LASIK
Frequently asked questions:
Q.
Am
I a candidate for refractive surgery?
Q.
How
soon after my consultation can my
surgery be scheduled?
Q.
What
is Custom LASIK?
Q.
Is
the surgery safe?
Q.
Is
there any pain?
Q.
Will
I be able to see right away?
Q.
When
can I go back to work?
Q.
Will
I need reading glasses after surgery?
Q.
What
is monovision?
Q.
Will
it last or will I need to have it
done again?
Q.
What
is the success rate?
Q.
What
are the side effects?
Q.
How
many people have had refractive surgery?
Q.
How
old do I have to be for laser vision
correction?
Q.
Is
financing available?
Q.
Am I a candidate for refractive surgery?
Candidates
for refractive surgery should have
healthy eyes and a refractive error
that is in the range of effective
treatment. We will recommend the treatment
that is most appropriate to improve
your vision. Complimentary
Consultations are the
best way to answer your specific questions.
Top
Q.
How soon after consultation can my
surgery be scheduled?
This varies but usually we treat
you within 1 to 2 weeks of your consultation.
Top
Q.
What is Custom LASIK?
Custom LASIK is an advanced form
of LASIK which uses Wavescan Technology
to measure the refractive error in
your eyes. These measurements are
then used to create a personalized
treatment plan which is unique to
your visual system. The advantages
of Custom LASIK can be discussed with
Dr. Wilmarth during your Complimentary
Consultation .
Top
Q.
Is the surgery safe?
As with all surgical procedures,
Laser Vision Correction has some degree
of risk. There is less risk if you
are in the hands of an experienced
surgeon. All patients should be well
informed of the risks of surgery and
follow all post operative instructions.
Top
Q.
Is there any pain?
The LASIK procedure is generally
painless. There will sometimes be
a slight stinging sensation or a feeling
of dryness that can be relieved by
artificial tear drops.
Top
Q.
Will I be able to see right away?
Yes. The improvement in your vision
will be immediate although a little
blurry. The vast majority of LASIK
patients can legally drive the day
after surgery.
Top
Q.
When can I go back to work?
You may resume most normal activities
the day after surgery. Most patients
are back to work in one to three days.
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Q.
Will I need reading glasses?
If you are 40 years old or under,
you should be able to read without
glasses. Most patients over the age
of 40 need reading glasses. This is
also true for patients who have had
refractive surgery unless you have
Monovision.
Top
Q.
What is Monovision?
Monovision
is a method of correcting your vision
so that one eye sees near and the
other sees far. This can eliminate
or reduce the need for glasses entirely.
We can demonstrate Monovision with
special glasses during your Complimentary
Consultation.
Top
Q.
Will it last or will I have to have
it done again?
LASIK creates a permanent change
in the shape of the eye. It may change
slightly with in a few months of surgery.
However, it doesn't stop the natural
aging process that may create changes
in your vision in the future.
Top
Q.
What is the success rate?
It depends on the amount of refractive
error that you have. Patients with
lower errors require less surgery
and have a higher percentage of clear
vision. The opposite is true for those
with high refractive errors. Custom
LASIK has a greater success
rate than conventional LASIK. At you
Complimentary Consultation Dr. Wilmarth
can discuss your personal situation
and give you more accurate information.
Top
Q.
What are the side effects?
As with any surgical procedure,
there are risks. However, refractive
surgery is very safe and commonly
practiced throughout the world. The
serious complication rate is very
low with an experienced physician
and a state-of-the-art facility. The
risks and benefits can be discussed
during your Complimentary Consultation
and as part of informed consent during
LASIK work up.
Top
Q.
How many people have had refractive
surgery?
Over three million patients have
undergone refractive surgery in the
United States and many more millions
around the world.
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Q.
How old do I have to be for laser
vision correction?
LASIK is approved for those 18 years
of age and older. In special situations
it may be performed earlier. If you
have questions about age limits call
Dr. Wilmarth or his Vision Coordinator.
Top
Q.
Is financing available?
Financing is available at very
reasonable terms with interest free
plans and other alternatives. Our
Vision Coordinator is always happy
to discuss them with you
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