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Is Refractive Surgery (LASIK) Right For You?

In most cases, refractive surgery can treat the most severe degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  Candidates must have realistic expectations about their results. Refractive surgery is not right for everyone. That is why our optometrists are prudent when determining if you are a candidate.

To be a potential candidate for refractive surgery you must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and have good eye health with no diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma. Only an in-depth examination of your eyes, your individual case, your expectations, and your lifestyle by our optometrists can determine if you are a candidate.

FAQs

1. Who is a good candidate for refractive surgery? 

The basic qualifications of a good candidate include anyone in good health who is at least 18 years old and whose vision has not changed in at least one year. 

2. Can someone be too old for refractive surgery? 

Although there is no maximum age for refractive surgery, overall eye health is important. Depending on your age, you may need reading glasses after treatment. 

3. Can refractive surgery fix astigmatism? 

Yes, and for many patients it can also correct nearsightedness (trouble seeing far away) and farsightedness (trouble seeing close up). 

4. Is refractive surgery an option for people with very poor vision? 

Yes. People with significant nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can be good refractive surgery candidates. 

5. Does refractive surgery hurt? 

No, but patients will feel some pressure applied to their eyes during the procedure. Numbing eye drops and an optional mild sedative help patients feel better. 

6. How soon can I return to work after refractive surgery? 

Refractive surgery patients recover quickly. Many patients return to work the next day. In some cases were a procedure called PRK or LASEK has been performed, it is recommended that patients take one week off from work and activities to recover. 

7. What is bladeless LASIK? 

Bladeless LASIK uses a laser, rather than a blade, to complete the most important step of the procedure- creating a thin flap of corneal tissue. Surgeons and patients prefer bladeless LASIK, because of its precision. 

8. What is Wavefront Technology? 

Wavefront technology is used during a LASIK consultation to map your eye's unique fingerprint. The technology was originally developed by NASA. 

9. What is PRK? 

PRK is the second most common type of laser vision correction. Instead of the creation of the flap with a blade or laser, there is no flap. For some patients, PRK is a better option than LASIK. 

10. What is Monovision? 

Monovision is laser eye surgery that corrects one eye for distance and corrects the other eye for seeing up close. This can reduce the need for reading glasses as you age. 

11. Does insurance cover refractive surgery? 

In most cases no, but most refractive surgery providers offer special discounts to people with health insurance. 

12. Can I afford refractive surgery? 

Our providers make this procedure affordable by offering financing plans with attractive interest rates and low monthly payments. 

13. What should I look for in a refractive surgery surgeon?

Choose a surgeon who uses the latest blade technology. There are a few offices that we recommend based on their experience and outcomes. 

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