make the decision to definitely have the procedure, you will need a complete dilated eye exam and pre-op measurements, which usually takes about an hour. If you would like your pre-op measurements to be done at the time of your initial consultation, please refrain from wearing soft contact lenses 4 days prior to your visit, or gas permeable lenses 4 weeks prior. Please call our office at (800)922-1766 or (856)691-8188 to schedule a LASIK consultation