What is Laser Vision Correction?
Laser vision correction refers to an outpatient surgical procedure used to eliminate near-sightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. LASIK® (Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis) is performed under a protective layer of corneal tissue. This flap is lifted, and then laser energy is applied underneath to re-shape the cornea. The flap is replaced and functions as a natural bandage. PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) refers to reshaping the cornea on the surface of the cornea. Some patients who are not good candidates for LASIK® may be a candidate for PRK. Talk to your Doctor about which procedure is right for you.

What is CustomVue™ LASIK®?
The CustomVue™ procedure tailors a distinct correction for each individual - in fact each treatment is "designed" by the unique characteristics of your eye. WaveScan® technology captures unique imperfections in each individual's vision that could not have been measured before. This new level of measurement provides 25 times more precision than measurements using standard methods for glasses and contact lenses. WaveScan® technology produces a detailed map of the eye - much like a fingerprint, and translates this information into a set of CustomVue™ treatment instructions for the laser. WaveScan® transfers these digital treatment instructions to the laser, providing a new level of precision and accuracy.

What is IntraLase laser and how does it work?
The IntraLase uses tiny, rapid pulses of laser light to create your corneal flap - instead of using a metal blade - during the first step of LASIK®. Each pulse of light passes through the top layers of your cornea and forms a microscopic bubble at a specific depth and position within your eye that is determined by the Doctor. The IntraLase® laser moves back and forth acrossyour eye, creating a uniform layer of bubbles just beneath your corneal surface.

Just prior to applying laser vision correction, the doctor creates your corneal flap by gently separating the tissue where these bubbles have formed. The corneal flap is then folded back so the doctor can perform the second step of you LASIK® treatment.

Am I good candidate for refractive surgery?
A complete eye examination and consultation with your eye care professional will help determine the answer to this question. In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK® is over 18 years of age and has healthy corneas. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not be good candidates for LASIK®

What is refractive error?
In normal vision, light enters the eye through the cornea and is focused at a single point on the retina at the back of the eye. With a REFRACTIVE ERROR, light rays do not focus at a single point on the retina. This is usually due to an eye length that is too long or too short, or a corneal curve that is too steep, too flat, or oblong.

Is there pain involved in refractive surgery?
During the procedure a strong topical eye drop anesthetic is used to numb the eye. Generally only "pressure" is felt during the procedure. There can be some discomfort after the procedure that is easily controlled by analgesic and eye drops.

Will my insurance cover the procedure?
Some health insurance companies consider refractive surgery elective and do not cover it. Company flex spending plans or health savings accounts can be used. We also offer financing plans too. Don't let cost prevent you from having the clear eyesight you long for. We offer various financing and payment plans that suit your budget. Seeing clearly again is well worth the investment.

Can I have refractive surgery if I am pregnant?
No. If pregnant, wait at least two months after nursing is ended to have refractive surgery. In all cases, do not have refractive surgery until a stable refractive error has been achieved. Hormones produced during pregnancy and lactation will cause most women's refractive state to fluctuate dramatically - with or without refractive surgery. If measurements to determine the amound of correction to be surgically induced are taken during this fluctuation, a false reading may occur and surgery would correct inappropriately.