| 1. |
Is laser vision correction permanent? |
| 2. |
What is the better procedure – PRK, LASIK or Intralase? |
| 3. |
How much time do I need to take off work? |
| 4. |
How long do I need to limit my recreational/social activities? |
| 5. |
Do I get one eye done at a time or should I have both eyes done at the same time? |
| 6. |
Are there risks? |
| 7. |
Does it hurt? |
| 8. |
What type of prescriptions can laser surgery correct? |
| 9. |
How much does it cost? |
|
| Answers |
|
| 1. |
Is laser vision correction permanent? |
| A. |
Yes, it permanently changes the shape of the front surface of your eye. |
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| 2. |
What is the better procedure – PRK, LASIK or Intralase? |
| A. |
All three are excellent procedures and based on your test results, the doctors at our office and at the laser clinic will make recommendations to you. There are several factors that go into deciding which procedure is best for your eyes. |
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| 3. |
How much time do I need to take off work? |
| A. |
Many patients are back to work within a few days, but this does depend on which type of laser procedure was performed. If you work in an environment which exposes the eyes to chemicals or dust, it may require more time off. |
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| 4. |
How long do I need to limit my recreational/social activities? |
| A. |
Most patients can resume most of their normal routine within a few days of the surgery. Certain activities such as swimming, hot tubs, vigorous exercise/weight-lifting routine should be restricted for approximately two weeks following surgery. Absolutely let us know what you like to do, to insure that your eyes are not being placed at risk during your healing phase. |
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| 5. |
Do I get one eye done at a time or should I have both eyes done at the same time? |
| A. |
Most patients choose to have both eyes done at the same time, primarily for convenience. The decision is always yours. |
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| 6. |
Are there risks? |
| A. |
There are risks associated with every medical procedure. But, we now have surgeons who have done more than 10 000 procedures and the laser technology keeps on improving. Our doctors have managed many pre and post-operative laser patients and experience has shown that working with reputable clinics minimizes the risk. Talk to us about your concerns so that you may make an informed decision. Ultimately, only you can decide on when you are ready to have laser surgery. |
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| 7. |
Does it hurt? |
| A. |
No. You may experience discomfort or a pressure sensation during the procedure, but it is not painful. There are no needles involved in laser surgery. |
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| 8. |
What type of prescriptions can laser surgery correct? |
| A. |
Lasers can correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism. There are maximum amounts that the laser can correct, based on your corneal thickness and other values determined in your pre-surgical examinations. Presbyopia can also be corrected, but only in a monovision form or by having the distance prescription corrected and using reading glasses. The laser is applied only to the front surface of the eye and it does not touch the focusing muscles. A bifocal cannot be lasered onto the eye. |
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| 9. |
How much does it cost? |
| A. |
The cost varies based on the type of procedure you have (PRK, LASIK, Intralase), the amount of prescription requiring correction and the clinic where it is performed. Many patients elect to amortize their surgery over several years. You may do this through your personal bank or through the laser center. As it is considered to be a medical procedure, laser refractive surgery is income tax deductible. Talk to your personal accountant, for more detailed information. |
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